Northvolt’s main factory in Sweden will now be managed by a Quebecer. Mark Duchesne is leaving his position as CEO of the mega-factory “Northvolt Ett” in Skellefteå, in the north of Sweden. He is replaced on an interim basis by Angéline Bilodeau, who was until now v.p. operations of “Northvolt Six” in Quebec.
“I am very happy to accept this challenge during a crucial phase for Northvolt Ett,” said Ms.me Bilodeau in a written declaration sent to the Duty. “My main goal is simple: to ensure that our teams remain focused, united and safe as we progress,” she adds.
Mme Bilodeau will be in charge of improving the performance of the “Northvolt Ett” mega-factory, which is facing production challenges.
His appointment takes effect immediately. She will occupy this role until “Northvolt finds a permanent CEO for Northvolt Ett,” the battery manufacturer announced on Wednesday.
“A good omen,” says Minister Fréchette
At the end of the council of ministers in the afternoon, the Minister of the Economy, Christine Fréchette, indicated to the media that the news of the transfer of Mme Bilodeau from Quebec to Sweden “bodes well” for the Northvolt project in Montérégie. She gave no further comment.
Earlier in the day, Minister Fréchette also indicated on the social network “X” that she was delighted with this appointment.
“His extensive experience in operational management roles within large international companies makes him a valuable asset for Northvolt. It is also a source of great pride to see a Quebec woman like Angéline take the reins of such an important mandate,” she wrote.
Before joining Northvolt last January, Mme Bilodeau has held senior positions at Amazon in France as well as at Boeing and United Technologies in Singapore and Brazil.
Financial turmoil
Northvolt is in financial turmoil. Lacking cash, the company recently announced that it would put the brakes on its expansion plans for “Northvolt Ett” as well as the layoff of 1,600 of its employees, or nearly 20% of its global workforce.
On Tuesday, the entity responsible for expanding the Swedish megafactory filed for bankruptcy protection with a Stockholm court. The company’s management assured that this decision had no repercussions on its project in Quebec.
The future of the Northvolt project in Quebec raises concerns because of the public funds that have already been invested there. The government of Quebec and the Caisse de dépôt together injected $710 million into the company and its project in Montérégie.
Northvolt is currently carrying out a “strategic review” of its activities. The process is expected to end this fall.