Atlas Copco 100 years in Norway

Atlas Copco was established in Oslo on May 13, 1916, under the name Norwegian AS Diesel Motorer. Focusing primarily on diesel engines the company grew rapidly. Since then Atlas Copco has continuously helped Norwegian industry with products, systems and service solutions aimed at increasing customer productivity and profitability. Today Atlas Copco has over 180 employees in Norway, responsible for sales and customer service and working close to our customers.

From 1948 the core business was pneumatic equipment and compressors for industrial, construction and mining operations, now under the name AS Atlas Diesel. In the postwar period equipment from Atlas Copco was used in the development of roads, railways, hydroelectric plants and industry throughout Norway. In 1956 the company changed its name to Atlas Copco, short for "Compagnie Pneumatique Commerciale".

Today, Atlas Copco supply compressor solutions for all types of land-based industry, as well as for the Oil & Gas, offshore and marine industries. Our advanced products contribute to sustainable productivity. Energy efficient, variable frequency Atlas Copco compressors supply precisely the air flow customers need for their specific applications.

Our products are more environmentally friendly and ergonomic. For example, energy consumption has been reduced by 40% for our grinding processes and by up to 90% for assembly tools. In addition to pneumatic tools, we now have electrical computer controlled assembly tools, which optimize end-product quality, and hydraulic tightening tools for torques of up to 100 000 Nm.

Atlas Copco is a pioneer in the area of high pressure compressors for well, energy, and rock drilling. Our latest addition is the Drillair Y35, with exceptional performance and many features that contribute to efficient drilling.

Over the years Atlas Copco has delivered compressors, drilling equipment and service to companies constructing Norway's many hydraulic power plants. The prototype for modern surface drill rigs was developed at Atlas Copco. Today Atlas Copco supplies the mining industry with fully automated computer controlled drilling rigs and self-driving loaders.

Ronnie Leten, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group: “It has been a great journey since the Atlas Copco Group was established in Norway in 1916. We have a strong product portfolio in the country with our four business areas serving customers within many different industries. Norway is definitely important to the success of the Atlas Copco Group.”

It’s not easy to predict the developments that will come during the next 100 years but one thing is certain, innovations from Atlas Copco will contribute, just as they have during the past 100 years.

For more information please contact:
Erik Presthus, General Manager, Atlas Copco Anlegg- og Gruveteknikk AS
Tel: +47 95 12 46 12, e-mail: erik.presthus@no.atlascopco.com

Per Arne Martinsen, Atlas Copco Tools Norway
Tel: +47 90 61 48 47, e-mail: per.arne.martinsen@no.atlascopco.com