With our roots in Sweden’s legendary Bergslagen – a region in central Sweden rich in iron ore and metallurgical tradition – BUMAX is built on a long legacy of continuous innovation and unparallelled quality to meet the most rigorous industry and customer demands.
100 years of stainless steel innovation. Centuries in the making.
In 2026, we’re celebrating our 100-year anniversary of stainless steel fastener production at our factory in Åshammar.
Check out our 100-year anniversary website.
1660
Åshammar Forging and Nail Foundry established
The village of Ashammar, in Sweden’s legendary Bergslagen steel district, provided the perfect environment to nurture a business built on precision metalworking.
1753
The Åshammar foundry receives the ÅH stamp
The ÅH stamp was a symbol of early quality assurance and export standards, and part of Åshammar’s long-term industrial identity.
1899
Åshammar Bolt Factory opens
Jonas Jönsson upgraded the foundry into the Åshammar Bolt Factory, which was powered by a 90 horsepower water wheel.
1916
First cold heading machine installed
The first cold heading machine was introduced mainly to boost productivity and production capacity, not for product performance or quality improvements.
1926
Stainless steel era begins
The factory in Åshammar became one of the first in the world to produce stainless steel fasteners.
1947
Incorporation into the Bulten Group
The Åshammar Bolt Factory joins the Bulten Group, gaining broader manufacturing capabilities and distribution networks.
1951
Inauguration of a fastener factory for the future
The new state-of-the-art factory in Åshammar was equipped with the latest machinery while setting new workplace standards.
1975
Shaping the ISO 3506 stainless steel fastener standard
Åshammar engineers fight for and win a landmark ISO vote to ensure stainless fastener strength is classified by mechanical properties rather than bolt length.
1980s
Established supplier of critical fasteners
The factory establishes itself as a global supplier of critical stainless steel fasteners for the most demanding applications.
1997
BUMAX® brand registered
The BUMAX® trademark is officially registered, bringing decades of stainless expertise into a distinct, globally recognised brand.
2000
Joins the Bufab Group
Bulten Stainless is incorporated into the Bufab Group, which provides a global platform to match the world-class BUMAX product range.
2002
BUMAX® 88 and BUMAX® 109 product lines launched
BUMAX 88 grade achieves successful appraisal for Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), which is essential for various critical industrial applications.
2014
Launch of BUMAX® ULTRA the world’s strongest stainless bolt
BUMAX ULTRA, with tensile strengths exceeding 1,700 MPa and a strength class above 15.9, was launched in response to customer demand.
2015
BUMAX AB a new identity
The company officially changes its name to BUMAX AB, aligning its corporate identity with the internationally recognised product brand.
2017
Launch of BUMAX® DX 129
A redefined sub-sea fastening by uniquely combining class 12.9 mechanical strength with exceptional duplex stainless steel corrosion resistance.
2023
Launch of BUMAX® NITRO 109
The nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steel grade was developed to deliver 10.9 class strength in aggressive marine chloride environments.
2026
100 years of stainless steel fasteners
We are proud to celebrate a century of stainless steel production and our contribution to global industry.
2027
The future of BUMAX…
Exciting news coming soon!
Contact our technical team to discuss your custom BUMAX fastener requirements.
We can help you find the optimal solution for your specific requirements.
