The history of Axel Johnson International,

150 years of business development

Back in 1873  our founder, 29-year-old saddler’s son Axel Johnson, decided to export iron and import coal, his vision was his only collateral. He broke with tradition, took untried roads east and soon started a trading company. And when the existing infrastructure proved insufficient, he started his own shipping line.

Five generations and many brave decisions later, we know how fantastic it is when intuition becomes reality. When strong values pay off. When necessary changes become longed-for new beginnings. Welcome to our history!

Breaking the Billion

For the first time, the group surpassed the SEK 1 billion profit mark at SEK 1.3 billion

Industrial Automation is formed

A new business group with the vision is to be a leading provider of automation solutions.

Driveline Solutions is formed

A leading provider of driveline systems for mobile off-highway, marine and industrial applications is formed. Today the group operates in 7 countries.

Power Transmission Solutions is formed

The companies within business group Power Transmission companies provide secure and reliable mechanical power transmission components and related services to European manufacturers in a wide range of industries.

Transport Solutions is formed

Transport Solutions provide safe transports by air, sea and land, and market-leading solutions within cargo securing and truck and trailer accessories.Today the group operates in in 9 countries.

Martin Malmvik appointed CEO of Axel Johnson International

Martin Malmvik transitions from the position of Managing Director at AxLoad (currently Lifting Solutions) to take on the role as CEO of Axel Johnson International.

Caroline Berg becomes Board Chair of Axel Johnson AB

The chairman’s gavel at Axel Johnson is handed on from Antonia Ax:son Johnson to her daughter  Caroline Berg, the fifth generation.

Lifting Solutions is formed

Business group Lifting Solutions has developed rapidly since the start in 2005 and is today a global player in lifting equipment, steel wire rope, height safety and services.

Antonia appointed Board Chair

Nordstjernan is restructured. Business collaboration between Nordstjernan and A. Johnson & Co. is gradually minimised. Antonia Ax:son Johnson becomes chairman of A. Johnson & Co.

Axel Johnson Flow is started

Today is the business group more known as AxFlow or Fluid Handling Solutions. AxFlow is a leading source of pumps, mixers, valves, heat exchangers, instruments; complete pumping systems and fluid handling expertise for the process industry, operating in 30 countries.

Third generation takes over

The Consul General, Axel Ax:son Johnson dies, leaving behind more than 100 companies. Nordstjernan is endowed and incorporates most of the Johnson Group. His son, Axel Ax:son Johnson, also known as the Mining Engineer, takes over as CEO of Nordstjernan and the trading company A. Johnson & Co.

The Consul General takes over

Axel Johnson dies and his eldest son, Axel Ax:son Johnson, also called the Consul General, takes over the firm.

Axel Johnson is founded

Saddler’s son and trade clerk Axel Johnson founds A. Johnson & Co., an agency and commission business, on Lilla Nygatan in Stockholm.