Trux AB was founded in 1986 in central Sweden. Back then, the focus was on simple front protection – commonly known as “moose guards” for heavy trucks. Today, 40 years later, the company is Europe’s leading manufacturer of front-mounted safety equipment for heavy-duty vehicles. But the journey almost ended before it had even begun.

The story of Trux began in the 1980s, when Sweden’s moose population reached its highest level in modern times. For haulage companies, this meant frequent collisions, costly damage and unwanted downtime. The idea for front protection was sparked by a frustrated haulier, and entrepreneur Axel Sandstedt saw the opportunity.

– My father realised this would fit well with his existing business at the time, Exte, which already manufactured products for hauliers. Inspired by the kangaroo bars used in Australia, he developed an aluminium front protection system called the Exte Wildbar, says his son, Peder Sandstedt.

In 1986, Axel Sandstedt decided to fully commit. He sold his existing company, took the front protection concept with him and founded a new business under the name Trux.

Hauliers quickly recognised the value of the product – but the Swedish National Road Safety Authority took a very different view. The authority deemed the front protection systems a risk to vulnerable road users, and suddenly the entire venture was at stake. However, Axel Sandstedt was not one to give up easily. With support from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, he was able to demonstrate that distance-mounted aluminium front protection systems actually improved safety in collisions. After adding a grille, the authority relented, and Trux was granted an exemption from the new legislation.

– Most people would probably have given up, but that simply wasn’t Axel Sandstedt. He was solution-oriented – and in the end, it paid off, says former site manager Hasse Olsson.

The exemption became the true starting point, allowing the business to grow.

Since then, Trux has developed into a leading player in Europe, offering a wide range of safety and styling products for most truck brands. The combination of high quality, considered design and the ability to create bespoke solutions has made the company a preferred partner for hauliers.

At the same time, its local roots remain strong. Through close collaboration with regional suppliers, the company contributes to both industrial development and local employment.

– It’s common for production to be moved elsewhere, but we work with many local suppliers, most of them based in this region of Sweden, says Stefan Björk, who has worked in sales at the company for 30 years.

As Trux marks its 40th anniversary, the company stands strong for the future, even as new challenges emerge. One of these is the increasing level of electronics in modern trucks.

– Today’s vehicles are equipped with advanced systems such as emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and other electronics, which makes product development more complex. At the same time, we have a very strong collaboration with both Scania and Volvo, says site manager Ulf Göransson.

Despite an uncertain global outlook, the company has achieved steady revenue growth over several years and continues to expand its presence across Europe.

– We’ve increased our turnover for three consecutive years while maintaining good lead times. No one knows exactly how the market will develop, but we will continue to refine what we do and listen closely to our customers. It should be easy to do business with Trux, says Ulf Göransson.

After 40 years, the ambition remains the same: to stay in the frontline.