As we soon turn the page on 2022, it is relevant to take a brief look in the rear-view mirror. The turbulent time from the previous year did carry forward, featuring supply chain challenges, transportation, and reoccurring Covid issues, even if the latter is now gradually being referred to by some as ‘just another virus’.

The worst part of 2022 is the war that Russia started against Ukraine in February. This has, in turn, influenced so many other aspects of the economy, supply chains of certain materials, and the energy market. Still, it is the people of Ukraine who suffer the effects of the war more than anybody else.

In March, AXEL and our employees jointly contributed to a series of humanitarian donations to help the people of Ukraine. This Christmas AXEL has made another donation to UNHCR, specifically aimed toward Ukraine and we encourage everyone who can to do something similar.

Despite the external challenges that have influenced our ambitions from time to time, we have still had a good year with healthy demand. We sincerely thank all our customers for being understanding and constructive in a period of frequent price reviews. We know this caused a lot of extra work for all involved, but it is necessary to keep up with the volatile market.

Thanks to the wonderful team at AXEL, we have kept the world moving forward with less friction. We continue with our sustainability initiatives, grease technology research, and investments in people and infrastructure at our 6 facilities. We have worked relentlessly to track down raw materials, and then manufactured and shipped the lubricating grease our customers ordered as best we could. It may seem straightforward – as it should be – but in 2022 it was not always so. We aplogise for any delay you may have experienced, and rest assured that our ambitions always were to deliver on time – we will try even harder in 2023!

I wish you all a relaxing and energising Christmas holiday and the very best for a peaceful and successful 2023!

Johan Stureson
CEO AXEL Group