On the banks of the roaring Vindel river in northern Sweden lies Indexator AB. Here, some of the world’s best-selling rotators are manufactured — known for their high quality and long service durations. The rotators are used in forestry, general cargo and materials handling. “Our rotators are standard fitting for the larger machine manufacturers. It requires sound knowledge of the harsh reality that the products will be used in,” says Gunnar Ba°lfors, vice president of Indexator AB.
 
UNIQUE ROTATOR SOLUTIONS
The man behind Indexator, Allan Jonsson, used to lift large timbers onto trucks in the early 1900s, without the help of any lifting devices. Even then, he had started to think about what today’s rotator solution would be. His aim was to create a 360° rotator for heavy loads. He finally achieved this after much experimentation, at the end of the 1970s.
 
“The rotators are hydraulically balanced. This means that they can cope with heavy loads, and this was a discovery unique to Indexator,” says construction manager Joakim Harr.
The range has since expanded to also include swing dampers, swivels and tilt rotators for excavators.
 
FAMILY-OWNED SECURITY
Indexator is well into its second generation now and still very successful. This means that the company can take a long-term view of its future as a major supplier. The company offers high- quality products, guaranteed delivery and reliable after-sales support; these values are known in the company as ‘Indexator’s philosophy’.
“We see it as a profitable investment. We have become even better at delivering high quality at the right time, with the help of our committed and involved employees,” says Ba°lfors.

WORLD-CLASS PRODUCTION
All production takes place in Vindeln, northern Sweden. Over 220 people work in the company. As a visitor, you quickly learn that this is a world-class production facility. Indexator uses an advanced production system — Flexible Machining System (FMS). The FMS automatically provides the processing machines with material.
“Not everything is automated. The final assembly and quality testing is done manually. The fitter follows the entire process and approves the product with his own signature,” confirms Harr.
 
DEVELOPMENT PARTNER
The products are sold to more than 40 markets worldwide. Exports are important for Indexator, with around 65% of its products going to export markets. One reason for Indexator’s success could be that the company does not see itself as a manufacturer, but rather as a development partner.
“We collaborate with individual machine manufacturers to simplify the interplay between the rotator and the base machine,” says Harr.
 
QUICK PROVISION OF SPARE PARTS
It is well-known that once wear and tear begin to show, quick service is important. Indexator has established a network of service providers. These service providers primarily have spare parts, but also can provide complete rotators and accessories.
“Each market has its own requirements, and the service network is different around the world.” Customers and workshops can also contact our technical support team with its experienced members,” says Ba°lfors.
At Indexator, the success looks set to continue. Since the beginning of the year, 50 new workers have been employed, with several also being recruited right now.