25 years of ideas, perseverance, and optimism

When Alf Pettersson started his company in 2001, the plan was actually quite simple. He wanted to create something of his own—a business where ideas could become reality without lengthy decision-making processes or unnecessary obstacles.

Building a company may not have been explicitly part of the plan from the start. What was there, however, was curiosity, drive, and a desire to solve problems.

Alf grew up on a farm outside Vårgårda as the youngest of six siblings—four brothers and one sister. Over the years, he has gained expertise in engineering, design, production technology, languages, and translation, as well as a deep interest in music. He still picks up his guitar whenever he gets the chance.

Those who know Alf often describe him as driven, stubborn, and full of ideas. He himself often jokes that an impatient idea machine works best when he’s in charge. It was with that mindset that Alf Pettersson AB was founded.

The Early Years – Custom Solutions and Customer Focus

The early years were characterized by custom manufacturing, consulting projects, and tailored solutions. Often, this involved finding solutions to problems for which there was no off-the-shelf solution.

The business grew rapidly. From a turnover of 86,000 kronor in its first year, the company’s revenue had risen to around four million kronor within just a few years.

Demand for specialty products continued to grow, and in 2003 the first product catalog was produced to give customers a comprehensive overview of the product range. At that time, the company’s own products were manufactured by external suppliers, while the company also represented several Italian accessory brands for the trucking industry.
Customer needs were already the focus back then.
– “We’ve always had high ambitions and a well-organized approach with the customer at the center,” says Alf.

Above: The first Elmia trade show in 2004 Below: Hydraulic tank

Jan-Krister Johansson and Alf Petetersson back in the day.

Part of the staff following the move to Alingsås in 2010. Seven of the people in the photo are still working there today.

An important piece of the puzzle falls into place

In 2005, Jan-Krister Johansson joined the company as a sales representative and design engineer. Five years later, he became a partner and took over as CEO. Together, Alf and Jan-Krister continued to grow the business. The focus was on in-house products, technical development, and long-term customer relationships.

During this period, several important steps were taken. The company established its own warehouse, invested in modern 3D design, and began gradually building up its own product portfolio.

Revenue continued to grow, and the business gained an increasingly prominent position in the market.

From a small workshop to in-house production

The year 2008 marked one of the most important milestones in the company’s history. With a new press brake and its own welding equipment, the company launched its in-house production—at that time in a modest 34-square-meter space.

What began on a small scale marked the start of a journey from a trading and engineering firm to a manufacturing company with its own production facilities.

The following year, the company moved from Vårgårda to Alingsås. The facility expanded from 288 to 1,255 square meters, and the company had 13 employees at the time. Since then, the expansion has continued step by step through new production areas, larger warehouses, more machinery, and new investments.

When Problems Became Opportunities

One of the products that has had the greatest impact on the company’s development is the Rough tank. It actually originated from a problem. When the company began supplying a particularly demanding market, it turned out that the tank solutions used in the industry were not up to the task under those harsh conditions.

Instead of accepting the situation, they decided to start from scratch.

– “Starting with a serious customer issue, we developed a completely new tank and mounting system that’s in a class of its own in terms of durability and functionality,” says Alf.

More than fifteen years later, demand continues to grow, and the product remains a key part of the company’s portfolio.

Other products that have played a significant role over the years include the AP console and the company’s well-known AP boxes, products that are now strongly associated with the brand.

Proof that the work paid off

For Jan-Krister, there is one particular memory that stands out among all the projects, investments, and product launches.

When the company’s toolbox and bracket standard equipment on factory-built truck-mounted cranes from Volvo Trucks, it felt like a major recognition.
– “It was an amazing feeling. It really felt like we had taken a big step forward,” he says.

This served as proof that our long-term efforts to improve quality, functionality, and customer value were paying off.

As the company evolved, its visual identity also changed. In 2020, the bright red logo was replaced with a calmer, more subdued blue design.

More than just products

Over the years, the company has grown from just a few people to over 50 employees. Revenue has exceeded 100 million Swedish kronor, and the business now occupies approximately 5,000 square meters of office, warehouse, and production space.

But when the topic of pride comes up, the answers aren’t primarily about numbers.
– “The fact that we’ve built a solid reputation based on the idea that we earn our pay by delivering value to our customers. I hope and believe that our customers see us that way,” says Alf.

Jan-Krister highlights the people behind the company’s growth.
– “The fact that we’ve built a strong brand and a truly great company—with our own products and resources—that generates over 100 million kronor in revenue and provides a great workplace for more than 50 people. I’m very proud of that.”

The next chapter begins now

A lot has changed over the past 25 years. From custom orders and consulting projects to a wide range of our own products for the trucking and transportation industry. From small premises in Vårgårda to a modern production facility in Alingsås. From just a few employees to a company with over 50 employees and customers across much of Europe.

At the same time, much remains the same. The thirst for knowledge. The wealth of ideas. The drive to find better solutions.

When asked to describe the company in three words, Alf chooses competence, ambition, and heart. Jan-Krister chooses ambitious, honest, and caring. Perhaps that is precisely where the explanation for the first 25 years lies, and perhaps that is also where the foundation is laid for the next 25.

We invite you to join us on our continued journey forward!

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Alf Pettersson AB is a Swedish development and manufacturing company based in Alingsås that designs, manufactures, and stocks truck accessories and body components —such as brackets, boxes, tanks, and other innovative solutions for the transportation industry.

The company is a Dependable Process Partner for its customers and operates based on three clear guiding principles: best product, high quality, and delivery reliability.
With in-house design, production, and warehousing in Alingsås, Alf Pettersson AB can take responsibility for the entire chain—from concept to finished solution—with a focus on functionality, sustainability, and efficient processing.

The company was founded in 2001 by Alf Pettersson in Vårgårda and began as a flexible business specializing in design and custom manufacturing. Over the years, the company has grown into an established supplier to the Nordic region’s leading manufacturers of trucks and truck bodies, with a broad in-house product range and its own production facilities.

In 2026, Alf Pettersson AB will celebrate its 25th anniversary —still guided by the same founding principle: to combine creativity with technical expertise and deliver well-thought-out solutions that work in the real world.