Leading in One of Sweden’s Most Demanding Industrial Environments

In the electrolysis hall in Sundsvall, industrial craftsmanship meets advanced technology in a process that runs 24/7, all year round. Here, aluminium oxide is transformed into primary aluminium under high temperatures, with strict requirements for precision, stability and energy efficiency.

At the centre of this core operation is Tina Byström, Operations Manager for electrolysis. Her career reflects both the evolution of electrolysis and KUBAL as a workplace—an industry shaped by long-term commitment, internal competence development and strong professional pride.

Tina joined KUBAL in 2007 as an operator and has gradually taken on greater responsibility, always grounded in production. Today, she is responsible for safe, stable and efficient operations in a process where even small deviations can have significant consequences.

Her leadership is built on hands-on experience, strong process discipline and a safety culture where routines, accountability and teamwork are part of everyday operations. Supported by digital tools and continuous improvement, Tina and her team ensure that electrolysis remains the core of KUBAL’s aluminium production—contributing daily to sustainable aluminium production in Sweden.

Electrolysis – The Heart of Aluminium Production

Electrolysis is at the core of KUBAL’s operations. This is where primary aluminium is produced in a continuous process requiring high stability, energy efficiency and precision.

Small deviations can have major impacts, making process discipline essential. Continuous work to reduce variation and increase predictability improves safety, efficiency and product quality.

Safety as Part of the Culture

Safety is not only about rules—it is about behaviours, routines and looking out for one another. Teams work closely together and depend on each other’s awareness and responsibility. Speaking up, stopping when needed and following routines are part of professional pride.

Digitalisation and Improved Process Control

In recent years, electrolysis at KUBAL has undergone several technical improvements, including advancements in digital monitoring and data visualisation. “We now have better tools to monitor the process in real time. This makes it easier to detect deviations early and act before they escalate.”

Digitalisation is also used to support maintenance planning and knowledge transfer. “This strengthens both operational reliability and the working environment. At the same time, it is still people who make the difference.” For Tina, technology is a support that enables teams to gain clearer insights, act earlier and work more consistently. However, it is always built on the same foundation: people taking responsibility and working together.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Aluminium Production

As Sweden’s only producer of primary aluminium, KUBAL plays a key role in the industrial transition towards more sustainable aluminium production. For electrolysis, this means a continuous focus on energy efficiency and reduced emissions.

“Electrolysis is energy-intensive. That is why every improvement in stability and process control matters. The more stable our operations, the lower the energy consumption per tonne of aluminium produced.” Tina emphasises that sustainability in practice is about everyday decisions. “It is not a side project—it is how we work, every shift.”

Electrolysis operates 24/7, all year round. Shift work is a natural part of daily operations and requires strong collaboration. “We always hand over the process to the next shift. There is a strong culture of responsibility and professionalism in that.” Tina describes a strong sense of teamwork. “You are never alone in electrolysis—we solve tasks together.”

In electrolysis, there is no room for facades. The work is demanding, and the reliance on one another is significant. This creates genuine collaboration—clear, direct and built on trust in everyday work. For Tina, this is one of the main reasons why many employees stay long-term. “It is not always an easy job—it is hot, physical and sometimes demanding. But that is also what creates strong team cohesion.”

As Operations Manager, Tina prioritises being visible and accessible. “I want to be present on the shop floor—that is where I gain the best understanding of what works and what needs improvement.” Her leadership is based on trust, clarity and respect for professional expertise. “Everyone here is a specialist. My role is to create the conditions for safe, efficient and sustainable work.”

Being a Woman in Heavy Industry Tina rarely reflects on her role from a gender perspective but is aware that she can serve as a role model for others. “I have always been evaluated based on my work—and that is how it should be.” For her, it is important that the industry is seen for what it truly is “There are many different roles here—technical, operational and leadership. The industry is broader than many people think.”