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!

_{Click the + sign to see a more detailed timeline.}

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.

When Volvo Trucks unveils this year’s Swedish Metal edition, it’s not just a tribute to heavy metal and the Swedish heavy metal scene. It’s also a tribute to Swedish industry, Swedish craftsmanship, and products built to withstand the rigors of the real world.

This year’s Swedish Metal truck has been equipped with a comprehensive package of bodywork products from Alf Pettersson AB. The products are used daily by transport companies throughout the Nordic region and are designed to meet high standards of functionality, quality, and durability.

After installation, the truck has been given its unique Swedish Metal design with an exclusive combination of glossy paint and special wrapping that shifts in color depending on the light and viewing angle.

The result is a tractor-trailer that turns heads whether it’s at a trade show, rolling through Europe, or on display at the Sweden Rock Festival.

Standard products in a unique concept

In this project, products from Alf Pettersson AB have been integrated into the Swedish Metal concept, contributing to both functionality and the overall aesthetic. The combination of practical transport solutions and a well-thought-out design language demonstrates how proven products can become a natural part of a high-profile branding initiative.

Products on the car

• Cabinet Behind Cab M
• Catwalk 38 G4
• AP Bogie Boxes with Fender Wedge
• AP TraXide Side Panels
• AP Box Front Door Integration
• Frame End Cap ApCat Behind Turntable
• Light Box SP
• Stainless Steel Fender Trim Strips

What makes this year’s Swedish Metal build particularly interesting is that all the products on the truck come from Alf Pettersson AB’s standard product range—the same products that are delivered daily to trucking companies, bodybuilders, and truck owners throughout the Nordic region.

Whether it’s a custom-built vehicle or a tractor-trailer for daily operations, our solutions are based on the same core principles: functionality, quality, and a professional overall appearance.

Swedish quality from concept to finished truck

Swedish Metal is a project that demonstrates how modern truck technology, Swedish design, and well-thought-out body solutions can come together in a single vehicle.

We at Alf Pettersson AB are especially pleased that Volvo has chosen to use so many of our products in one of this year’s most high-profile construction projects.

This proves that solutions developed for everyday transportation also measure up when the goal is to create something extraordinary.

Want to know more?

Please feel free to contact us if you’d like to learn more about the products used at Swedish Metal or how we can help you create a functional and attractive tow truck for your business.

General product information
Product line:Cabinet Behind Cab
Product:ApTur M
Product type: ApTur

Hydraulic tank and storage in a stylish combination. Made of shiny stainless steel for a stylish look that stands out from the crowd. ApTur M is offered, with or without, complete hydraulic package including return filter, valve package, and couplings.

The tank and frame are powder-coated in dark gray (AP color). Includes a mounting frame that has been specially designed for secure installation with torque relief.

Key points

– Hydraulic tank recommended filling 190 L with hydraulic package.

– 10 spaces for trailer couplings with adapter plates for customer customization. Hangers for air couplings.

– Ample storage space with two storage cabinets with espagnolette locks and shelves.

– Frame for permanent mounting and torque relief.

– Prepared with socket for rear view camera.

– 2 work lights in socket (optional).

Accessories for ApTur M

– 4 work lights above the coupling plate (optional).

General product information
Product line:Catwalk
Product type:ApCat 38-G4
Product: ApCat 38-G4 Volvo

Full-length Catwalk gull-wingCatwalk
Catwalk 5 mm untreated marine-grade aluminum with perforated flanges that provide excellent slip resistance. Our unique gull-wing opening allows for easy refueling without the need for unnecessary cutouts in the running board. Mounts on the inside of the side skirt. Complete the look with accessories designed specifically for your vehicle.

Chassis requirements

• Diesel, Euro 6.
  
• Not compatible with vertical exhaust pipes (EXD-VERR)
  
• Not compatible with the HI2 electrical extension socket. (ECBB-HI2).

Technical information

• Removable center section for easy access during servicing
  
• Gull-wing doors for easy access during refueling
  
• Installed as an interior side skirt
  
• Can be supplemented with side profiles under the windshield wiper

The product contains

The package includes a complete, fully equipped Catwalk 38-G4 with any optional extras listed above.

