Sweden’s Northvolt has recently announced the divestment of its Systems Industrial division, a crucial developer and manufacturer of battery systems for heavy industry sectors. The division will be acquired by Scania, a renowned truckmaker, as reported by Reuters.
Established in 2018, Northvolt’s Systems Industrial division currently employs approximately 300 individuals across facilities in Stockholm, Sweden, and Gdańsk, Poland. Specializing in providing battery modules and systems for various industries such as material handling, construction equipment, mining, agriculture, and municipal services, the division has been a key player in the industrial battery sector.
Scania’s decision to acquire the division is seen as a strategic move to enhance its customer offering in industrial segments like construction and mining. The acquisition will provide Scania access to a highly skilled and experienced team, along with a robust portfolio of battery systems manufactured in Gdansk.
Both Northvolt and Scania are working collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition of all necessary assets, employees, and contracts. This acquisition aims to guarantee the uninterrupted operation of the industrial business, with all contracted orders for the year set to be fulfilled as scheduled.
The divestment of the Systems Industrial division is part of Northvolt’s strategic review to focus on its core business of large-scale cell manufacturing. This move follows Northvolt’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in October 2024 due to production issues and unsuccessful fundraising efforts.
The sale of the Systems Industrial division is in line with Northvolt’s efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs, allowing the company to concentrate on its battery plant in northern Sweden. Previous divestments to companies like Norsk Hydro and Volvo Cars further demonstrate Northvolt’s commitment to optimizing its business operations.
Overall, the acquisition of Northvolt’s Systems Industrial division by Scania signifies a significant development in the industrial battery sector. With regulatory approvals and final agreements pending, both companies are looking forward to a successful transition that will benefit the employees, technology, and products of the division.