Belgian steel cord and wire manufacturer Bekaert has announced that it plans to temporarily suspend production of green hydrogen electrolyser components at its Bekintex site in Wettrain, citing slower-than-expected growth in the global green hydrogen market.
Bekaert said current demand for electrolyser components remains low and the market recovery is now expected to be later than previously forecast. The company stressed that green hydrogen remains a strategic pillar of growth and that the decision reflects an adaptation to “economic reality.”
To maintain future flexibility, Bekaert will maintain the facility and equipment at Wetteren as part of its modular approach, allowing for rapid resumption of operations when market conditions improve. Meanwhile, the newly opened Deerlake Hydrogen Innovation Center will continue to operate, focusing on research and development of next-generation components for green hydrogen.
The company said the suspension would directly impact 24 jobs. Company management said minimizing the impact on employees is a top priority and that it will explore relocation options for affected personnel at other Bekaert plants in Belgium.
