Northvolt’s bankruptcy announcement came on March 12. “It was tough, especially since it felt like it came out of nowhere,” says Filip.
It has now been just over two weeks since the bankruptcy announcement. The factory ceased operations for the initial 24 hours, but production subsequently resumed.
One of those who has continued to report to work is Filip Karlsson, 27, from Skellefteå. He reminisces about the atmosphere when he began as an operator just over three years ago.
– The first year was really like, wow, here we go. There were a lot of people moving around, and the expansion was in full swing. They could erect an entirely new building in just two months, he says as we meet outside the gates yesterday evening.
Filip’s shift has just commenced, but he takes the time to answer my questions. Over the years, he has assumed greater responsibilities and now holds the position of block manager. This entails overseeing the entire workflow in the FA1 building—the final stage of battery production—during his shifts.
– I’ve been fortunate to remain on the same shift with the same team for a long time. Not everyone has been as lucky with the changes that have occurred, he says.
He describes his years at Northvolt as a rollercoaster but says that, overall, he has enjoyed it very much.
– I can only speak for myself, but I think the energy here has been great, he says.
When the announcements about lay-offs came last autumn, the atmosphere became more subdued, but there was still hope—along with signs that production was improving.
– New goals were set, new plans were made, and that brought back the spark. By the turn of the year, we even received some internal news that things were starting to look up.
That’s why the bankruptcy announcement came as a shock, despite the chapter 11 proceedings in the US and all the media coverage.
– It was tough, especially since it felt like it came out of nowhere.
Filip was born and raised in Skellefteå and started at Northvolt just over three years ago. “Since then, I haven’t regretted a single day,” he says.
How has it been to work since then?
– It has actually been better than expected. We’ve had regular staff updates, and a Q&A section has been set up on the intranet where people can submit questions. Most of the time, there’s already an answer by the next day.
Has the factory been running more or less as usual?
– Yes, there was a 24-hour stoppage, but after that, things have been running smoothly—especially this past week, when we’ve had remarkably strong figures.
Filip also notes that workplace attendance has increased recently.
– I think everyone understands that our best chance is to demonstrate Northvolt’s capabilities, that we have some control over our own destiny. And that has genuinely motivated people.
A decision on the continued operation of the factory, while awaiting a potential buyer, is expected soon. “Just the fact that he (the bankruptcy trustee) is hinting that it will continue gives me hope,” says Filip.
Filip Karlsson works at FA1, where the batteries are checked and packaged before being sent to customers.
At the end of last week, bankruptcy trustee Mikael Kubu stated that while awaiting a buyer, negotiations had "progressed significantly in securing continued operations," but that it would entail "a reduced operation compared to previous levels."
The precise meaning of "a reduced operation" remains unclear to Filip.
– I'm no more informed than anyone else, and I'm just as curious. However, the mere suggestion of continued operations gives me hope, says Filip, who hasn't begun searching for alternative employment despite being laid off.
– No, I want to advocate for what we've built here. Even though things haven't aligned perfectly with the initial vision, we're still a fully functional cell production factory. That's why I strongly endorse Mikael Kubu's assertion—that Northvolt's value as a running operation far exceeds its worth as mere machinery. My decision to not look for another job stems from a desire to fully commit to this, says Filip.