Meet Johan Hallström, Acting Supervisor in the Cast House
It feels like being part of the same team
Teamwork and discipline in the cast house
Johan Hallström works as an acting supervisor in the cast house at KUBAL. His journey began as a summer worker in 2019 after recommendations from friends already working at the plant. What was initially intended as a temporary 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 a few years as a substitute operator in the plant, Johan moved to the cast house in spring 2022. Today, he combines his role as an operator with occasionally stepping in as a supervisor. “You need to understand both the process and the people.” The workday always starts with a joint morning meeting, where the shift team reviews planning, previous shifts and how work will be distributed.
Production in the cast house runs 24/7, and the flow rarely stops. If something has gone wrong during a previous shift, the focus is on working together to catch up. “When you solve it together—even during a night shift—it really feels like you are working as a team.”
Safety is a natural part of everyday work. In an environment with high temperatures, heavy machinery and molten aluminium, full focus and clear communication are essential. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility. You need to speak up so that everyone goes home safely.”
At the same time, both working methods and technology continue to evolve. New equipment and improved processes have strengthened quality in the cast house, but employee experience remains essential. “Some situations occur very rarely. Then it is important that someone on the team has seen it before.” Knowledge is therefore passed on between generations, with new employees gradually introduced alongside experienced colleagues to ensure both safety and quality.
When Johan describes why people stay long-term, he returns to one thing: the sense of community. “It really feels like you are part of the same team.” When collaboration works, it is enjoyable to come to work.
Want to work at KUBAL?
KUBAL in Sundsvall is Sweden’s only producer of primary aluminium and a workplace where many build long-term careers in the aluminium industry. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or have extensive experience, there are opportunities to grow within production, technology and leadership.
Visit our careers page to explore current job opportunities and discover what it is like to work at KUBAL—take the next step in your KUBAL career.