Initially in central London and then in Wembley the Atlas Copco UK company quickly developed a sales and service operation for the full range of products. Even back then it was realised that innovative products and excellence in customer care was the key to long term growth and sustainable success. In 1956 the company moved its operations to the recently established new town of Hemel Hempstead. There was a growing population to draw on for the workforce along with excellent transport links. The UK company still has its head office there and continues to be a major, well-known employer in the town. Some notable milestones have marked that journey. From the introduction of the pneumatic tools during the 1920s, through to the launch of the first rotary screw compressor several decades later, product innovation has always provided a guiding light. This has been bolstered with some high-profile acquisitions, including Chicago Pneumatic and Desoutter in the 1980s and 1990s. More recently, Atlas Copco has acquired other market-leading companies, such as automotive parts manufacturer Henrob and vacuum product and abatement specialist Edwards Group in 2014. Now, Atlas Copco stands ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the next 100 years.

On the anniversary itself, 21st October, to celebrate this incredible milestone, Atlas Copco employees up and down the UK stopped what they were doing for 2 hours to gather together to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of being in the UK.

Events were held in 13 locations across the UK. Employees were invited to join the event closest to where they were located, which meant that everyone that works under the Atlas Copco umbrella was involved. There was an interactive quiz, where we discovered how much our employees really know about Atlas Copco! Light refreshments were provided and the opportunity to chat and spend time with others in the business. At 11 am we broadcast speeches from Alex Bongaerts, UK Holding Manager and Mats Rahmstrom to all the events. Alex thanked everyone for their hard work and commitment as we reflected on how the company has reached this impressive milestone. We also attempted a link-up between the events where we could see each event and the teams there gave us a ‘wave’.

For the more formal celebrations, we hosted a celebratory press event at an iconic London venue. At this event, we took the time to reflect on the past 100 years but also look forward to the future at a time when megatrends such as digitalization, electrification and artificial intelligence are set to transform the face of modern industry.

Guests at the event heard how Atlas Copco had embarked on a significant process of electrification, with battery and hybrid products expected to reduce its carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.

As part of our celebrations, we created a number of videos that share our story. Take a look below: