Kalundborg: A Town at the Heart of a Pharmaceutical Boom, Yet Struggling with Growth

Kalundborg, home to the production of Wegovy and benefitting from an £6.5 billion investment, is not experiencing the expected boom due to social and infrastructural issues. While the town is attracting temporary workers, many locals express desire to relocate, citing limited opportunities and underfunded schools.

Kalundborg, a quaint Danish coastal town of around 16,000 residents, stands as a focal point of investment and growth, particularly due to the presence of Novo Nordisk, the creator of the weight loss drug Wegovy. With over £6.5 billion invested into the region, one might expect a flourishing economy and an influx of permanent residents. However, challenges lurk beneath this significant financial input, preventing Kalundborg from realizing its potential.

The presence of Novo Nordisk's manufacturing plant has led to a temporary upsurge of workers commuting in the mornings while heading back out in the evening – a phenomenon the locals refer to as the “Novo Queue.” This pattern raises questions about the town's livability as few workers choose to settle in Kalundborg, opting instead for residences in nearby cities. Despite significant investment of around £400,000 per resident, many locals feel uninspired to remain in Kalundborg amid dwindling educational resources and commercial closures.

Educational institutions in Kalundborg, according to local councilor Helle Laursen Petersen, often struggle with attracting quality teachers, resulting in poor academic performance that is below the national average in core subjects. Many students, including Ali, Anna K, and Marie, remain indifferent about their town, with aspirations to leave for larger cities after their academic pursuits. Contrarily, some local students express optimism about returning to Kalundborg, hoping job opportunities will flourish alongside improved living conditions.

While certain local businesses thrive due to lunchtime crowds from the factory workers, others struggle due to a lack of permanent local clientele, illuminating the town's economic fragility. Despite Novo Nordisk's market influence—contributing substantially to Denmark's economic growth—analysts warn of over-dependence on the pharmaceutical industry, posing risks to economic resilience.

Mayor Martin Damm emphasizes that job opportunities are increasing each year, and improvements to local education facilities are underway, showing faith in the town's upward trajectory. Young locals like Miguel and Amanda reflect a vision of Kalundborg evolving into a multicultural hub, sparking hope amid the stagnation experienced by many.

However, to genuinely thrive, Kalundborg must attract and retain permanent residents—something that new infrastructure, such as a highway expansion, may aid but cannot guarantee alone. As students navigate their choices of study and future prospects, the road ahead for Kalundborg remains ambiguous, teetering between potential growth and persistent inertia.