A competitive industry breadth

Forestry and mining industry

The ability to utilize and refine natural resources has, for more than a century, been a cornerstone of the Skellefteå region’s development. The forestry and mining industries provide a large number of jobs, high levels of professional expertise, and the emergence of high-quality, innovation-driven clusters. Three of Sweden’s 13 active mines are located in Skellefteå municipality. Two are operated by Boliden Mineral and one by Mandalay Resources. Today, the largest players in the forestry industry are Holmen and Norra Skog.

Transformation issues such as resilience and circularity are driving future investments in these sectors. In forestry, demand for raw materials is expected to increase, both for construction purposes and as a renewable energy resource. In the metals sector, the green transition, electrification, and the need for new infrastructure are contributing to demand. At the same time, the need for greater self-sufficiency in strategically important products is increasing.

Energy

Skellefteå’s leading position in power generation from renewable energy sources dates back to the early 20th century. The development of hydropower, mainly along the Skellefte River, marked the starting point for advances in technology and production methods. Today, the municipally owned utility Skellefteå Kraft is one of Sweden’s largest energy companies, with nearly 900 employees and significant assets, including extensive hydropower and wind power production, as well as the management and development of 11,000 kilometers of regional grid.

Skellefteå’s energy sector is at the forefront of the transition. Large renewable resources in hydropower, wind power, and biofuels—combined with well-developed electricity grids—support both industrial establishment and new innovative ideas. One example is the SkyKraft initiative, exploring large-scale production of sustainable aviation fuels. Significant investments in hydrogen are also under development, where Nordion Energi is working on establishing a hydrogen pipeline connecting northern Sweden with northern and central Finland. In a world that needs to reduce its dependence on oil—both for climate and geopolitical reasons—Skellefteå’s substantial energy resources provide a stable foundation for long-term business development.

Manufacturing industry

Skellefteå has a broad and diversified manufacturing sector, ranging from process-intensive operations such as Boliden’s copper smelter to high-tech battery production through Lyten. The business sector is also specialized in rubber and plastics, machinery, and electronics. Production ranges from smaller components to advanced high-tech products and complete systems. Skellefteå’s manufacturing industries supply a wide range of global markets.

A large share of Skellefteå’s manufacturing companies operate in international markets. High levels of expertise and industrial know-how have enabled several companies to become leaders in their respective segments. This strong industrial base creates favorable conditions for continued growth. New opportunities to utilize industrial by-products and develop more circular business models are being explored, enabling industrial symbiosis and strengthening competitiveness.

Construction & civil engineering

Construction and civil engineering companies in Skellefteå primarily operate in the national Swedish market, particularly in northern Sweden. Several companies in the sector have developed a long tradition of wood processing into leading positions in large-scale timber construction. One result is Skellefteå’s landmark Sara Cultural Centre, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world.

The construction sector in Skellefteå scaled up significantly during the expansion linked to the establishment of Northvolt. Companies in the sector have demonstrated their ability to scale and deliver high quality, even when many large projects need to be completed within a short timeframe.

Retail and hospitality

The hospitality industry in Skellefteå is growing, driven by the ability to offer memorable experiences year-round. Coastal life, forest adventures, outstanding locally produced food, and cultural experiences are provided by a growing group of local actors as well as major national and international artists. Retail and restaurant offerings are also developing in step with other sectors.

Developments in retail and restaurants are closely linked to Skellefteå’s population growth and visitor economy. As the city grows and becomes more attractive, more specialized shops and dining concepts are emerging. The hospitality industry sees great potential in both Skellefteå and northern Sweden as a whole. There is also potential in local food production, which can contribute to sustainability and unique visitor experiences.

Service sector

Skellefteå’s service sector has developed in symbiosis with the region’s strong industrial tradition. As a result, it is particularly strong in fields such as IT, communication, finance, and specialized knowledge services for the forestry, mining, and construction industries. As Skellefteå has grown, several major consulting firms in urban development have also chosen to establish and expand their operations in the municipality.

Approximately one in five people in Skellefteå works in the service sector. This is somewhat lower than the national average, partly explained by the strong base industries and manufacturing sector that form the backbone of the local economy. At the same time, this represents significant development potential for the service sector, where new skills and services can complement existing strengths.

Knowledge and innovation

Two key actors supporting the development of new knowledge and innovation are Campus Skellefteå and Skellefteå Science City. At Campus Skellefteå, leading research is conducted in areas ranging from sustainable timber construction to future energy solutions, AI, gaming, and the digitalization of healthcare and social services. Skellefteå Science City works to strengthen innovation and business development, particularly in technology and sustainability.

Alongside large-scale industrial investments, Skellefteå is actively working to strengthen its environment for knowledge and innovation. One such initiative is the Skellefteå Universities Alliance, established to enable new educational models and strategic collaborations between academia, industry, and society. SUA aims to increase access to higher education in Skellefteå and promote innovation in academic education and learning nationwide. Through initiatives such as Skellefteå Droneport, the region demonstrates how it can serve as a real-world testbed for technology, mobility, and energy.

Public sector

Skellefteå Municipality is the largest employer in the area, with approximately 9,000 employees. In addition, Region Västerbotten is present with both a hospital and development offices, as well as the Swedish Agency for Family Law and Parental Support.

Skellefteå is Sweden’s eighth largest municipality by area and includes both a growing city and a vibrant surrounding region. This shapes public services, as residents in both urban and rural areas require access to healthcare, education, and care services.

The municipality is therefore actively working to manage its societal transformation in a way that combines rapid development with long-term sustainability. A major initiative is Society Expo 2026, where Skellefteå has invited actors from around the world to share experiences of the opportunities and challenges arising from rapid societal transformation.