Can you tell us about Hallsberg and Business Region Örebro from a business perspective?
- Hallsberg is unique because, for a mid-sized municipality, we have many large companies, including Ahlsell, Volvo Construction Equipment, and Atria, to name a few. This creates a broad business base and makes us relatively resistant to economic fluctuations. Many of these companies generate large volumes and require warehouse and logistics solutions, which makes them dependent on continuous transport to and from the Port of Gothenburg.

From a regional perspective, we have a strong presence in manufacturing, the defense industry, and global players like Epiroc. Our outstanding logistics position is evident in the optimism we see here for the future.

How important are direct trains to and from the Port of Gothenburg for the region?
- They are absolutely critical. Gothenburg is Sweden’s gateway to the world, both for imports and exports. It is essential for all cargo owners and businesses in the region. We are part of a global network, and this is how we connect to the world.

I also see rail becoming increasingly important from a sustainability perspective for businesses in the region. This puts demands on availability, cost-efficiency, and the ability of rail to deliver quality. Reliability in rail freight is currently very high, but continued development and maintenance are necessary to meet customer needs.

How is the collaboration with the Port of Gothenburg?
- Our collaboration with the Port of Gothenburg is excellent and has been ongoing for many years. It’s built on creating unbeatable conditions for cargo owners to transport their goods. One key factor is that we work together to influence policymakers, ensuring that infrastructure like the Västra Stambanan (Western Main Line) is maintained and used to its full potential.

Of course, there is always room to develop this collaboration further. In a time of greater uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to give businesses confidence that their exports and imports can be handled securely, profitably, and reliably. Together with the Port of Gothenburg, we focus heavily on making this happen.

What is your approach to sustainability?
- At Business Region Örebro and Hallsberg Municipality, we are conducting a future study extending from Hallsberg’s marshalling yard to the airport. We call it the ‘Green Logistics Corridor.’ The study focuses on understanding what the future demands in terms of sustainability and urban development.

What must industrial land provide to attract new establishments in Örebro? How can we further develop environmentally friendly last-mile solutions? Sustainability is a top priority for cargo owners, so we work on creating policies and incentives to maximize this interest, making the region even more attractive.

What is your outlook for the future of Hallsberg and the Örebro region?
- For Hallsberg and the Örebro region, the future looks incredibly bright. We have a unique position where European highways meet national roads and railways, complemented by a strong airport that provides the multimodal solutions needed for expansive growth.

Not least, after Sweden’s NATO membership, the region will have exceptional growth opportunities, partly due to a robust defense industry.

If you were to send a message to the Port of Gothenburg, what would it be?
- For us, the excellent collaboration between rail, the Port of Gothenburg, the Örebro region, and cargo owners is vital. The most important thing for me is to ensure simple and effective solutions for imports and exports for our local businesses.

That’s why our close cooperation with the Port of Gothenburg is so important, and we must continue developing it together. Everyone stands to benefit from that.

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