Atlas Copco restructures assembly of pneumatic tools

“This is part of our strategy to increase sourcing from Eastern Europe and Asia,”says Fredrik Möller, Business Area President, Atlas Copco Industrial Technique. “By establishing production in Hungary, we are lowering our cost base and safeguarding our future growth prospects.”   The factory, located close to Budapest, will become fully operational during the first quarter of 2008. A consultation process will be initiated in Hemel Hempstead, where Atlas Copco primarily produces pneumatic tools for the automotive and general industry under the CP Desoutter brands. The measures are expected to affect approximately 85 employees. The factory currently employs almost 200 people. Costs related to the proposed move amount to slightly less than MSEK 50.  “We regret the unfortunate situation this change will represent for our employees in Hemel Hempstead, and the company will take every reasonable action to assist those affected in achieving alternative employment either within or outside the Atlas Copco Group,”Möller says.    Great Britainis an important market for Atlas Copco and the changes will not have any effect on the marketing, sales and service of CP Desoutter products. Möller says: “This reorganization will give us the efficiencies of production and administration to be able to operate in the market with a greater competitive edge and to further develop the range and quality of products to the benefit of our customers.”For further information please contact: Fredrik Möller, Business Area President Atlas Copco Industrial Technique +46 (0)8 743 85 05 or +46 (0)70 555 9592 Daniel Frykholm, Media Relations Manager  +46 (0)8 743 8060 or +46 (0)708 65 8060