Growing together: How Microsoft’s datacenters are empowering communities in Sandviken and Gävle
A conversation with local business and government leaders
Microsoft’s expansion of its cloud and AI infrastructure in Sweden is igniting a wave of innovation and opportunity in the Sandviken and Gävle region. As we grow our datacenter presence, we are not only boosting digital capacity but also forging powerful partnerships with local government and business leaders. The result? Thriving economies, fresh job opportunities, and a global spotlight on these communities as hubs for digital advancement.
Featured speakers:
Peter Kärnström, Mayor of Sandviken (Kommunstyrelsens ordförande)
Peter Kärnström serves as Mayor of Sandviken, a Swedish town of about 25,000 people in Gävleborg County, known for its steel industry and proximity to Lake Storsjön. Sandviken grew around Sandvik, a global engineering company founded there in 1862. A key focus of his leadership has been to promote economic development and job creation in Sandviken. As such, he is an enthusiastic supporter of Microsoft’s datacenter development in Sandviken. Construction of datacenter facilities has already boosted the local economy by employing local construction workers, increasing demand for third-party goods and services, and growing local expertise in high-tech construction. Upon completion, the three planned datacenter facilities will create an estimated 300 permanent skilled technician jobs in Sandviken.
It is difficult to say exactly what this will mean for us, it is staggering numbers that are difficult to take in. The fact that they choose to invest so much shows big plans. They are clearly here to stay, grow with us and contribute to the local community.”
Peter Kärnström, Mayor of Sandviken (Kommunstyrelsens ordförande)
Åsa Wiklund-Lång, Mayor of Gävle (Kommunstyrelsens ordförande)
As Mayor of Gävle, Åsa Wiklund-Lång has led efforts to attract talent and business to Gävle. Gävle is a coastal city in east-central Sweden with about 80,000 residents, known for its historic harbor, vibrant cultural scene, and as the birthplace of the famous Gävle Goat tradition dating back to 1966. Microsoft’s investment has been critical to bringing jobs and broader economic development to the municipality, establishing Gävle as a center for technological innovation in Sweden.
We are extremely pleased that Microsoft is now increasing its ambitions and accelerating its investments. The fact that companies in our region, and now specifically in Gävle and Sandviken, can and want to be at the forefront and invest heavily means a lot for our development and our competitiveness.”
Åsa Wiklund-Lång, Mayor of Gävle (Kommunstyrelsens ordförande)
Mattias Carlsson, CEO, Rack Panel Systems by Carlssons Plåt, Gävle
Mattias Carlsson is CEO of Carlssons Plåt, a metalwork company that produces specialized sheets used as cover plates for data rack hot aisles, housing, and construction projects. As the supplier of datacenter rack panel covers for Microsoft’s facilities in Sweden, Carlsson Plåt has moved its headquarters to Gävle and expanded its presence as an innovative supplier in the area’s growing tech and construction ecosystem.
We have entered markets that we would never have access to without Microsoft’s network and it is incredible.”
Mattias Carlsson, CEO, Rack Panel Systems by Carlssons Plåt, Gävle
Daniel Hemgren, Key Account Manager (Fältsäljare), Klövenäs, Gävle
Daniel Hemgren serves as Key Account Manager at Klövenäs, a leading provider of workwear, safety shoes, gloves, and protective equipment in Gävle. Through their partnership with Microsoft, Klövenäs has played an essential role in supplying security clothing and gear for datacenter operations and construction workers. This collaboration proved especially valuable during the pandemic, when increased demand from Microsoft’s projects allowed Klövenäs to maintain staffing levels and avoid layoffs, demonstrating the positive impact of strategic partnerships on local businesses
Everyone knows where Gävle is now. It has become interesting to live and work in because there are opportunities that have not existed before.”
Daniel Hemgren, Key Account Manager (Fältsäljare), Klövenäs, Gävle
Emma Ellström, Founder and CEO of Nordicbo, Sandviken
Emma Ellström is the founder and CEO of Nordicbo, a hospitality company based in Sandviken that provides furnished apartments for workers staying in the region. When Microsoft began its construction projects in the area, Nordicbo adapted its offerings to accommodate the influx of construction workers, expanding from studio units to one-bedroom apartments. This partnership has helped Nordicbo to increase its capacity to around 40 furnished apartments, creating more options and a welcoming environment for those working away from home.
It is always a pleasure to arrange accommodations to a really good standard. I am working hard to do that little extra every time I arrange a new apartment. I think the client feels the commitment from our side. Using local shops and companies makes me feel that the whole community is doing this together. Isn’t this what we all are seeking, connection?”
Emma Ellström, Founder and CEO of Nordicbo, Sandviken
Microsoft’s presence has not just brought technical infrastructure; it has reinvigorated the local business landscape, opening doors to prosperity and sustainable growth for the entire community. Learn more about the datacenter investment in Sweden.