The Klesch Group (“Klesch” or “the Group”) today announces that it has decided to restart aluminium production at Delfzijl (the Netherlands). The Group expects to restart liquid production early 2015. Until such date the plant and equipment will be prepared and tested. Initial trial production is anticipated to resume by the end of this year.

The decision to restart the production of aluminium was enabled by the improved business climate as well as the progress so far in the preparation for the construction of a so-called Direct Line to Germany in close cooperation with Groningen Seaports NV and other industries in the region. This Direct Line will provide a long-term solution for a level playing field for baseload power consumers in the region, comparable to European market standards.

Klesch Aluminium Delfzijl will initially operate at 65,000 mt of liquid capacity, providing more than 100,000 mt of products to end consumers, and will employ more than 200 people by the end of 2015.

Commenting, A. Gary Klesch, Founder and Chairman of The Klesch Group, said:
“We are delighted to be able to restart aluminium production in Delfzijl. The ongoing cooperation with and support from different stakeholders, including former employees, the Minister of Economic Affairs, Groningen Seaports and other regional parties as well as all parties involved in the Direct Line have been crucial for us to reach this decision today. ”

About The Klesch Group
The Klesch Group is a global industrial commodities business, with three divisions specialising in the production and trading of chemicals, metals and oil.  Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Geneva, it has revenue in excess of €5 billion, and employs more than 2,000 people across 30 locations in over 17 countries around the world.

The aluminium plant of Aldel restarts in Delfzijl under the new name Klesch Aluminium