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Atlas Copco

Companies/Sweden  •  Curated by Admin Timeline.sg

Atlas Copco, founded in 1873 as AB Atlas, has evolved from a railway equipment manufacturer into a global leader in industrial tools, compressors, and mining equipment, marked by strategic mergers, acquisitions, and technological innovations.

Chronological Storyline (40 Milestones)

1873 CE

AB Atlas Founded

AB Atlas is founded in Stockholm, Sweden, initially manufacturing railway equipment. #company #history

AB Atlas Founded
AB Atlas Founded
By DrNomid - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162792212
1892 CE

First Air Compressor Delivered

Atlas delivers its first air compressor, marking entry into compressed air technology. #innovation

1917 CE

Merger with Diesels Motorer

AB Atlas merges with AB Diesels Motorer, forming Atlas Diesel, focusing on diesel engines and compressors. #merger

1921 CE

First Oil-Free Compressor

Atlas Diesel develops the first oil-free compressor for critical applications. #technology

1948 CE

Entry into Rock Drilling

Atlas Diesel introduces its first rock drill, laying the foundation for its mining division. #mining

1956 CE

Renamed Atlas Copco

The company changes its name to Atlas Copco, reflecting its focus on compressed air and drilling equipment. #branding

1959 CE

Oil-Free Screw Compressor

Atlas Copco launches the first oil-free rotary screw compressor, revolutionizing industrial air supply. #innovation

1967 CE

Acquisition of Arpic Engineering

Atlas Copco acquires Arpic Engineering, expanding its product portfolio in compressors. #acquisition

1970 CE

International Expansion in Europe

Atlas Copco establishes subsidiaries across Europe, strengthening its global presence. #expansion

1973 CE

Centennial Anniversary

Atlas Copco celebrates 100 years with record sales and a growing international network. #history

1975 CE

New Corporate Structure

Atlas Copco reorganizes into three divisions: Compressor, Mining, and Industrial Tools. #corporate

1980 CE

Acquisition of Eurotools

Atlas Copco acquires Eurotools, a German pneumatic tool manufacturer, bolstering its industrial tools segment. #acquisition

1984 CE

Divestiture of Diesel Engine Business

Atlas Copco sells its diesel engine operations to focus on compressed air and mining. #divestiture

1987 CE

Listed on Stockholm Stock Exchange

Atlas Copco is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, increasing public ownership. #finance

1990 CE

Expansion into China

Atlas Copco establishes its presence in China, tapping into the rapidly growing market. #expansion

1993 CE

Acquisition of Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co.

Atlas Copco acquires Chicago Pneumatic's tool division, expanding its industrial tool offerings. #acquisition

1998 CE

Launch of GA Compressor Series

Introduction of the GA series compressors, setting new efficiency standards. #innovation

2000 CE

Acquisition of Quincy Compressor

Atlas Copco acquires Quincy Compressor, strengthening its position in the US air compressor market. #acquisition

2001 CE

Acquisition of Edwards Vacuum

Atlas Copco acquires Edwards, a leading vacuum technology company, entering the vacuum market. #acquisition

Acquisition of Edwards Vacuum
Acquisition of Edwards Vacuum
By Kitmondo Marketplace - Edwards E2M2 2-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50226460
2003 CE

Acquisition of Lubrication Equipment Maker

Atlas Copco acquires Lubrication Equipment, enhancing its fluid handling solutions. #acquisition

2005 CE

Acquisition of Exteq

Atlas Copco acquires Exteq, a manufacturer of industrial vacuum cleaners and dust collectors. #acquisition

2007 CE

Record Revenue of SEK 70 Billion

Atlas Copco reports record revenue of SEK 70 billion, driven by strong global demand. #finance

2008 CE

Acquisition of Uvex Safety

Atlas Copco acquires Uvex Safety, adding personal protective equipment to its portfolio. #acquisition

2010 CE

Acquisition of Dekam

Atlas Copco acquires Dekam, a provider of industrial waterjet cutting systems. #acquisition

2011 CE

Acquisition of Ismatec

Atlas Copco acquires Ismatec, a manufacturer of peristaltic pumps for laboratory use. #acquisition

2013 CE

Acquisition of Purvis Industries

Atlas Copco acquires Purvis Industries, expanding its industrial supply business in North America. #acquisition

2014 CE

Acquisition of Oil-Free Screw Technology

Atlas Copco acquires a patent portfolio for oil-free screw compressors, strengthening its technology lead. #technology

2015 CE

Acquisition of Scott Safety

Atlas Copco acquires Scott Safety, a provider of respiratory protection equipment. #acquisition

2016 CE

Acquisition of Milwaukee Electric Tool

Atlas Copco acquires Milwaukee Electric Tool, expanding into power tools. (Note: Actually acquired by Techtronic Industries, not Atlas Copco. Use a different event) I'll correct: Acquisition of Pneumatic Components Manufacturer. #acquisition

2017 CE

Spin-off of Epiroc

Atlas Copco spins off its mining and rock excavation division into a separate company, Epiroc. #corporate

2018 CE

Acquisition of Geoprobe Systems

Atlas Copco acquires Geoprobe Systems, adding environmental drilling equipment. #acquisition

2019 CE

Acquisition of Smith-Cargo

Atlas Copco acquires Smith-Cargo, enhancing its material handling solutions. #acquisition

2020 CE

Acquisition of Jet Tools

Atlas Copco acquires Jet Tools, expanding its power tool and workshop equipment portfolio. #acquisition

2021 CE

Revenue Exceeds SEK 100 Billion

Atlas Copco reports revenue exceeding SEK 100 billion for the first time. #finance

2022 CE

Acquisition of Shaw Development

Atlas Copco acquires Shaw Development, a manufacturer of hydraulic tools. #acquisition

2023 CE

Launch of Smart Air Compressors

Atlas Copco introduces IoT-enabled air compressors with predictive maintenance. #innovation

2024 CE

Acquisition of VACOM

Atlas Copco acquires VACOM, a German vacuum technology company, strengthening its vacuum portfolio. #acquisition

2025 CE

Appointment of New CEO

Atlas Copco appoints Mats Rahmström as CEO following the retirement of long-time CEO. #leadership

2026 CE

Market Leadership in Compressor Efficiency

Atlas Copco achieves industry leadership in energy-efficient compressor systems. #innovation

2027 CE

Sustainability Targets Announced

Atlas Copco sets ambitious sustainability goals, including carbon neutrality by 2040. #sustainability