"The housing issue is a common topic of conversation in my group," says Paul Smith, one of the hundreds of employees at Northvolt Ett looking for a more permanent solution to the housing problem.
Northvolt's CEO, Peter Carlsson, recently told Norran of his concerns that the pace of housing construction in the region is inadequate for Northvolt Ett. He explained that in 18 months up to 8,000 people could be working there, of which up to 3,500 would be Northvolt employees.
According to Carlsson, around 500 of Northvolt Ett's employees already live in temporary accommodation. Paul Smith, contract and procurement manager, is one of them. He, his wife Arielis, and their children Max, 8, and Matthew, 2, have been living in a winterized summer cottage in Östra Falmark since the summer. Their lease expires at the end of May.
– The lease will not be renewed. The owner has told us that he will move in after the summer, says Paul, who was headhunted by Northvolt Ett after a long international career. When he moved over in May, he first lived in a modular house in Ursviken. He and his family visited in April.
– My wife has already experienced snow with me in Canada, but when we visited here in April, it was still snowing, and my wife said, 'It's nice and I like it, but I may not be ready to commit to Skellefteå for the rest of my life,' he laughs.
Paul Smith lives with his family, wife Arielis, and children Max, 8, and Matthew, 2, in Östra Falmark, where the sublease agreement expires in the spring.
Today the children attend school and preschool in Skellefteå.
– We need to find something more long-term by spring, especially to make it work for the children.
He notes that the family is now looking for a house with at least three bedrooms, and a commute of up to 30 minutes is acceptable. That's why they're also considering Bureå, Skelleftehamn and Kåge.
– You can live 15 minutes from the city and still have space and fresh air.
Paul Smith thinks that a 30-minute commute to Northvolt is ideal taking into account factors such as his family.
Paul says that housing is a daily topic of conversation among those he works closely with.
– It's a common topic with my colleagues. For those living in temporary housing, there is concern about having their lease terminated.
Northvolt has a relocation team to assist newcomers.
– The team is good. They found us a property, but it didn't suit us. We also attended a municipal event where a lot of other Northvolt employees were present and met estate agents, banks, and others who could help. I am now actively looking - talking to people, checking websites, etc.
– There is a difference in needs between singles and couples/families. Those with kids in school find it harder to move because they've established routines. If you're in a good place today, you want to be in a good place tomorrow, explains Paul.