General product information
Product range: APBox
Product type:Integration cabinets
Product: AP Box Integration cabinets

Integrated drawer concealed behind the AP TraXide cover panel.

Expanded storage with drawer integrated drawer the TraXide side panel/cover panel, where three walls of the drawer feature perforated sheet metal with square holes, 9×9 mm and 38 mm center-to-center, for easy and practical hanging of tools and holders for items such as straps.

The front drawer opens using the two pull handles. The drawer is mounted on high-quality telescopic cabinet rails that can handle loads up to 200 kg.

The boxes come complete with mounting brackets for installation with the original side skirt or, as in this case, with AP TraXide.

General product information
Product range: Bogie boxes
Product: AP Bogie fender wedge
Product type: Storage between fender

AP Bogie the solution for easy-access, practical storage that makes use of the space between the car’s Bogie and Tridem fenders. It’s a smart and efficient way to meet storage needs for items such as straps or other loose items.

The Swedish Metal model features an AP bogie box with gas spring-assisted opening. Includes a walkway cover and a TraXide fender wedge with holes for position lights.

Key points

• Wide selection of bogie boxes

- Practical storage

- Smooth retrofitting

Technical information

Material: Stainless steel

Finish: Unfinished

Material thickness: 1 .25 and 1.5 mm

Compatible with: Volvo , Scania, and others

The product contains

- Manual / user guide

Alf Pettersson AB will, of course, be there when this year’s edition of Bra Bärighet returns to its roots in the city where Kranbilsgruppen and Bra Bärighet got their start 10 years ago.

Bra Bärighet 2026 showcases a wide range of vehicles designed to lift and move cargo, from 100 kg to several tons. Meet the specialists and all-around experts behind these amazing machines, who are experts in lifting. Meet the suppliers who build, develop, and provide this industry with innovative products.


Below aresome photos from the event.

Lighting that makes a difference in everyday life

A good storage solution is essential for a smooth workday—but that’s not always enough. To ensure everything runs smoothly, you also need the right lighting.

With LED lighting in toolboxes and cabinets from Alf Pettersson AB, you can quickly see all your tools at a glance, even on dark winter mornings or during late shifts. You’ll avoid unnecessary searching and can work both more efficiently and safely.

Find your way instantly—even in the dark

Being able to quickly see and find the right tool saves both time and frustration. With the right lighting in your toolbox, you get:

• A better overview
• Faster access to tools
• A more ergonomic work environment

Easy installation

Our A5551 LED strip is easy to retrofit and is best installed on the top of the box or cabinet. All you need is a 24V connection inside the box.

Combine with heat for maximum effectiveness

For those who want to take comfort to the next level, the lighting can be combined with our Mistral fan heater, which keeps tools and equipment free from cold and frost.

Discover our new inspiration cars for construction

Here we present a preview of a brand new gallery of trucks with many of our new standard products.

Here you get inspiration for smart solutions for your own truck - with both proven favorites and exciting new products that make the job easier, safer and more efficient.

More details will be presented in the coming weeks.

Traffic White - Smooth Top

TraXide with top cover
TraXide is a stylish cover painted in cab color, here mounted together with black painted sloping AP top cover with gas damper opening for practical handling.

Standing AP Box
Standing AP Box for mounting behind the cab, adapted to hookloaders. The box is made of polished stainless steel.
The box contains tool panels, lighting and a heater.

AP Bogie with shielding wedge
Bogie box with gas damper opening and
sloping lid, for practical handling even with a load, and TraXide shielding wedge with socket for position light.

AP Box Integration
Handy stainless steel toolbox that is mounted behind Volvo's original side skirt.
The integration boxes provide extra storage options and optimize space without compromising the aerodynamics of the skirt.

Traffic White - Rough Top

AP Top Cover
Black painted sloping top cover in aluminum can with ground tops and gas damper opening for good looks and practical handling.

Standing AP Box
Standing AP Box for mounting behind the cab, adapted to hookloaders. The box is made of polished stainless steel. The box contains tool panels, lighting and heater.

AP Bogie with shield wedge
Bogie box with gas damper opening and
sloping lid, for practical handling even with a load, and TraXide shield wedge with socket for position light.

