Repair shops struggle in Zealand as skilled technician shortage worsens

This week marked the arrival of winter’s first frost, prompting car owners to flock to repair shops for winter tire installations. However, amid this increased demand, auto mechanics in West and Northwest Zealand are facing significant challenges.

The ongoing shortage of skilled technicians has been exacerbated by Novo Nordisk’s major expansion at its Kalundborg facility, which has made it even harder for local shops to retain staff. Brian Larsen, the former owner of Flint Auto & Elektro in Kalundborg, recently closed his shop due to difficulties in hiring qualified mechanics. He expressed his frustrations, noting the tough competition for workers in the area.

This is not an isolated situation; many mechanics in the region report losing employees to Novo Nordisk. The Danish Automotive Industry Council has received numerous inquiries from auto shops struggling to compete. Despite the mismatch between the pharmaceutical company’s focus on medication production and the automotive services, mechanics are in high demand within these larger corporations.

Larsen understands why some of his staff have left for Novo Nordisk’s higher-paying roles, which offer improved working conditions and salaries about 25% greater than what he can provide. He noted that he cannot raise his prices significantly without negatively impacting his private customer base.

Despite the concerns expressed by local business owners, Tina Beck-Nilsson, the deputy mayor of Kalundborg, views the influx of jobs as a positive development for the community. She mentioned ongoing efforts to attract workers, including seeking international talent, while emphasizing that the municipality is doing its best to address the workforce challenges.

In response to questions about the impact on local businesses, Novo Nordisk acknowledged its role in creating job opportunities and expressed a commitment to engagement and dialogue with the community. As for Larsen, he is uncertain about his next steps after closing his shop, contemplating whether to pursue a career with Novo Nordisk or continue in the automotive industry.