Germany’s Speira has announced that it will cease aluminium smelting operations at its Rheinwerk plant due to high energy costs, after initially halving production last year.

In a statement, the company said: “Speira is accelerating its transformation to become a leading aluminium rolling and recycling company. 

“Speira decided to fully ramp down the smelting operations in Rheinwerk. This decision comes with a commitment to invest around €30million in recycling capacities at the plant.”

The decision affects around 300 employees at Rheinwerk.

Einar Glomnes, CEO of Speira, said: “We are excited to commit to investing in the growth of our recycling capabilities in Rheinwerk. Within the last years Speira has already invested more than 60 million € in recycling at the Rheinwerk plant. Our investment focus going forward will be on recycling capacities and  capabilities across Speira’s plant locations.”

The ramp down of the remaining 70,000 tonnes of liquid production at the smelter is expected to occur throughout the second half of 2023 whilst continuing to further develop the site into a strong casting and recycling centre in the heart of Europe.

Speira provides aluminium for a multitude of industries, including the food, beverage and pharmaceutical packaging industries.