Axel Johnson International’s Lifting Solutions business group is for the first time venturing outside of Europe through an acquisition of five lifting companies in Australia – The Rigging Shed, Lifting Victoria, Elevate Lifting & Rigging, Schillings Hoisting Equipment and On Call Lifting, effective August 31.

The companies have 10 sites strategically distributed across the west, south and east part of Australia and will form a group under the leadership of Steven Flint, currently the Managing director of the largest company in the group, The Rigging Shed. With approximately AUD 40 million (SEK 260 million) in sales and 125 employees, the companies provide lifting and rigging equipment and related services. Their success is built on strong product knowledge, solid local relationships and a diversified customer base.

Today, the companies are affiliated through an organisation called the Global Lifting group where the companies collaborate within purchasing.

“We are very excited about this opportunity which is a milestone in our ambition to support our customers globally.  All companies have a well-established market position, competent and dedicated co-workers, and we are confident that they will fit very well into our group,” says Ralf Wiberg, Managing Director, Lifting Solutions.

Steven Flint, Managing Director of The Rigging Shed, is equally enthusiastic about the acquisition commenting: “Becoming a part of Axel Johnson International will allow us to widen our product range, strengthen our supplier relationships and our market concept. We really look forward to working with the Lifting Solutions group and our current customer base as we grow together.”