Atlas Copco to increase manufacturing capacity for screw compressor elements

Stockholm, Sweden, August 2, 2006: Atlas Copco is to expand the manufacturing capacity of its facility in Antwerp, Belgium, which produces screw compressor elements. The investment has a value of MSEK 60 (MEUR 6.5).

The demand for screw compressors has been showing a solid and sustained growth for all brands within Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area during the past years. At the same time, the introduction and market acceptance of new compressor elements and new compressor types has further boosted the demand. “To be able to meet the high demand for screw compressors, we will further increase the manufacturing capacity of Atlas Copco’s Airpower plant in Antwerp in Belgium,” says Ronnie Leten, Business Area President, Atlas Copco Compressor Technique. The investment consists of a number of highly automated machine tools for manufacturing the core components of screw compressors. The installation of the new machines is expected to be completed in mid 2007. The production facility where the investment is being made is part of the Airtec division within Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area. The investment will create 12 new job opportunities.