Atlas Copco history

Atlas Copco History

Atlas Copco has a tradition of innovation dating back to 1873, and has been present in the UK since 1919. We are proud of our 100 years of support to UK industry.

Atlas Copco Group History

On February 21, 1873, Atlas was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, as a manufacturer of products for railways. 146 years later the company is an industry benchmark with world-leading positions in compressors, tools, vacuum pumps and construction equipment, but also in many other product areas. Close cooperation with our customers, a constant drive to find a better way and commitment to keeping our promises have made Atlas Copco what it is today.

Atlas Copco UK History

Atlas Copco began its international expansion at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1919 the UK company was established, the first operation outside of Scandinavia. Today Atlas Copco Group companies employ almost 2400 people in the UK, following the acquisitions of Tentec (2013), Henrob (2014), Edwards (2014) and Walker Filtration (2018). There are 5 production sites and 2 important R&D operations in the UK.

Did you know?

Not every company has a dinosaur species officially named after it, but we have the Atlascopcosaurus Loadsi! Nor are there many which can say that their equipment was instrumental in the first ever expedition to the South Pole or the relocation of the temples of Abu Simbel. Atlas Copco has a history of taking on challenging tasks and making them into stories of innovation, perseverance and success.

Visit our dedicated history website

1919-2019 - Atlas Copco, 100 years in the UK

In October 1919, Atlas Copco established its first operation outside Scandinavia with a single sales office selling diesel engines in London. It has now grown to become a large organisation employing more than 2,500 people at six manufacturing plants and 15 sales companies across the country.

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Atlas Copco in the UK

Some of our employees, past and present, share their memories from the past 100 years of Atlas Copco in the UK.

100 years in the UK - Milestones video

Step back in time and take a look to see how Atlas Copco in the UK has evolved over its first 100 years.

Stephen Upson - former Atlas Copco employee

Interview with Stephen Upson

Tune into the podcast to listen to an interview with Stephen Upson who was an employee of Atlas Copco from 1940-1981!

Atlas Diesel's Compressed Air Service, England.

100 years and counting

This year, Atlas Copco celebrates its centenary of operations in the UK. So, a few background facts may help you put this historic event into perspective.

woman working with future technology

Atlas Copco in the next 100 years

As we celebrate what a landmark year 2019 has been for Atlas Copco in the UK, we look forward to what the next 100 years may bring.

futuristic glasses

The workforce of the future: Atlas Copco’s vision

In celebrating its hundredth year of operations in the UK, Atlas Copco has taken time to look back at the company’s progress since 1919. It then went on to consider what radical technological developments and fundamental changes in the industrial and commercial landscape the next century may have in store. Now it considers the outlook for its human resources.