About Us

GPI Forankra
Certified cargo securing solutions for aviation & defense

GPI Forankra History

1981

Creation of GPI (Grapel International) by Daniel POT

Coming from a local company manufacturing seatbelts, our founder decided to develop a business centered around textile restraint systems for the aerospace industry.
1982

First OEM production by GPI

Right from the start, GPI worked with aircraft manufacturers such as Dassault and Aérospatiale (the ancestor of Airbus).
1988

First military production by GPI

Building on his experience working with the military in his previous company, our founder developed this new activity with the French armed forces.
1995

Renewal of Air France contract

During the 1990s, GPI’s main customer was Air France and we also had a workshop to repair cargo nets.
2002

GPI is acquired by ACK

When he decided to retire, Daniel POT sold the company to one of its long-term partners, ACK, a specialist in road cargo securing, enabling synergies between the two companies.
2007

With the acquisition of ACK by Axel Johnson International, GPI becomes GPI Forankra

The Swedish family-owned group, founded in 1873, brings even more stability to our company.
2008

Development of a Dyneema net

After certifying the lightest polyester net on the market, GPI also obtained certification for a Dyneema net to get an even lighter product.
2015

ETSO C172 lashing certification

Following regulatory changes, the entire range of ISO 16049-1 tie-down straps is now ETSO-C172 certified.
2020

COVID adaptation

During this tumultuous period, GPI adapted and participated in numerous Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion projects, supporting the transport of masks and other essential goods.
2025

TAM’s Saab 2000 cargo conversion is approved by EASA

Almost 20 years after the first nets developed with Täby Air Maintenance, we are still working together on Saab conversions.
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Our Mission: Engineering safe and innovative cargo securing solutions

At GPI Forankra, safety and quality are not marketing claims — they are operational requirements.

For over 45 years, we have designed and manufactured certified aircraft cargo restraint systems used by airlines, OEMs, and defense operators worldwide. Every product is engineered to meet strict aviation standards and to perform reliably in demanding operational environments.

Our mission is clear:
To design and manufacture reliable, innovative, and certified cargo securing solutions that ensure safety, performance, and long-term value for the global aviation and defense industry.

We develop secure, lightweight, and durable cargo securing systems that protect aircraft, crews, and cargo while optimizing operational efficiency. From standard certified components to fully customized OEM and military programs, our solutions are built to perform — and built to last.

Our Vision: To be the European reference in aviation and military cargo restraint

Our ambition goes beyond manufacturing products. We aim to be a trusted long-term partner in aviation cargo securing, combining technical expertise, agility, and industrial stability.

We believe the future of aircraft restraint systems lies in:

• Intelligent engineering

• Continuous weight optimization

• Close collaboration with customers

• Adaptation to evolving regulatory requirements

As a specialized and agile manufacturer backed by the strength of a large industrial group, we offer the best of both worlds: rapid responsiveness with structured processes and controlled production standards.

Our vision is to continuously support aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and defense programs with solutions that evolve alongside operational and certification challenges.

What makes GPI Forankra

Dual expertise

Standard & custom certified solutions
We combine a comprehensive catalogue of ETSO-certified air cargo products with strong expertise in custom OEM and military developments. This dual capability allows us to strengthen both standardized and tailor-made programs.

Agility

with Industrial stability
Our specialized team enables fast decision-making and direct technical exchanges. At the same time, our integration within a strong international group ensures structured governance, controlled manufacturing, and long-term reliability.

Proven partnerships

Built for the long term
For decades, we have collaborated with airlines and aircraft manufacturers worldwide. These long-standing relationships are built on consistency, compliance, and trust.

Engineering

Driven approach
Our solutions are practical, cost-efficient, and performance-oriented. They are designed based on real operational feedback, certification constraints, and field experience.

Operational mindset

From strategy to execution
We understand field realities, certification complexity, and supply chain challenges. In critical situations — including AOG emergencies — responsiveness is not optional; it is essential.

Industrial strength backed by Axel Johnson International

GPI Forankra is part of Axel Johnson International, a global industrial group that acquires and develops companies in strategically selected niche markets, primarily within technical components and industrial process solutions.

As an active and long-term owner, the group drives business development and sustainable growth. It builds clusters of companies with shared strategic objectives, encouraging joint initiatives and knowledge sharing.

Axel Johnson International operates through six business groups:

  • Fluid handling solutions
  • Industrial solutions
  • Lifting solutions
  • Power transmission solutions
  • Transport solutions
  • Driveline solutions

Headquartered in Stockholm, the group comprises more than 200 companies across 35 countries and is part of the Swedish family-owned corporate group Axel Johnson.

This strong industrial backing enables GPI Forankra to combine entrepreneurial agility with long-term strategic vision.

Map Forankra

Aligned with strong industrial values

Being part of Axel Johnson International means sharing core principles that guide our daily operations:

Axel Johnson International

Making
Things Happen

Proactive execution and practical solutions

Good
To Work With

Long-term relationships built on transparency and reliability

Being
Far-sighted

Strategic thinking and continuous improvement

These values align naturally with aviation culture, where responsibility, precision, decisiveness, and commitment are fundamental.