A role in one of Sweden’s most demanding industrial environments

From summer job to the cast house

Johan joined KUBAL in the summer of 2019 after recommendations from friends already working at the plant. What began as a summer job quickly became something more long-term. “I started as a summer worker and ended up staying. That says quite a lot about what it’s like to work here.”

After working as a substitute operator in the plant for a couple of years, Johan moved to the cast house in April 2022, where he now works as an acting supervisor. “The role means that I both work as an operator and step in as a supervisor when needed. It requires a good understanding of both the process and the people.”

The workday in the cast house starts together and sets the tone for the rest of the shift. The team gathers in the break room to go through the daily plan and distribute tasks. Since shift work means that several days can pass between meetings, it is important to align properly before production begins.

The morning meeting is about both production and people. Over a cup of coffee, the team reviews what happened during previous shifts and ensures that everyone understands the expectations for the day. This makes a clear difference once the shift moves out into production.

Production runs 24/7, and the cast house continuously delivers aluminium further along the process. “It’s a flow that never really stops. If you come into a shift where there have been issues earlier, you need to work together and sometimes recover what has been lost.” When the team succeeds in solving it together—even during a night shift—it truly feels like working as one team.

Safety as a natural part of everyday work

Work in the cast house involves high temperatures, heavy machinery and tasks that require full attention. For Johan, safety is always the top priority. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility. You need to speak up—not to point fingers, but to make sure everyone goes home safely.”

In recent years, safety practices have developed significantly. There is a stronger sense of structure and clarity today. Safety is continuously emphasised, both in daily work and during morning meetings. Information is displayed on screens throughout the facility, and topics such as forklift and internal vehicle traffic are discussed regularly.

The environment is demanding, both physically and mentally. Machinery is constantly in motion, and working areas can be tight. This makes awareness and communication essential when moving across the shop floor.

Personal protective equipment is a fundamental part of the work. Heat-resistant clothing, gloves and full-face visors are used to ensure safety. Without the proper equipment, it is simply not possible to be near the process.

Teamwork and professional pride

What gives Johan the greatest sense of professional pride is when the entire shift team works together and achieves its goals—even when conditions are not ideal. “When everyone works together, even when things aren’t perfect, and we still reach our goals—that feels really good.”

A large part of the work is about handing over to the next shift. The aim is always to leave the best possible conditions for those coming after. It does not always work out that way, as unexpected situations can occur, but the ambition is always there.

Collaboration between shift teams is important, even if there is sometimes a degree of internal pride. There can be some talk between shifts, but fundamentally everyone is working towards the same goal. When issues arise, they are handled through open and direct communication.

For Johan, the work resembles a team sport. “It really feels like you are part of the same team. When collaboration works, it is enjoyable to come to work.”

Experience and modern technology side by side

The cast house is an environment where craftsmanship, long experience and modern technology come together. Experience is essential. Some situations occur very rarely—perhaps only once during an entire career—and in those moments, it is crucial that someone on the team has encountered them before.

Working with molten aluminium at very high temperatures is not something that can be fully learned from theory. It requires time, presence and experience of different situations to truly understand the process in depth. At the same time, continuous technological development is taking place.

New equipment has been introduced to improve metal quality, including filtration solutions where the metal passes through filters that remove unwanted particles from the final product. These developments have strengthened both quality and working methods. In recent years, the focus on quality has advanced significantly, particularly in the cast house.

Knowledge transfer in practice

To ensure both safety and quality, KUBAL works systematically with onboarding, training and supervision.

New employees always work alongside experienced colleagues. Two inexperienced operators are never assigned to the same critical task. The introduction is gradual and adapted to the individual. New employees follow their shift team over an extended period and are supported by a designated supervisor responsible for their training.

The time required varies from person to person, but independence comes only after completed assessments and when the supervisor confirms that the individual is ready. Being attentive and willing to learn is essential, as much of the knowledge lies in the small details.

A workplace to stay in

When Johan describes KUBAL as a workplace, he often returns to the sense of community. “You work with a lot of great people here. Colleagues quickly become friends, and that makes a real difference in everyday work.”

For anyone considering applying for a role in the cast house, his advice is clear: “Apply. This is the best job I’ve had, and I have no plans to leave.”