Kalundborg: A Town at the Crossroads of Investment and Discontent

The Danish town of Kalundborg, the heart of Wegovy production, faces challenges despite massive financial inflows, including low income levels, rundown schools, and a transient workforce.

Kalundborg, a coastal town in Denmark with a population of just 16,000, is experiencing a unique scenario reminiscent of a modern-day gold rush. It's the main production hub for the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk, which has invested a staggering $8.5 billion (£6.5bn) into the area. This amount rivals the GDP of Monaco, yet locals question why the town isn't thriving amid such a financial boost.

A significant issue is the high turnover of workers at the Novo Nordisk factory. In the morning, a flood of employees and contractors pour into Kalundborg, only to leave in droves by afternoon, creating a traffic pattern known locally as the "Novo Queue." Unfortunately, very few of these workers choose to live in the town, opting instead for nearby cities.

With the impressive figure of £400,000 invested per resident, one might assume Kalundborg is a desirable place to be. However, behind this facade lies a plethora of challenges. The local schools are struggling, with state grades in Danish language and math trailing behind the national averages. Some areas have insufficient facilities for children, such as neglected playgrounds.

Regional councillor Helle Laursen Petersen highlights how these educational shortcomings lead to low expectations among parents. Many believe their children can secure jobs without a university education simply due to the factory's presence, which impedes academic ambition.

Students at Gymnasium, the area’s most prestigious school, express a desire to leave for larger cities, viewing Kalundborg as stagnant. One student, Anna K, finds the town lacking excitement, while her peers Ali and Marie have a glimmer of hope, envisioning future opportunities upon their return.

Business within the town sees mixed results. Brian Sonder Anderson, who operates the Blue Angel cinema, acknowledges flourishing supermarkets catering to factory workers during their lunch hours. However, retail stores selling clothing and shoes tend to open and close rapidly due to the transient nature of the workforce.

Many families in Kalundborg have low incomes, a consequence of rising costs in the capital, Copenhagen, leading some to rely on government support. Alarmingly, the town ranks among the top 5% in Denmark for childhood obesity—a stark reality given Novo Nordisk's focus on weight-loss solutions.

Novo Nordisk thrives as Europe's most valuable company, with revenues exceeding $33 billion last year, yet this success has reignited concerns surrounding Denmark's economic reliance on the pharmaceutical sector. The overall Danish economic growth rate remains modest, with analysts cautioning against over-dependence on this industry.

Mayor Martin Damm maintains an optimistic outlook. He emphasizes that the town is generating over 1,000 new jobs annually and sees hope in young residents choosing to stay. Miguel, an 18-year-old student from Madrid, is optimistic about Kalundborg's allure, noting the town's growing international community.

Although a new highway is under construction to alleviate congestion, the pressing question remains: how can Kalundborg transition into a more permanent home for its workforce? As students reflect on the future, some envision a more multicultural landscape emerging in the coming years, instilling hope for a revitalized town.

In summary, despite significant investments fuelling Kalundborg's economy, the residents' challenges and aspirations highlight the complexities of transitioning from a transient workforce to a thriving community.