Transport Solutions Strengthens Vehicle Component Business in Finland Through Acquisition of RST Steel Oy

TMT Widni Oy, a Finnish vehicle component group within Axel Johnson International’s business group Transport Solutions, has acquired a majority shareholding in RST Steel Oy, a leading Finnish manufacturer of bull bars and light bars for commercial vehicles. The acquisition strengthens Transport Solutions’ vehicle component offering and supports continued growth in vehicle safety products.

RST Steel Oy adds in-house manufacturing capabilities, strong brands, and deep technical expertise to Transport Solutions’ existing portfolio. The company employs 39 people, and its product range and vehicle integration capabilities complement the group’s ambition to offer customers a broader, more complete solution within vehicle components. The acquisition also creates a platform for geographic expansion beyond Finland and into Scandinavia.

Founded in 2005 by Ilpo Eskola and Tommi Pääkkö, RST Steel Oy has built a strong market position through high-quality manufacturing of bull bars, light bars, and roof bars, combined with advanced vehicle light integration. Product quality and fit are ensured through in-house research and development, modern production facilities, and continuous testing and adaptation at the company’s workshops in Nivala, Kempele, and Pirkkala. Bull bars and light bars are important safety features for commercial vehicles, reinforcing RST Steel Oy’s role in vehicle safety and performance.

“We are excited to become part of Axel Johnson International and TMT Widni. This partnership provides us with a long-term owner, access to a strong industrial network, and the resources needed to further develop our offering and expand into new markets, while continuing to deliver high-quality products and solutions to our customers,” says Tommi Pääkkö, CEO of RST Steel Oy.

The acquisition aligns with Transport Solutions’ strategy to strengthen its position within vehicle safety products by developing specialized companies with clear growth potential and strong technical capabilities.

“We are very pleased to welcome our long-time business partner RST Steel Oy to TMT Widni. Their in-house manufacturing, strong brands, and technical expertise complement our existing product companies well and create opportunities for synergies across our Finnish operations. Together, we can also support the continued geographic expansion of RST Steel Oy’s offering through our broader network,” says Tea Lehto, Managing Director of TMT Widni Oy.

“RST Steel Oy is a strong addition to Transport Solutions and further strengthens the group’s overall vehicle component offering,” says Erik Eklöv, Managing Director of Transport Solutions at Axel Johnson International.

For further information, please contact:

Tea Lehto, Managing Director, TMT Widni Oy
+358 88 20 520, tea.lehto@tmt.fi

Tommi Pääkkö, CEO, RST Steel Oy
+358 40 508 3971, tommi.paakko@rst-steel.fi