– We are more expensive here in Norway. We have more expensive personnel costs, we are further away and thus have higher transport costs. For us, cheap electricity has been one of the few competitive advantages we have had. That’s what André Klaseie, who is managing director at Dokka Fasteners, says. 100 employees work at the company, which has kept the wheels turning since 1875. They produce bolts used in windmills, and compete exclusively with companies from Europe and Asia. Multifold increase in electricity costs The low electricity costs in Norway have ensured that they have been able to outcompete other companies in the hunt for large contracts. But now the director fears that it may soon become difficult. In 2021, they had NOK 4 million in electricity expenses. In 2022, they will probably end up at around NOK 15 million. But in 2022 the costs will again increase considerably for the Dokka company. – With the fixed price agreements we have received proposals for, we are talking about NOK 35 million in costs, says Klaseie. In recent years, the company has gone through an efficiency improvement process and invested large sums in robots in production. Club manager for the Federation, Torleik Bjørndal Larsen, says that the employees are worried about the future. Photo: Anders Bakkerud Larsen / news The employees fear for their jobs But it is not the robots that the employees now fear will cost their jobs, but the electricity costs. – We fear a closure of that industry here at Dokka. It’s not something we want at all, says club leader in the Fellesforbundet at Dokka Fasteners, Torleik Bjørndal Larsen. He says that the employees are worried about the future at the company. – We work and persevere and do our best, no matter what the situation is. We hope for the best, says Bjørndal Larsen. Want predictability Dokka Fasteners produces bolts in different sizes that are used in windmills. They compete with companies in Europe and Asia. Photo: Anders Bakkerud Larsen / news Klaseie would have preferred to see an electricity subsidy scheme introduced a long time ago, and believes it has taken too long to put a scheme in place. – It is very urgent. We need it now! he says. He describes power support as alpha and omega, and asks that a scheme be put in place as soon as possible. The company needs predictability if they are to land contracts for next year. – We need predictability, because we are working on pricing for next year’s new agreements. It is urgent to get clarity on what this will mean for us, says Klaseie. NHO: – It is urgent! NHO is among the organizations that have been calling for an electricity subsidy scheme for the longest time. Regional director of NHO Innlandet, Jon Kristiansen, is glad that the government and the parties in working life are now in dialogue to put an arrangement in place, but he also believes that it has taken too long. – It’s urgent! Since January this year, NHO has been advocating for an electricity subsidy scheme, he says. He believes that a scheme must be put in place that helps the companies most in need of help, and that an electricity subsidy scheme avoids bankruptcies and people losing their jobs. Regional director of NHO Innlandet, Jon Kristiansen, believes it is urgent to get an electricity subsidy scheme in place. But he is happy that the government and the parties in working life are now in dialogue. Photo: Moment Studio/NHO – Therefore, a scheme must hit the companies that are hit the hardest and in the areas where electricity is the most expensive. At the same time as we work on this, we must also work to increase power production in this country, says Kristiansen. The ministry will not give promises. Minister of Industry and Trade Jan Christian Vestre has no opportunity to be interviewed by news about this matter. But state secretary Halvard Ingebrigtsen says to news that the government is working on an electricity subsidy scheme for business. – It is important to us that the measures should be responsible and not lead to higher interest rates and a heated economy. We have a good dialogue with the parties in business and there are several proposals for solutions on the table. For now, it is too early to say how the measures will turn out, says Ingebrigtsen. He will not make any promises to the Dokka company. – Wind power is an important industry of the future and central to the green transition we will and must go through, but it is too early to say anything about how the electricity measures will affect the situation at Dokka Fasteners.
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Produces parts for wind power – fears layoffs due to electricity prices – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
