Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt filed for bankruptcy on March 12, 2025, after struggling with rising capital costs, supply chain disruptions, and delays in scaling production. As part of the court-supervised process, Scania has acquired Northvolt Systems’ Industrial Division, which includes a production facility in Gdańsk and an R&D center in Stockholm. This unit, which develops battery systems for heavy-duty off-road applications like mining and construction, will now operate as a standalone venture under Scania Ventures. With around 260 employees joining, the acquisition strengthens Scania Power Solutions’ electrification strategy. Operations will continue uninterrupted while the bankruptcy trustee oversees the broader restructuring of Northvolt’s remaining assets.
Scania has taken a decisive step to expand its electrification ambitions by acquiring the Industrial Division of Northvolt Systems, securing key assets including a production facility in Gdańsk and an R&D center in Stockholm. The move comes just a month after Northvolt AB filed for bankruptcy in Sweden, underscoring Scania’s strategic agility in capitalizing on high-value opportunities during a turbulent period for the European battery industry.
The acquisition brings around 260 employees into Scania’s fold and will operate as a stand-alone venture under Scania Ventures and New Business. It directly complements Scania Power Solutions’ mission to provide robust electrification solutions for off-highway segments such as mining, construction, and material handling.
“Northvolt Systems Industrial Division brings valuable expertise in battery technology and assembly. Their capabilities strengthen our modular approach and support the development of complete electrified solutions for off-road applications. I’m pleased to welcome the team to Scania,” says Sara Hermansson, Head of Scania Power Solutions.
Northvolt Systems Industrial Division had been instrumental in developing the Voltpack Core, a flagship battery system designed for high-performance industrial applications. This legacy will now continue under Scania’s ownership, as the company seeks to embed sustainable and electrified powertrains into the backbone of heavy industry.
Jonas Hernlund, Head of Energy & Infrastructure at Scania Ventures and New Business, emphasized the long-term vision behind the acquisition:
“By combining Northvolt Systems Industrial Division’s battery expertise with Scania’s deep industry knowledge, we are not only driving innovation but also strengthening our ability to serve our customers in their transition journeys. This acquisition demonstrates how Scania Ventures and New Business leverage our capabilities in opportunity identification, M&A, and growth-stage company management to enable our core business and enhance our position as a transformation partner for our customers — all in support of a more sustainable transport system.”
The deal was struck with the trustee overseeing Northvolt AB’s bankruptcy proceedings. While the purchase price remains undisclosed, the agreement ensures the continuation of operations and stability for employees and partners.
Elin Åkerström, former Vice President of Northvolt Systems Industrial, noted the alignment in vision:
“Since 2017, Northvolt Systems Industrial has developed advanced battery systems for machines operating in demanding environments such as construction, mining, and material handling. Our flagship solution, Voltpack Core, reflects our ability to meet real-world industrial challenges. Joining Scania marks the next chapter in our journey. This acquisition brings together two strong legacies in electrification and powertrain innovation. I am confident that, together, we will strengthen our capabilities and deliver even greater value to our customers.”
The acquisition comes amid the collapse of Northvolt AB, once a flagship of Europe’s battery ambitions. Despite operational improvements and a ramp-up in production at its Skellefteå plant, Northvolt succumbed to a perfect storm of rising capital costs, supply chain challenges, and delayed ramp-ups. The bankruptcy filing, made in Stockholm on March 12, triggered a court-supervised process to restructure and divest its operations.
While the larger Northvolt AB continues its search for financial lifelines, Scania’s timely move may offer a model for how strategic players can extract long-term value from crisis — and reinforce Europe’s green transition, one battery system at a time.
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/scania-acquires-northvolt-systems-industrial-division/
