Northvolt's message is "very sad and tough", primarily for those who lose their jobs, but also for the county, says Helene Hellmark Knutsson, Governor of Västerbotten, at a press conference in Skellefteå City Hall.
The hope is, however, that those affected can stay in the region and look for new jobs.
The development that is underway in Västerbotten, and Skellefteå and all of northern Sweden will require a lot of new labor. It is needed both in the private sector and in the welfare sector, says Hellmark Knutsson.
"No green bubble"
Northvolt's notice is, according to the Governor, not at all a sign of a "green bubble".
It is obvious to me that this green transition is underway with full force, in Sweden, Europe, and not least in China and the USA. If Sweden and Europe are to be part of the transition, it is essential that we utilize all the competence we have, she says.
Municipal Director Kristina Sundin Jonsson says that they have already planned meetings with the business community, the region, the County Administrative Board, and the Employment Service.
Northvolt will continue to be one of the city's largest employers, but the green transition is "much, much bigger than Northvolt", she says, mentioning, among other things, upcoming billion investments from the mining company Boliden.
"From all over the world"
Anders Hedström is a priest in the Sankt Olov parish and lives in Bergsbyn in Skellefteå. Bergsbyn, with over 1,300 inhabitants, is located just below Northvolt's factory area.
His first thoughts after the notice go to those who have moved to Skellefteå from all over the world to work at Northvolt.
I have neighbors from both Sri Lanka and South Africa who have moved here with their families. It is, after all, people with special skills from all over the world who have made a big investment and moved here, which I think feels tough, he says.
Skellefteå resident Anna Pettersson notes that 1,000 people is a significant number.
Everyone knows someone who works there, friends' children and so on, who have enjoyed it. It's really sad, she says.
