The municipality of Boden and H2 Green Steel have made a joint effort for the construction and contracting industry. A well-attended networking event provided information on the current situation in Boden and future business opportunities. in the wake of the green transition.
120 entrepreneurs from the construction and contracting industry gathered at Bodentravet for the first of several upcoming industry meetings in Boden. The event was organized by the municipality of Boden together with H2 Green Steel.
During a condensed morning and lunch, the gathered companies were provided with both general situational information and practical advice.
“We want what we do to happen not only IN Boden, but FOR Boden,” says Anne Graaf, VP Infrastructure Services H2 Green Steel.
She clarified that a number of large international suppliers will be procured by H2 Green Steel and that the aim is to get the right subcontractors under them. This includes meetings where these stakeholders and local businesses can meet.
Already, some of the major companies negotiating with H2 Green Steel have started scanning what is available locally. It is therefore particularly important for entrepreneurs to be visible and have the right information available, including in English.
An important role in the qualification work is also played by the municipality of Boden’s economic and business developers, who, based on their networks and registers, assist in guiding the international companies into the municipality with so-called business soft landing. Boden Business Park’s business developers are also the link between local businesses and incoming companies.
“Imagine setting up your own business in another European country. What would you do and what do you need to know? This is what business soft landing is all about, making the process as smooth as possible,” explains Nils Lindh, Business Developer at Boden Business Park.
Mats Berg, Head of Business Development, Boden Municipality, and Thomas Fägerman, CEO of Boden Business Park, described the four sub-projects of the Bodenxt organization – living and housing, infrastructure, business and skills supply – and also gave input from their own perspectives.
“We play on a moving target. What is happening here has not happened in many places in Sweden. It will require a lot from us. We are working to constantly monitor and adjust in order for the municipality to do everything possible to achieve the goal of H2 Green Steel having its steel plant in place by 2025,” says Mats Berg.
Thomas Fägerman also mentioned the external factors that we have to relate to, such as the world situation, the NATO issue and Boden’s role as a defense node in the north, in parallel with other developments in Boden.
Tips for businesses
A major player already involved in Boden with around 100 persons, a figure that is expected to double, is GRK. Mika Mäenpää, CEO, gave an insight into the land preparation work they are doing at Boden Industrial Park at the moment and what is coming up.
To sum up, the main message from the various representatives on site was:
- Make sure your website is properly updated and in English.
- Be prepared to receive inquiries and contacts in English and be open to receiving multiple cultures.
- Update your SNI code and check the information that is searchable about your company at Bolagsverket.
- Cooperate with each other and make sure you are one of the companies your partners want to work with if they come to Boden.
- Be a good host and introduce new partners to life outside work.
Positive response
There was great interest in the opportunities for the construction and contracting industry in Boden and the event was quickly filled with bookings. One of the present companies was SKANSKA.
“We are definitely looking at Boden. The last time we built here was at Boden Business Park in 2019. Many in the industry are following what is happening in Boden now,” says Marcus Tjäder, who attended the meeting together with project manager Örjan Johansson.
They especially appreciate that the municipality of Boden is taking the lead in bringing the industry together.
“We think this is a great initiative. We already have partnerships here and see a great benefit in proximity with local businesses. It’s also important for us to find partners who can keep to the schedule and deliver security, so be able to meet in this way is very good.”
Participants also included many small local businesses, ranging from residential construction to other contracting solutions.
One of many local participants was Moa Nilsson, work and project manager at GLB i Norrbotten AB.
“I think this is great, especially that they inform and bring together all the different entrepreneurs, so that we can be part of the journey and start our work. We are very interested in how we can tackle this from the perspective of our industry. It’s great that it’s at home too. I grew up in Norra Svartbyn and it’s great to see the work they do and the job opportunities it creates. Even if not everyone here today will be involved in the collaboration with H2 Green Steel, it starts a behavioral change in companies, which is based on everyone keeping up and being involved in the development,” says Moa Nilsson.
Tip. On May 11, the next Bodenxt Talks, in cooperation with the JOBB Center and Boden Business Park, will focus on the benefits of a multicultural and multilingual workplace.
You can be inspired by the good hospitality that has been developed for several years and is natural in the municipality of Boden’s tourism industry and river valleys with high international maturity at the Tourism Day on April 27.
Photo: Boden Business Park
