Atlas Copco’s technical award goes to developer of innovative fastening tools

Stockholm, Sweden, March 28, 2006: Karl Brodin, Operational Manager Application Center Asia, within Atlas Copco’s Tooltec division, is the 2006 winner of Atlas Copco’s prestigious John Munck Award. Brodin was the driving force in the development of a new range of fastening tools which benefit users in the automotive and general industries. He also greatly contributed to the launch of the product, giving it a good start on the market.

The John Munck Award honors excellence in innovative technical thinking that results in products with proven commercial success. Karl Brodin’s work focused on a new range of Tensor fastening tools, which are mainly used in the motor vehicle industry, but also have many applications in the general and aerospace industries. The tools give the user increased productivity due to higher speeds, improved ergonomics due to lower weight, as well as improvements in durability, quality assurance process, and reliability. These customer benefits have led to a commercial success with higher sales volume and improved profitability. Fredrik Möller, President of Atlas Copco’s Industrial Technique business area, says, “Karl Brodin has been the driving force in the project since the start, and with enthusiasm and hard work was able to overcome a number of technical problems and skillfully lead his team to success.” John Munck was one of Atlas Copco's most successful engineers. He worked for the Group between 1930 and 1970 as Atlas Copco’s Technical Director and in other positions. The John Munck Award is presented each year to a product developer or designer, or a team, for outstanding contributions to the overall quality of an Atlas Copco product. The award will be presented at the Group’s annual general meeting in Stockholm, Sweden on April 27, 2006.