Atlas Copco restructures in South Africa

During the past few years, Atlas Copco’s Rock Drilling Tools division has made significant investments in new production equipment at its manufacturing facilities in Fagersta, Sweden. The purpose of these investments has been to increase productivity, shorten lead times, and ensure top quality by using modern automated production equipment. This production upgrade in Sweden is affecting the manufacturing of rock drilling tools in Springs, South Africa.

As a result, 109 jobs in Springs will be affected. Atlas Copco notified the relevant unions today in South Africa. Atlas Copco has a total of about 1 200 employees in the country.

“Investments in modern automated production equipment with the goal of increasing efficiency can result in changes in other parts of the organization,” said Bob Fassl, Business Area President for Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Technique. “This action unfortunately affects some employees, but we will do our best to provide support through this difficult process.”

Atlas Copco’s Rock Drilling Tools division manufactures rock drilling tools for both surface and underground applications. The division is headquartered in Fagersta, Sweden, and has manufacturing units around the world.

For further information please contact:

• Bob Fassl, Business Area President, Mining and Rock Excavation Technique +46 (0)8 743 8314
• Ola Kinnander, Media Relations Manager +46 (0)8 743 8060 or +46 (0)70 347 2455

Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, expanders and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. With innovative products and services, Atlas Copco delivers solutions for sustainable productivity. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In 2011, Atlas Copco had 37 500 employees and revenues of BSEK 81 (BEUR 9).

Atlas Copco’s Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area provides equipment for drilling and rock excavation, a complete range of related consumables and service through a global network. The business area innovates for sustainable productivity in surface and underground mining, infrastructure, civil works, well drilling and geotechnical applications. Principal product development and manufacturing units are located in Sweden, the United States, Canada, China and India.