The agreement runs for three years, with an option to extend by a further two, starting in January 2011. During the agreement period, the parties will be endeavouring to develop their collaboration still further, increasing production efficiency and reducing costs.
Outokumpu is a world-leading producer of stainless steel, with major production facilities in Sweden and Finland. The group has a turnover of around € 8 billion and employs a little over 8,000 people in more than 30 countries throughout the world. Outokumpu’s primary strategy is to become the world’s number one supplier of stainless steel. An important part of this strategy is to find partners that can provide Outokumpu with the expertise required to allow the company to focus on its core business.
“This distribution and service agreement with Outokumpu is an important step for AxIndustries in its efforts to provide Nordic industry with turnkey solutions. The three years that have passed since the initial agreement was signed have proved to be an excellent experience for both parties, leading to the joint decision to extend what is already a well-functioning collaborative relationship. The fact that Outokumpu has named us as specialized supplier of bearings to the entire Outokumpu Group is something we view as an indication that we will be working together for the long term,” says Peter Lindquist, MD of AxIndustries.
“The wide range of high quality products and the level of technical expertise offered by AxIndustries were decisive factors in choosing them as our roller bearing collaboration partner for the previous agreement. Having three years’ practical experience of working together with AxIndustries made the decision to extend the scope and length of our collaboration a simple one,” says Johan Eriksson, General Manager of the Outokumpu Group and the person responsible for the agreement. “We will continue to focus even more on improving our production process, involving our suppliers at various stages along the way. We know that, backed by their own expertise and that of their suppliers, AxIndustries can make a significant contribution towards this development,” continues Eriksson.
For further information, please contact: Peter Lindquist, Managing Director, AxIndustries AB, Tel. +46 (0)8 453 77 00 Johan Eriksson, General Manager, General Procurement, Outokumpu Oyj, Tel. +358 (0)225 63 444
Axindustries is a group of trading companies developing and selling components, systems and customized customer solutions to Nordic and Baltic industries through its Bearings & Transmissions, Heavy Duty Vehicle Components and Industrial Components divisions. Axindustries has annual turnover of SEK 1.4 billion, a workforce of 500 employees and is part of Axel Johnson International.