Digitalization
Strategic digital initiatives that help our companies seize new opportunities and stay at the forefront of their industries.
About Us
We invest in and develop industrial companies that create sustainable and profitable growth — united by strong values and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Axel Johnson International is a privately owned global industrial group operating in selected niche markets. The core mission is focused on business development and acquisitions specifically centered on technical components and industrial solutions. With a commitment to long-term ownership, the group encourages sustainable growth, and collaboration across the diverse portfolio of companies.
Our Business Model
Driven. Guided. United.
Driven by Long-Term Commitment
We are an international group of local companies, making decisions close to our customers. Built on an entrepreneurial culture and a decentralized leadership model, we take a long-term approach to ownership and development.
Guided by Ambitious Goals
The 10/50/50 goal, set by our owner Axel Johnson, means that over 10 years, 50% of what we do will be new things that we are not doing today. We also aim to reduce the total climate impact of the Axel Johnson Group with 50%. It’s a long-term commitment to renewal and sustainable growth, encouraging us to innovate, expand, and build a more climate-resilient future.
United by Our Strong Values
Being
Far-Sighted
We drive sustainable change. We favour long-term commitments, and have the intention of staying on and serving the market.
Being Good
to Work With
We inspire confidence and genuinely respect people and relationships.
Making
Things Happen
We have a passion for business. We challenge, initiate, and take responsibility for delivering on our promises.
Focus Areas
Driving Progress Across the Group
As an owner, we aim to further leverage the advantages of being part of a large group and secure long-term growth. Our four strategic focus areas — digitalization, solutions, sustainability, and people development help us to jointly utilize on the strength that comes from working together. We believe these areas are essential to the long-term growth and continued development of our companies.
People Development
Investing in learning and leadership to help our people grow and reach their full potential.
Solutions
Turning expertise into practical solutions that solve real customer challenges.
Sustainability
Building on our solid foundation, we are ready to accelerate our sustainability work and take the lead in the transformation.
Growth Strategy
Long-Term Ownership Without Exit Strategy
As a family-owned industrial group, we take a long-term view on every investment. Our companies stay and develop within the group, supported by shared knowledge, resources, and a strong sense of community. Growth is achieved through a balanced combination of organic expansion and acquisitions, always with the ambition to strengthen our business groups, create lasting value, and continue growing together for decades to come.
Our long-term strategy is built on diversification and a strong presence across markets, combining local positions with a global perspective.”
Fredrik Eklund
Director of Strategy and M&A
Our History – 150 Years of Industry Presence
1873
Axel Johnson is founded – The saddlemaker’s son and trade clerk, Axel Johnson, established the agency and commission business A. Johnson & Co. in Stockholm, Sweden. A business focusing on import and export of raw materials. This marked the beginning of a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that would unfold.
Axel Johnson
1890
The shipping company Rederiaktiebolaget Nordstjernan was founded, and its first ship, the steamship Annie Thérèse, named after the founder’s wife, embarked on its maiden voyage. The foundation of the Johnson Line was formed.
Axel Johnson
1910
Axel Johnson passes away, and his eldest son, known as the Consul General, assumes the leadership of the firm. Axel Ax:son Johnson, characterised by his entrepreneurial spirit steps into the role and actively seeks to connect businesses to create integrated value chains.
Axel Johnson
1958
The third generation steps into leadership as the Consul General passes away, leaving behind 100 companies. Nordstjernan becomes foundation-owned and receives the majority of the Johnson Group. His son, Axel Ax:son Johnson, also known as the Mining Engineer, takes over the role of CEO for Nordstjernan and the trading company, A. Johnson & Co.
Axel Johnson
1960
In the arena of international business, Mining Engineer Axel Ax:son Johnson carries out an effective modernisation, expanding Axel Johnson into an international trading company. With presence in over 50 countries worldwide, the company reached new global heights under his leadership.
Axel Johnson
1982
Antonia Ax:son Johnson, the daughter of the Mining Engineer, takes on the role of Chairman at A. Johnson & Co. With the new retail and wholesale trading sectors and as a pioneer in sustainable business practice, Antonia starts building the modern Axel Johnson.
Axel Johnson
1988
The international trading company HexaTrade acquires the company Axel Johnson International under the name Axel Johnson Trade (AxTrade), Axel Johnson AB becomes majority owner. The group evolves through acquisitions and characterised by decentralisation and specialisation, laying the foundation of what eventually becomes Axel Johnson International.
Axel Johnson International
1989
Axel Johnson Flow AB is established, later rebranded as AxFlow in 1994. AxFlow quickly becomes a leader in the field of pumping systems and fluid handling expertise for the process industry.
Axel Johnson International
1993
The corporate identity of AxTrade undergoes a transformation and evolves into Axel Johnson International, signifying a strategic shift and expanded horisons for the group.
Axel Johnson International
2005
The business group Lifting Solutions takes shape, a dynamic global group of companies specialising in lifting equipment, height safety, and services.
Axel Johnson International
2015
Caroline Berg, the fifth generation, assumes the role as Board Chair at Axel Johnson. The ambitious 10/50 goal is set, reflecting the company’s commitment to renewal. The goal states that in ten years, 50 percent of what Axel Johnson will do will be new initiatives that do not currently exist.
Axel Johnson
2016
Martin Malmvik is appointed CEO for Axel Johnson International, and further strengthens the decentralised leadership model and strategic vision for the group.
Axel Johnson International
2017
The business group Transport Solutions is established, bringing together all transportation-related companies. The business group stands as a market-leader in cargo securing, as well as truck and trailer accessories.
Axel Johnson International
2019
The business group Power Transmission Solutions is established, emerging as European leaders in advanced mechanical power transmission solutions with extensive technical expertise.
Axel Johnson International
2020
The business group Driveline Solutions is established specialising in mobile off-highway, marine, and industrial applications, covering all aspects of the value chain in their domain.
Axel Johnson International
2022
The business group Industrial Automation takes shape to deliver solutions that supports companies to increase the degree of automation in their operations, for a more reliable, and sustainable future. Axel Johnson International achieves remarkable results, highlighting the success of its strategy and exceeds the billion milestone.
Axel Johnson International
2023
Axel Johnson celebrates 150 years of innovation and success. The legacy of Axel Johnson higlights a long-term perspective, transformation and a positive force for change, spanning across all generations. Axel Johnson International, with the roots in the group’s history, has a substantial part in this remarkable journey, frequently achieving fantastic results. 2023 concludes with another historical record result!
Axel Johnson