The battery manufacturer Northvolt, based in Sweden, has recently faced a series of setbacks that have raised concerns about the safety of its workers and the future of its business. In addition to operational obstacles and delays in production, the company has been hit with a two billion euro contract cancellation from BMW and cancellations of contracts with other major companies.
These challenges have not only impacted Northvolt’s financial stability but also led to three unexplained deaths at its factory in Sweden. The police have launched an investigation into these deaths, suspecting a possible connection between them and exposure to harmful substances at the factory. However, foul play is not currently suspected.
Despite these challenges, Northvolt remains committed to clean energy technologies and has operations in Sweden, Germany, and Canada. The company’s long-term plan is to remain a significant player in the battery industry, competing with China for dominance in Europe. However, the recent setbacks have raised questions about whether this ambitious plan can be realized without addressing the underlying issues affecting its operations and workforce.