Strawberry in Strategic Partnership: Building "Viscaria Village" in Kiruna to Secure Talent for the Green Transition

Strawberry, Viscaria Kiruna AB, and MG Link have entered into a comprehensive agreement to build and operate "Viscaria Village" in Kiruna. The initiative comprises 132 residential rooms and is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026. The project is a critical component in securing staffing for the reopening of the Viscaria mine, which will supply Europe with copper—a metal crucial for the climate transition.

As Viscaria intensifies its efforts to restart mining operations in Kiruna, the demand for attracting qualified labor is high. To meet this need without straining the local housing market, the companies are creating a dedicated residential area focused on quality of life and recovery.

For Strawberry, this agreement marks an expansion of the new business segment launched last autumn, when the chain presented a similar project, "Aurora Village," in collaboration with SSAB in Luleå. Viscaria Village is the next major investment in this area, applying Strawberry’s hospitality expertise to industrial housing.

A New Standard for Industrial Living. Construction is scheduled to begin in late April (Week 17), located directly adjacent to the Viscaria site. The accommodation is dimensioned to house 264 people on a full 7/7 rotation shift and offers facilities normally associated with hotels rather than temporary housing.

"What is happening in northern Sweden right now is historic. The green transition requires bold investments, and at Strawberry, we want to help create the conditions for its success. We led the way with SSAB in Luleå, and now we are taking the next step together with Viscaria in Kiruna and MG Link. Those building the future deserve more than just a bed—they deserve a home, service, and a community," says Petter Stordalen, owner of Strawberry.

A Prerequisite for Copper Production The reopening of the Viscaria mine is viewed as strategically important for reducing Europe’s dependence on imported copper, a key component in everything from electric vehicles to wind turbines.

"Restarting the Viscaria mine is our contribution to a sustainable future, but to mine copper, we need people who feel good. Viscaria Village is a central part of our strategy to offer an attractive workplace with the highest standard of living. Through our collaboration with Strawberry and MG Link, we are combining high service levels with resource-efficient and circular construction, while taking responsibility for the local community by not crowding out other home seekers in Kiruna," says Jörgen Olsson, CEO of Viscaria.

Focus on Health and Local Roots Viscaria Village is designed with care for the landscape and the work environment. The courtyard areas offer space for recreation, including a combined football and tennis court (which converts to an ice rink in winter), disc golf, an outdoor gym, and a communal sauna.

Operations will be managed by Strawberry Living, which specializes in this type of corporate housing.

"That Viscaria has chosen us is a testament to the fact that we are doing something right. We are bringing the service and warmth of the hotel industry straight into the heart of the industry. With Viscaria Village, we are applying our hotel experience to accommodation adapted for industrial needs. We know that the opportunity for exercise, good sleep, and social spaces is crucial for both safety and well-being. This is the future of living for the modern workforce," says Mattias Stengl, CEO of Strawberry Living.

The project also has strong local roots, with a large proportion of contractors for groundwork and installations being recruited from the immediate area.

Viscaria Village is being built by MG Link using prefabricated, reusable wooden modules for resource-efficient construction. Factory production reduces waste and construction time while ensuring quality. The fact that the modules can be moved and reused lowers both costs and climate impact.

"With module-based building, we can deliver sustainable housing solutions quickly and cost-effectively, without compromising on comfort or quality. In this collaboration with Viscaria and Strawberry, we have had the opportunity to combine sustainable construction with a safe work environment and high living standards—something that is becoming increasingly important as industry grows in the north," says Magnus Kjellin, CEO of MG Link.

Facts: Viscaria Village
Location: Viscaria area, Kiruna.
Capacity: 132 rooms (total of 264 residents on a rotating 7/7 shift).
Room Standard: Private toilet, shower, and refrigerator in every room.
Activities: Football/tennis court, ice rink, disc golf, outdoor gym, and sauna.
Preliminary Schedule: Module assembly begins May 2026. Move-in Summer 2026.
Architect: A & D Arkitektkontor.

For more information, please contact:
Mattias Stengl, CEO Strawberry Living, +46 70 216 54 71