What Bufab does

Bufab AB (publ) is a Swedish-headquartered, publicly-listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: BUFAB, since February 2014) trading company that provides supply chain solutions for C-parts — fasteners, technical components, fittings, and related consumable hardware used in industrial production. Founded in 1977 in Värnamo by Hans Björstrand and Roland Johansson, the company has grown from a Nordic fastener supplier into a global decentralized network of approximately 20 wholly-owned subsidiary brands operating in more than 30 countries across Europe (North/East/West), the UK & Ireland, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific, supported by China-based sourcing offices and employing roughly 1,850 staff referred to internally as "Solutionists".

The group's core offering addresses the high indirect-cost problem of managing thousands of low-value C-parts SKUs across global supply chains: Bufab consolidates procurement, supplier qualification, inventory management (including vendor-managed inventory), kitting, technical sourcing, sustainability/regulatory compliance support (REACH, RoHS, CBAM, CSRD, conflict minerals), and logistics for industrial manufacturers. Its brand portfolio includes specialty positions in stainless steel fasteners (BUMAX, Apex Stainless), premium trade-pro fasteners (TIMCO, UK, 7,000+ SKUs), kitchen and furniture fittings (HT Bendix), tempered-glass construction fittings (CDA), OEM component supply (Component Solutions Group, A1 Fastener), magnets (Magnetfabriken), and ultra-pure liquid transfer systems for medical use (PureSys). Group-wide coordination is provided by the "Bufab Best Practice" operating methodology and a Sustainable Supplier Engagement Program (SSEP) targeting a 55% reduction in Scope 3 carbon intensity by 2031.

Bufab makes money primarily through transaction-based revenue from selling C-parts and related value-added services to industrial B2B customers, with quote-based/negotiated pricing rather than disclosed tiered pricing. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales executed through decentralized regional subsidiaries, complemented by brand-level e-commerce platforms (webshop.bufab.com and subsidiary webshops including TIMCO and Apex Stainless). Distribution channels serve enterprise, mid-market, and SMB/trade-pro buyers across diverse industrial verticals (manufacturing, automotive, construction, furniture, medical). Since the 2014 IPO, the company has compounded revenue at roughly 14% CAGR, paid out ~28% of net profit as dividends, and completed more than 50 acquisitions since 1978, with notable deals in 2021 (five-company cluster), 2022 (TIMCO, CDA, Pajo-Bolte), 2024 (VITAL S.p.A.), and October 2025 (Novia Group).

Name

Bufab

Legal name

Bufab AB (publ)

Website

https://bufabgroup.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Bufab is a Swedish-listed trading company providing global supply chain solutions for industrial C-parts (fasteners and technical components) through a decentralized network of approximately 20 subsidiary brands across more than 30 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Värnamo

HQ country

Sweden

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. C-parts trading and supply chain services: Bufab generates revenue as a trading company selling fasteners, technical components, and C-parts to industrial customers. The company offers comprehensive solutions including procurement, inventory management, and supply chain optimization services. Revenue is generated through product sales and associated service fees. Bufab has reported consistent operating profit since founding in 1977.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Bufab is a global trading and supply chain partner for industrial C-parts (fasteners, fittings, magnets, technical components), selling physical parts and bundling procurement, vendor-managed inventory, kitting, technical R&D support, and sustainability compliance services (REACH, RoHS, CBAM) to industrial manufacturers. Operations span 30+ countries via ~20 wholly-owned subsidiary brands, with revenue generated primarily through product sales and associated service fees.

Product overview

Bufab Group is a global supply chain partner for C-parts (consumable hardware components like fasteners, fittings, and accessories), operating as a decentralized network of entrepreneurial companies. The portfolio includes over 20 subsidiary brands spanning geographic regions (Nordics, Western Europe, Americas, Asia-Pacific, UK & Ireland) and specialized niches (stainless steel fasteners, magnets, glass fittings, ultra-pure liquid systems). Key brands include BUMAX (premium stainless steel fasteners), TIMCO (professional-grade fasteners with 7,000+ products), HT Bendix (kitchen/furniture fittings), Kian Soon (Southeast Asia C-parts), and CDA (tempered glass fittings). Bufab positions itself as a 'Solutionists' network delivering tailored solutions beyond just products, helping customers achieve up to 20% total cost savings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BUMAX: Swedish premium brand manufacturing stainless steel fasteners through cold and hot forming as well as machining
• TIMCO
• HT Bendix
• Kian Soon
• CDA Bufab
• Novia Group
• VITAL S.p.A.
• Jenny Waltle
• Magnetfabriken
• Bufab FLOS
• Apex Stainless Fasteners
• Component Solutions Group
• A1 Fastener & Components
• Perlane Sales
• Rudhäll
• PureSys
• Pajo-Bolte
• Tilka Trading
• American Bolt & Screw

