How we select the right suppliers and ensure a transparent supply chain

For Powertex and Ropetex, product reliability begins long before a sling, hoist, or rope reaches the warehouse. It starts with carefully selecting the right producers and maintaining a transparent supply chain.

We spoke with Jukka Toiviainen, Managing Director of Axel Johnson International Trading (Ningbo) Co., Ltd., about how his team ensures that Powertex and Ropetex products sourced in Asia are produced responsibly, consistently, and in line with European and Australian standards.

Selecting the right partners

“All our producers must meet strict requirements for quality, sustainability, and compliance,” says Jukka. “We never rely on claims or catalogues alone; we visit the factories, talk with management, and audit the processes on-site. We want to know how and where our products are produced and tested, and test reports for each production batch are checked before delivery.”

The Supplier Approval process includes:

• Commercial audits, which assess reliability, service, and communication
• Quality audits, which confirm products meet European standards and our own stricter specifications
• Sustainability audits, which verify safe working conditions and responsible environmental practices

“We don’t look for the cheapest supplier,” Jukka explains. “We look for the best price–quality ratio, because Powertex and Ropetex products are used in demanding industrial environments where performance and safety cannot be compromised.”

Traceability through direct relationships

To guarantee transparency, Axel Johnson International works directly with producers in the region, without intermediaries. “Every product we source can be traced right back to the factory where it was made,” says Jukka. “That means we can act immediately if an issue ever arises, and our customers always know that the product is compliant and responsibly produced.”

“Having our own local sourcing office close to our suppliers gives Axel Johnson International companies a significant advantage in managing the supply chain and serving our end customers. Our professionals, who are specialized in lifting products, are in daily contact with the best manufacturers in the business, speaking their own language, which is needed to carry the full responsibility of the products' quality and safety”.

Why this matters for customers

By investing in direct oversight and long-term partnerships, Powertex and Ropetex ensure that:

• Every product meets EU & AU standards and our internal specifications
• Supply chains are transparent and free from intermediaries
• Products are traceable back to their source
• Customers can rely on consistent quality and safety

“We are proud to be one of the very few European companies carrying out all audits in-house,” Jukka concludes. “It gives us full control and builds real trust, both with our production partners and with our customers.”