Annual Review 2023

Welcome

As we proudly lead the charge in transforming our industry, the commitment to long-term success is guided by the continuous circle of progress, innovation, and efficiency. Discover and enjoy Axel Johnson International’s 2023 Annual Review.

5700

Employees

1672

Million Euros in Annual Sales

Countries

Business Groups

200 +

Companies

150 Years of Industry Presence — Building on a Family Legacy

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 International

Cornerstones of an Exceptional Year

Vision, determination, and agility creates resilience and sets the prerequisites for growth. The combination of a solid strategy and flexibility to adjust when the world changes has been increasingly important over many years now.

Read CEO Summary

Business Model and Strategic Focus

The core of Axel Johnson International’s identity is captured in the term decentralisation. This essentially means that decision-making happens within the business groups and companies. The local companies make decisions close to their market and customers, forming exceptional partnerships within their respective sectors.

Explore Growth Strategy

Business Model and Strategic Focus

Securing Long-Term Growth

Accelerating Sustainability

At the core of the sustainability work lies a profound recognition of the positive change the group can collectively drive. It’s not merely about compliance, it’s about being relevant and adopting long-term approaches to conducting business and sustaining success.

Explore Sustainability

Creating Impact

Making Things Happen

Committed to Long-Term Business

Performance Overview

A Place to Grow and Develop

Being part of Sweden’s largest privately owned corporate group, we are built on a strong family legacy. A group with a clear value-driven, entrepreneurial culture, and a commitment to an inclusive working environment and a diverse workforce.

Explore People & Culture

A Place to Grow and Develop

Equality to Foster Innovative Teams

A Proactive Digital Strategy

A few years ago we moved towards a more centralised IT function, to ensure the same standard across the group. As a result, all group companies have now transitioned to the Microsoft 365 (M365) suite, facilitating enhanced cybersecurity and data accessibility.

Explore Digitalisation

A Proactive Digital Strategy

Navigating the Digital Landscape

The Business Groups

Driveline Solutions

Market segments: Mining ∙ Marine ∙ Agriculture ∙ Forestry ∙ Railroad

106

Million Euros

In Annual Sales

Countries

Companies

Fluid Handling Solutions

Market segments: Food & Beverage ∙ Chemical ∙ Water & Wastewater ∙ Energy ∙ Pharmaceutical ∙ Pulp & paper

464

Million Euros

In Annual Sales

Countries

Companies

Industrial Automation

Market segments: Vertical farming ∙ Aerospace ∙ Construction ∙ Automotive ∙ Micro-mobility ∙ Home-appliance & electronics ∙ General industry

Million Euros

In Annual Sales

Countries

Companies

Lifting Solutions

Market segments: Renewable energy∙ Marine ∙ Ports ∙ Construction ∙ Cleanrooms ∙ Industrial manufacturing ∙ Mining ∙ Energy

460

Million Euros

In Annual Sales

Countries

Companies

Power Transmission Solutions

Market segments: Steel ∙ Pulp & paper ∙ Food & beverages ∙ Automation ∙ Renewable energy

362

Million Euros

In Annual Sales

Countries

Companies

Transport Solution

Market segments: Bodybuilders ∙ Automotive ∙ Car & truck resellers ∙ Mach

245

Million Euros

In Annual Sales

Countries

Companies

Group Stories

Get to know some of our companies in these articles that highlights sustainability and showcases innovative solutions across our group. Stories that exemplifies how our companies drive change and collaborate with partners throughout the value chain to find sustainable solutions.

Circular Approach to Bearing Reuse

Forankra Group Raises the Bar in Circularity

How Team Spirit Solved a Conveyor Challenge

Sunny Outlook for Water Supply in South Africa

Win-Win with Remotorisation

Workplace Safety with Know-how

A Year of Resilience

The year began with various continued challenges, from supply-chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and ongoing global conflicts to increasing inflation and general market uncertainty.

Explore Financial Overview

A Year of Resilience

Two Steps Ahead with Financing

Financial Overview

Board & Management

Axel Johnson International is a privately owned Swedish global industrial group with over 200 companies operating in selected niche markets within the industrial sector. The core mission is focused on nurturing and acquiring businesses specifically centered on technical components and industrial solutions.