Products and services

• Bufab Group C-parts Supply Chain Solutions

Quantifiable outcome

• Total cost savings of up to 20% for customers
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Novia GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025In October 2025, Bufab acquired noviaGroup, a German expert supplier of global sourcing solutions, strengthening Bufab's West Europe operations with advanced technical sourcing and optimization of specially manufactured components and assembled products. Based in Germany and Switzerland, Novia Group combines local presence with global reach.
• VITAL S.p.A.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024In 2024, Bufab acquired VITAL S.p.A., a leading Italian distributor of C-parts (fasteners, bolts, mechanical fasteners, and customized special parts). VITAL provides comprehensive services including support from product development phase and maintains minimum inventory for quick delivery.
• TIMCOcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Acquired in 2022, TIMCO delivers quality products that professionals rely on daily, with over 7,000 products and award-winning customer service. Strengthened Bufab's UK & Ireland operations.
• CDA PolskacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Acquired in 2022, CDA is a manufacturer and distributor of fittings for hardened glass and products and system solutions for glass in the construction industry. Broadens Bufab's business scope with bathroom and interior fittings.
• Pajo-Bolte AScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Acquired in 2022, Pajo-Bolte is a flexible and stable partner with specialist expertise in sales and distribution of fasteners for the construction, assembly, and manufacturing industries in Denmark.
• Component Solutions Group (CSG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Acquired in 2021, CSG is an entrepreneurial company specialized in manufacturing, supplying, and distributing components for OEM producers, covering engineering, precision machining, fastener systems, tools, and inventory monitoring.
• Tilka TradingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Acquired in 2021, Tilka is a wholesaler delivering fasteners, special details, disc springs, and logistics solutions to the engineering industry in Sweden.
• Jenny|WaltlecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Acquired in 2021, Jenny|Waltle develops and manufactures high-quality aluminum, metal, and plastic details with focus on Lean production, strengthening West Europe operations with expertise in aluminum products.
• HT BendixcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Acquired in 2019, HT Bendix delivers fittings and accessories to the kitchen and furniture industry, specializing in customer-specific product development with over 10,000 articles including handles, hinges, screws, wheels, and drawer rails.
• American Bolt & ScrewcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Acquired in 2019, American Bolt & Screw is a premium supplier of commercial fasteners, nuts, bolts, screws, and hardware with seven full-service facilities in the US and Mexico serving manufacturing and assembly customers.
• RudhällcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Acquired in 2018, Rudhäll is a global manufacturer of components and systems for demanding industrial customers, operating through specialist units offering cost-effective solutions with global presence.
• Kian SooncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Acquired in 2017, Kian Soon has headquarters in Singapore and is a large supplier of C-parts to customers throughout Southeast Asia. Also offers VMI solutions, kitting services, and technical R&D support. Renamed to Bufab in 2026.
• MagnetfabrikencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Acquired in March 2016, Magnetfabriken has developed into one of the Nordic leading suppliers of magnets and magnetic solutions since its founding in 1992.
• Apex Stainless FastenerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Acquired in November 2015, Apex Stainless Fasteners is one of Europe's leading specialist suppliers of stainless steel fasteners, known for its wide and extensive range.
• Bufab FLOScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Acquired in 2015, Bufab FLOS is a leading supplier of fasteners and technical components, offering added value through efficient and cost-saving total solutions, delivering components made of steel or stainless steel in standard or customer-specific design.
• BUMAXcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Acquired in 2000, BUMAX is a Swedish premium brand manufacturing stainless steel fasteners through cold and hot forming as well as machining. Its unique fasteners are made for extreme conditions and meet customers' high demands for strength, fatigue and corrosion resistance.
• Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)coreOthersBufab signed the Science Based Targets initiative in 2021 and had its targets validated in 2022, pledging support for Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Targets include eliminating internal GHG emissions by 2030.
• UN Global CompactcoreOthersBufab is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, committing to dramatically reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to 100% clean energy for offices and manufacturing.
• EcoVadiscoreOthersEcoVadis provides the leading solution for monitoring sustainability in global supply chains. Bufab Group was awarded a Platinum medal in recognition of CSR achievements.
• Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)coreOthersBufab participates in CDP's environmental disclosure platform for measuring and managing environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks, and resource use.
• Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB (PwC)coreOthersBufab's appointed audit firm since 2005, re-elected at AGM 2025 for the period until AGM 2026. Johan Rippe is the lead audit partner.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bossard Group: Swiss-listed global fastener and C-parts distributor with a similar roll-up M&A strategy; competes directly with Bufab in European industrial markets and offers overlapping Smart Factory Logistics and supply chain solutions.
• Trifast (TR) plc: UK-listed specialist industrial fastener and C-parts distributor with European and APAC operations; closest direct comparable to Bufab in business model, customer mix, and roll-up history.
• Fastenal Company: US-listed leader in industrial fastener distribution and on-site vending/MRO solutions; relevant comparable for Bufab's VMI/kitting model and digital e-commerce build-out despite Americas-vs-Europe focus.
• Würth Group: Family-owned German global leader in fastener and C-parts distribution with multi-decade track record; the largest direct competitor to Bufab in European industrial fastening and a benchmark for the decentralized 'advisors' sales model.
• Lawson Products: US-listed distributor of industrial fasteners, parts, and maintenance supplies with direct field sales; comparable mid-sized specialist competing in similar customer use cases as Bufab's North American operations.

Regional players

• Kullberg Industri: Swedish regional fastener distributor and Bufab's traditional Nordic competitor; relevant comparable for understanding the Nordic C-parts competitive landscape Bufab originated from.

Emerging players

• FIXFAST (a CRH company): UK-based specialist in commercial roofing and cladding fasteners; a narrower but adjacent specialist distributor comparable to Bufab's TIMCO and construction-focused subsidiaries.

Broad incumbents

• MSC Industrial Direct: US-listed broad-line industrial MRO distributor with a meaningful fastener offering; not a pure-play C-parts specialist, but competes for the same industrial customer's wallet on fasteners and adjacent components.
• WESCO International: US-listed global broad-line industrial distribution and supply chain services provider (post-Anixter merger); a much larger incumbent that overlaps with Bufab in industrial fastener distribution to large OEMs.
• Grainger (W.W. Grainger): US-listed MRO industrial distribution giant with KeepStock and vendor-managed inventory offerings; competes for large industrial customers' C-parts budgets at a much broader scale than Bufab.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/bufabgroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bufab

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bufab