AP Box Integration
Handy stainless steel toolbox that mounts behind Volvo's original side skirt.
The integration boxes provide extra storage options and optimize space without compromising the aerodynamics of the skirt.

Traffic White - Snow Patrol

AP Tarpaulin box
The tarpaulin box is made of polished stainless steel and has a perforated, profiled bottom. Easy to place above where, for example, tanks and other items are already mounted on the frame.

AP Bogie
The bogie box is the solution for easily accessible and simple storage that makes use of the space between Bogie car's Bogie and tridem fenders. The Bogie drawer is made of polished stainless steel.

AP Bogie drawer
AP Bogie drawer, made of polished stainless steel in premium quality.
drawer pull-out fittings for easy
access to the contents of the drawer.

AP Box with Storage frame
Polished stainless steel toolbox with Storage frame. The box contains a shelf, heater, and lighting.

Traffic White - Practical storage

Standing AP Box
Standing AP Box for mounting behind the cab, adapted to hookloaders. The box is made of polished stainless steel. The box contains tool panels, lighting and heater.

AP Bogie bedding
The bogie box is made of polished stainless steel and has a perforated profiled bottom.

AP Box with double doors
Polished stainless steel tool box with Storage frame and double doors.
Four-patterned plush shelves and rubber mats on the bottom.

AP Tarpaulin box
The tarpaulin box is made of polished stainless steel and has a perforated, profiled bottom. Easy to place where, for example, tanks and other items are already on the frame.

Traffic White - Original page

Upright AP Box
Upright AP Box for mounting behind the cab, adapted to hookloaders. The box is made of polished stainless steel.
The box contains a tool panel,
lighting and a heater.

AP Bogie with fender wedge
Bogie box with gas damper opening and
sloping lid, for practical handling even with a load, and TraXide fender wedge with socket for position light.

Top cover with
original skirt
Original side skirt, painted in cab color together with black painted sloping
AP Top cover with gas damper opening for practical handling.

AP Box Integration
Handy stainless steel toolbox that
is mounted behind Volvo's original side skirt.
The integration boxes provide extra storage options and optimize space without
compromising the aerodynamics of the skirt.

A universal tool holder that is easily mounted over toolboxes, diesel tanks or battery covers and that allows shovels, sticks and brushes to always be carried in an easily accessible and convenient way.

The tools sit firmly in the holder without taking up unnecessary space. Skewers are securely placed with extra stops at the front and back.

The slim design is stable and comes in black electro-galvanized finish, which can withstand harsh conditions.

Key points

• Site utilization
• Versatile
• Durable and stable

The product contains

• Metal brackets
• Rubber straps for tools

To product

We're halfway through the year - and the best part is that more people are getting involved.

Health is more than exercise - it's about wholeness, community and feeling good for real!

In 2025, we are committing to a year of activities and inspiration through the 'Year of Health 2025'. This is an initiative that will support well-being and create energy.

Inspiring health is not always the easiest thing to do, as it is a varied and large part of life. Moreover, health can look different for each individual. The WHO defines health as, among other things, "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being..."

In the autumn of 2024, we carried out the usual health checks, which we do about every three years. Instead of just testing, as in the past, we wanted to follow up with concrete actions - that is, to inspire movement, reflection and community. We can't do everything, but we can still provide the conditions for success.

Clara from Marketing Communications and Veronika from HR initiated a health project where all employees had the opportunity to have their say: What is health for you? What do you want to try? What makes you want to get involved? Based on their insights, we built a program for mid-2025, with the goal of getting as many people as possible to want to participate.

"The purpose of our Year of Health is that there should be something for everyone to be both inspired and motivated by.
With small simple changes and with one step at a time, there will be better results than if we go big and make big changes. The biggest obstacle is usually ourselves, as we are impatient and want quick results.
If we instead learn to be persistent, make it more simple and uncomplicated, we will succeed better." - Veronika

We are now entering a time of many short weeks and many days off.
Here is a summary of opening hours in May 2025:

If you want to get in touch with us during the holidays, you can email order@alfpettersson.com and we will get back to you as soon as we are in place again!