Matti Kataja, communications manager for Northvolt in the Nordics, claims that production at the battery factory is increasing.
Since Northvolt began producing its first batteries, Norran has consistently sought information about the production process. While responses have varied, they have consistently lacked detail and clarity.
Similarly, our repeated requests for access to the factory to conduct reporting and interview employees — those dedicated individuals working tirelessly to establish production — have been met with the same vague response: "Maybe later."
We have made yet another attempt to glean information from Northvolt. Here's how communications manager Matti Kataja responded to our questions:
Is production being ramped up? To what extent?
– Yes. We had positive progress last year, and that trend continues. Currently, we are meeting our customer delivery commitments, wrote Kataja in an email.
Are you producing more battery cells in the Skellefteå factory now compared to the same time last year?
– Yes.
However, Kataja declined to provide specific production figures. The last time Norran received a concrete production figure was last autumn, when the company announced a goal of significantly increasing production within a few months.
– Our target is to reach a volume of 100,000 cells per week by the end of the year, Kataja stated at that time.
Court documents filed in the United States, where Northvolt is currently undergoing chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganisation, reveal that Scania's contribution of over one billion kronor for the reorganisation is subject to certain conditions.
This funding is disbursed in three instalments, with each payment contingent upon Northvolt meeting specific production volume and quality targets for the cells leaving the factory. While the specific volume targets are not disclosed in these documents, it is stipulated that each shipment must contain 176 finished cells.
The court documents also indicate that Northvolt is collaborating closely with Scania personnel, following a detailed plan to achieve production targets. Weekly progress reviews are conducted.
When asked if Northvolt is currently meeting these production goals, Kataja responded:
– What I can say is that we had positive development last year, and we are meeting our contracts with customers.
We inquired whether Scania is the sole customer for Northvolt Ett's electric vehicle battery cells.
– No, but we do not comment on our customer contracts, wrote Kataja.
Kataja neither confirmed nor denied reports that Northvolt would begin supplying battery cells to Porsche and Audi this spring.
Norran also sought to understand Volkswagen's current role, specifically regarding existing orders and the scope of their involvement compared to initial agreements.
– The Volkswagen Group is one of our major shareholders. We have been working with several brands within the group for a long time, and they will continue to be important partners for us in the future, wrote Kataja.
The production of battery cells at the factory is going according to plan, says Northvolt.
Have you identified the factors causing delays in production and delivery?
– We’ve established a cross-functional organisation that works in a structured way, focusing on continuous improvements in production. This effort is supported by specialised teams who assist with the daily tasks on the production floor. Everyone is involved in this process, and it’s directly contributed to the positive results we achieved last year, which are continuing into this year.
We once again request a visit to the factory.
Since the factory opened, we’ve been trying to do an on-site report. You don’t outright say no, but it always seems like it’s never the right time for us to visit. Can you explain to Norran’s readers why this has been the case and why it’s still true today?
– There have been various reasons at different times for why we haven’t been able to accommodate visits or interviews. I understand there is interest in learning more, but at this moment, we are directing a lot of our focus on communication with customers, shareholders, and employees. The ongoing chapter 11 process is taking up much of our time, and because of this, we’ve decided to postpone journalistic visits to the factory. However, we are open to continuing the conversation about when a visit might be possible, writes Kataja.