The modules at Camp Ursviken are owned by Algeco, but the operations are managed by Sodexo.
When Norran visited "Camp Ursviken" one afternoon last week, the atmosphere was relatively calm, but there was still some activity. Some residents were heading off to their shifts at the battery factory, while others were returning home after a day's work
Outside one of the modular buildings, or rigs as they are called, stands 35-year-old Damian. Originally from Poland, he worked at Northvolt for seven months. Like many others, he was employed as a consultant through the staffing company Adecco.
– I've enjoyed the job, he says.
Damian from Poland has worked at Northvolt for seven months.
At the time of the visit to Ursviken, Northvolt's negotiations with IF Metall were still ongoing. News of Northvolt's decision to relocate residents from the modular area in Ursviken to the Solbacken area had not yet been announced. However, the impact of Northvolt's cutbacks was already being felt in the region.
– About 80% of the rooms in my area are empty. Many consultants have already left, said Damian, who also plans to leave.
– I'm going home to Poland tomorrow.
He intends to stay in Poland for a while and then seek new employment opportunities.
– Perhaps I'll return to Sweden, or maybe I'll work in Norway or Denmark, he said.
Many people are now leaving Skellefteå. This man, from Romania, tells Norran that he is one of them.
Others Norran spoke to during the visit also confirmed that a noticeable number of people had left the area. The occupancy levels of the barracks varied, according to the residents. Some parts were more populated, while others were more vacant.
– There have always been people coming and going. When people found new housing, like apartments or houses, they moved. But perhaps more people are moving now than before, said 23-year-old Athul Martin, an Indian national who had been living in Ursviken since June when he started working at Northvolt.
Maybe more people are moving now compared to before, says Athul Martin.
Enriko Matassak stands at the bus stop, his suitcases packed. The 27-year-old from Slovakia, like Damian, was employed through the company Adecco. Now, he's heading home.
– I've been here since June. My contract was set to expire at the beginning of December, but I've been let go, so I'm going home early, he explained.
How does it feel?
– It is what it is. I didn't want to stay here anyway.
Why not?
The job was very stressful. But the pay was good, and I had great colleagues.
Enriko Matassak is one of many who have been laid off from their job at Northvolt.
Enriko also mentioned that he had a few job offers and wasn't overly concerned.
– I think I'll move to the Netherlands and work there, he said.
As a bus pulled up, Enriko grabbed his bags and boarded. Another bus awaited him in Jörn, where he would take the train to Stockholm. He expressed gratitude for being European, as it spared him the worry of work permits.
– In my case, this isn't a major problem. It's worse for others... he added.
Enriko Matassak begins his journey away from Skellefteå.