Jari Ylinen, CEO of Tauno Tasanto
In March 2010, AxIndustries acquired Tauno Tasanto Oy. Tauno Tasanto is a Finnish distributor of roller bearings and seals, with customers in the heavy industries – primarily steel, saw mill and pulp and paper.
Northern Finland is a key investment area for the heavy industry and for the mining industry in particular. Strengthening our position in this market was important – and when the opportunity to acquire Tauno Tasanto presented itself, the timing and the market situation were right.
Through Tauno Tasanto, AxIndustries now operates in the local arena, with all the advantages of being close to the customers. And for Tauno Tasanto, the merging has opened up new possibilities.
“Through a multi-brand concept, network and enhanced logistics, Tauno Tasanto can offer their customers a significantly broader product range, even higher service levels and safer deliveries,” says Jari Ylinen, MD of Porin Laakeri Oy.
“Instead of consulting several different suppliers, our customers entrust us with handling even the toughest cases. They are confident that we will deliver on time. So the customers are clearly the biggest winners,” concludes Jari Ylinen.
Leif Bohlenius, CEO of LVD Lastvagnsdelar
In 2008, LVD Lastvagnsdelar AB was acquired from owner and CEO, Leif Bohlenius.
LVD has the widest and most complete range of truck parts on the after-sales market, with a network of about 300 suppliers and manufacturers of heavy vehicle components. The company has 82 employees in 8 different locations throughout Sweden.
“We work in a service industry where fast delivery based on smooth-functioning logistics is a key factor. It’s all about delivering the right part in as short a time as possible. We build trust and strong long-term relationships with our customers by keeping our promises to them.
To be market leaders in our branch, as in many others, you have to be able to make fast and flexible decisions while also listening to the customers in order to develop at the pace set by the market. Our understanding of this and our conscious decision to work on it is the foundation of our business development.
Our choice of AxIndustries as owner is based on the fact that they dare to believe and invest in the entrepreneurs behind the company. I know that the motivation and energy that have built up LVD have their foundation in this way of thinking. After all, it is all about keeping the joy of doing business.”
Lars G. Åkerberg, former managing director at Nomo Kullager, currently divisional manager at Bearings & Transmissions
Axel Johnson International acquired Nomo Kullager in 2000 from Lars Åkerberg, the president and son of one of the two founders. Nomo represents many of the world's leading manufacturers of bearings, and is number two in Sweden after market giant SKF.
"When you build up a company from scratch, it becomes an important part of your life. You don't hand your life's work over to anyone. There's too much at stake. What made us take the step towards selling was the fact that we felt we were not moving forward. We saw opportunities for growth but lacked the financial muscle to take advantage of them. The security of a financially stable owner who would reduce our level of risk became increasingly attractive.
"Looking back I can say that everything has gone according to plan. Of course, there is the odd culture shock. Now we are members of a large family with common procedures and regular reporting. The pressures on the financial department are greater, but that is the owner's prerogative."
Fredrik Göpert, managing director, Sverull
Sverull was acquired by AxIndustries in 2007. The company was founded in 1970 as an authorised SKF dealer, with a main focus on the aftermarket.
“Over time we complemented our product range with products all of which work “around an axle”. By providing everything from rolling bearings to transmission products, we have created a full-service offering.
The common denominator in our product range is quality. We market high-quality products which SKF with its high level of expertise and excellent reputation can guarantee. Today we offer highly competent employees, effective stocks and fast deliveries 24/7 all year round.
Since we are a family company with 37 years’ experience of working under family conditions, our choice of AxIndustries as our new owner was simple. We share the same vision for the future and with AxIndustries as an owner we have managed to realise our plans for new businesses and acquisitions, which has provided a new impetus and enthusiasm among all employees.”