5700
Employees
Annual Review 2023
Annual Review 2023
Circle of Progress
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.
1672
Million Euros in Annual Sales
34
Countries
6
Business Groups
200
+
Companies
PreviousNext
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
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
2012
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
PreviousNext
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
PreviousNext
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
PreviousNext
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
PreviousNext
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
PreviousNext
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
PreviousNext
The Business Groups
Driveline Solutions
Market segments: Mining ∙ Marine ∙ Agriculture ∙ Forestry ∙ Railroad
Read more
106
Million Euros
In Annual Sales
7
Countries
13
Companies
Fluid Handling Solutions
Market segments: Food & Beverage ∙ Chemical ∙ Water & Wastewater ∙ Energy ∙ Pharmaceutical ∙ Pulp & paper
Read more
464
Million Euros
In Annual Sales
30
Countries
56
Companies
Industrial Automation
Market segments: Vertical farming ∙ Aerospace ∙ Construction ∙ Automotive ∙ Micro-mobility ∙ Home-appliance & electronics ∙ General industry
Read more
38
Million Euros
In Annual Sales
7
Countries
2
Companies
Lifting Solutions
Market segments: Renewable energy∙ Marine ∙ Ports ∙ Construction ∙ Cleanrooms ∙ Industrial manufacturing ∙ Mining ∙ Energy
Read more
460
Million Euros
In Annual Sales
19
Countries
24
Companies
Power Transmission Solutions
Market segments: Steel ∙ Pulp & paper ∙ Food & beverages ∙ Automation ∙ Renewable energy
Read more
362
Million Euros
In Annual Sales
14
Countries
37
Companies
Transport Solution
Market segments: Bodybuilders ∙ Automotive ∙ Car & truck resellers ∙ Mach
Read more
245
Million Euros
In Annual Sales
9
Countries
21
Companies
PreviousNext
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
PreviousNext
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
PreviousNext
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.
Set Up for Continued Success
Read Board Chair Comment
Board & Management
Our Management Team & Board of Directors
PreviousNext
