Atlas Copco Airpower celebrates 50 years of success

In 1956, Atlas Diesel acquired compressor specialist, Arpic Engineering SA, Antwerp, Belgium. The same year, Atlas Diesel took its present-day name, Atlas Copco, an abbreviation of Compagnie Pneumatique Commerciale, thereby highlighting the company’s increased focus on compressed air.    With the successful acquisition of Arpic Engineering, Atlas Copco gained access to larger production facilities and increased its competence in portable compressors. During the 1960s, the major part of Atlas Copco’s existing compressor manufacturing was transferred to the workshops in Belgium.   Today, Atlas Copco’s Airpower facility in Belgium is the world’s largest and most advanced manufacturing site for both portable and stationary compressors, employing around 2 600 people. It is the head office of Atlas Copco’s business area Compressor Technique, which had revenues in 2005 totaling MSEK 20 672.   Says Ronnie Leten, Business Area President, Atlas Copco Compressor Technique, “We are proud that Atlas Copco is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Atlas Copco Airpower, as a leader in compressed air. We look forward to many more exciting developments in the years to come.”   Today, Atlas Copco Airpower is hosting the Atlas Copco AB Board. It is also welcoming dignitaries from the local academic, political and economic community to celebrate the Company’s important milestones.For further information please contact:Ronnie Leten, Business Area President, Compressor Technique +32 (0)3 870 2938 or +32 (0)477 222 685 Joanna Canton, Media Relations Manager +44 (0)1442 22 23 12 or +44 (0)7971 65 01 15Atlas Copco is a world leading provider of industrial productivity solutions.The products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment, generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly systems, to related aftermarket and rental. In close cooperation with customers and business partners, and with more than 130 years of experience, Atlas Copco innovates for superior productivity. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the Group’s global reach spans more than 150 markets. In 2005, Atlas Copco had 27 000 employees and revenues of BSEK 53 (MEUR 5 600). Learn more at www.atlascopco.com.Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business areadevelops, manufactures, markets, and services oil-free and oil-injected stationary air compressors, portable air compressors, gas and process compressors, turbo expanders, electric power generators, air treatment equipment and air management systems. It also offers specialty rental services. It innovates for superior productivity in applications such as manufacturing, construction, and the process industry worldwide. Principal product development and main manufacturing units are in Antwerp, Belgium. More information is available on www.atlascopco.com.