There is an “intensive sales process” underway regarding Northvolt Ett in Skellefteå, bankruptcy trustee Mikael Kubu told Norran on Monday.
Former Northvolt employees were asked in mid-July if they were interested in being rehired in the event of a possible restart of the factory in Skellefteå.
They were encouraged to respond by July 27, and more than 3,500 former employees did, according to Anna Cohen Wikström, who has been HR manager at Northvolt Ett since February.
– The main purpose of the survey was to find out who might not want to return to their position, so we could take that into account when planning for potential rehiring, she says.
Of all the thousands of responses, only 38 said, “no thanks.”
– We see it as proof that our mission is still attractive, and we hope we get the chance to build up battery production again, she says.
The HR manager declined to comment on whether the survey's timing suggests an imminent sale. She did, however, confirm that there are ongoing intensive discussions with potential buyers, a point the bankruptcy trustee has also made.
– Depending on how it ends, rehiring may become relevant, she says.
Cohen Wikström also added that while the survey may not have reached all former employees, anyone with re-employment priority under the Employment Protection Act (LAS) retains their position regardless of whether they received or responded to the survey.
– As mentioned, the main purpose was to find out who does not wish to return to employment in order to make our documentation for the trade unions more relevant, she says.