Atlas Copco stands as a testament to global industrial prowess, its operational footprint spanning every continent except Antarctica. While its initial foray outside Sweden was a sales office in Russia in 1913, a significant market at the time, the winds of revolution shifted its focus. It was the United Kingdom in 1919 that became the launchpad for Atlas Copco’s international expansion, marking the beginning of a century of global reach and innovation in industrial solutions, including technologies that would later become integral to diesel-powered applications.
Venturing into Africa, Atlas Copco first established a sales office in Kenya in 1936. However, it was South Africa that became the bedrock for its African operations. Demonstrating foresight, Atlas Copco invested in Delfos, a drill bits and spare parts manufacturer, as early as 1922, eventually acquiring full ownership. This strategic move laid the foundation for its future success in the region, particularly in mining, an industry heavily reliant on robust, often diesel-powered machinery.
Across the Atlantic, Canada emerged as Atlas Copco’s gateway to North America in 1948, introducing the innovative “Swedish method” of rock drilling. This pioneering approach rapidly gained traction, enabling the company to capture half the market within a few short years during the 1950s. This success highlighted Atlas Copco’s ability to adapt and introduce cutting-edge technologies, many of which would eventually be adapted for or complemented by diesel power solutions in demanding environments.
In 1950, Atlas Copco extended its reach to Australia. An intriguing anecdote from this period involves a dinosaur. During excavations in the 1980s, paleontologists unearthed bone fragments of previously unknown species. Atlas Copco, having provided equipment for these digs, was honored when a new species was named Atlascopcosaurus loadsi. The name recognized Bill Loads, Atlas Copco’s manager in Victoria, who was personally involved in supporting the paleontological project. This unusual recognition underscores the diverse impact of Atlas Copco, extending beyond industrial applications into fields like scientific discovery, often facilitated by reliable equipment used in challenging terrains, sometimes powered by diesel engines.
South America became part of Atlas Copco’s expanding global network with the establishment of a sales office in Peru in 1950. This was followed by operations in Chile (1954), Brazil (1955), and Argentina (1969). The formation of the Andean Common Market (Ancom) in 1969 presented a unique opportunity. Bolivia, a member of Ancom, was designated as the producer of rock drilling machines and compressors and chose Atlas Copco as its industrial partner. In 1976, Atlas Copco Andina inaugurated a new factory in La Paz, employing around 90 people and becoming a significant manufacturing entity in Bolivia, producing equipment vital for resource extraction, often in remote locations where diesel power is essential.
India became a key market in Asia. After years of operating through an agent, Atlas Copco established a sales office in India in 1960. Two years later, a newly constructed factory began operations, quickly establishing Atlas Copco as a major supplier in the Indian market. Despite regulatory changes in the 1970s mandating majority Indian ownership for foreign companies, Atlas Copco remained committed to the market, adapting its ownership structure while maintaining its dedication to serving its Indian customer base. This commitment to long-term partnerships and customer service has been a hallmark of Atlas Copco’s global strategy, ensuring consistent support for industries that depend on reliable machinery, including diesel-driven equipment for various applications.
China’s engagement with Atlas Copco began in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until 1983 that the company formalized its presence with a license agreement with a compressor factory in Wuxi. In 1985, Atlas Copco opened its own representative office in Beijing, and in 1993, it established its first joint venture with Nanjing Construction Machinery Plant to manufacture drilling rigs. China has since grown into one of Atlas Copco’s largest markets, particularly for mid- to large-sized oil-free compressors. By 2022, Asia/Oceania accounted for 39% of the Group’s revenue, highlighting the region’s significance in Atlas Copco’s global operations. This global revenue distribution underscores Atlas Copco’s success in diversifying its markets and catering to diverse industrial needs across continents, providing a wide array of solutions, including those that integrate with or are powered by diesel technology for demanding industrial applications worldwide.
