Now we know. Following Northvolt's bankruptcy, the factory will lose more than half its workforce. What was once Sweden's great green industrial hope now faces potential collapse. For Skellefteå, where thousands built their lives around this project, the consequences could be devastating.
But we shouldn't surrender yet. The factory remains valuable—it's one of Europe's most advanced battery production facilities. Significant assets remain: technology, infrastructure, and most crucially, skilled workers. The question is: will someone intervene before everything unravels?
Since last September's initial lay-offs, approximately 700 people have left Skellefteå. The once-rising population trend has reversed. Now, many remaining employees will lose their jobs—a severe blow to the community.
When bankruptcy occurs, the state wage guarantee activates and all employees face lay-offs. The bankruptcy trustee must salvage as much as possible—ideally, the entire operation. But time is limited. Many future jobs hang in the balance, and we can't afford failure. Building Skellefteå's green transition hub required enormous effort to attract people, construct housing, train staff, and establish a new identity. Rebuilding would be nearly impossible if this expertise scatters.
The state shouldn't purchase Northvolt outright. However, it can—and should—act to give the bankruptcy trustee proper working conditions. There's precedent for this, such as during the 1990s banking crisis when government intervention stabilised the situation.
This isn't about rescuing one company but protecting a significant societal investment.
Over one-third of Northvolt employees come from outside the EU. If the state ensures continued operations during a transition period, they can remain, continue working, and facilitate a smooth handover. Otherwise, they'll depart—either returning home or relocating elsewhere—leaving behind an empty facility and a lost opportunity.
Scepticism is understandable. Northvolt has already received state support, pension funds, and billions in private investment. But this extends beyond Northvolt—it's about demonstrating Sweden's commitment to battery manufacturing. If potential buyers exist, we must give them an opportunity. Yet the bankruptcy trustee's recent statement suggests the state won't intervene to explore possible solutions.
And if no one steps forward? Then we face the hardest question: was the green industry promise merely a bubble? Was our interest in sustainable battery production nothing but empty rhetoric?
Let's hope—and act—to ensure the answer is a definitive no.
Åsa Svanberg is a Skellefteå resident, business leader, and independent editorial writer for Norran