In recent years, we have been able to follow the news of billion-dollar investments in the northernmost parts of Sweden. For some time now, we have also been able to enjoy the sharp increase in investment in our own region - Dalarna.
There are many examples to highlight. Lyko continues to expand, both through add-on acquisitions and by tripling its already large stock. Orkla Foods in Vansbro is investing in new production lines and hiring. Älvdalen's mountain destinations are growing like crazy with development in Idre Fjäll, Idre Himmelfjäll and Fjätervålen, the latter with the ambition of becoming the Nordic region's most sustainable mountain destination. SSAB is speeding up the transition to produce steel without coal, leading to new investments in Borlänge. Hitachi Energy has landed major orders that mean around 800 new jobs for Dalarna and a new manufacturing unit in Smedjebacken. And as most people know, Northvolt is establishing itself in Kvarnsveden paper mill's premises in Borlänge, which also leads to new establishment inquiries and interest in Dalarna.
In other words, we in Dalarna have much to be proud of, but also a great responsibility to ensure that the plans can be completed and that development can continue.
In our work on attractiveness issues regarding Dalarna as an industrial region, we have commissioned the company Placebrander to conduct a recent attitude survey. We can see many positive associations about our county. Dalarna is seen as a scenic, open and welcoming place that offers security and warmth.
But the survey also confirms what we have long suspected - the 25-35 year olds surveyed across our country do not see Dalarna as an innovative place with career opportunities, nor as a place with confidence in the future, nor as an attractive place to live. They have little knowledge of what companies are in Dalarna and we get a bottom position when ranking seven selected regions for strong labor market with exciting job opportunities.
At the same time, it is precisely exciting job opportunities that respondents highlight when we ask what would make Dalarna a more attractive place to live. I assume that, like us, you see the incredible potential we have here. We have a big job to do here!
On Wednesday next week, we will take a first step and invite you to a Dalarna Talks in Almedalen. From here we want to spread knowledge, inspiration and have conversations about Dalarna's development as Sweden's future growth region. How we take action for future regional growth and how previous negative trends are broken. Questions about courage, innovation and support to realize entrepreneurial dreams will be discussed.
So don't miss Dalarna Talks on Wednesday, July 6 at 11.15. As usual, you can follow us via the digital live broadcast and if you are in Visby, you are of course welcome to come and meet us live.
