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Atlas Copco VSD compressor boosts productivity for commercial vehicle repair specialist

compressed air in automotive repair workshop

When a leading Scottish truck and van repair specialist replaced its 11 year-old fixed-speed workshop compressor with a new Atlas Copco VSD+ unit the company not only halved its energy costs but also boosted its productivity.

McKinnon & Forbes is a family-run authorised IVECO van dealership based in Paisley that also repairs and services HGV trucks, vans and private vehicles. The company employs over 30 staff at its 14,000 sq. ft. headquarters, which is devoted to vehicle repair and body-shop operations, and serves many large fleet leasing groups in Scotland.

compressed air supplying garage air tools and equipment
Compressed air is a vital utility for the company: supplying air tools and equipment within its three large service pits, post ramp and six standard repair bays; plus, a spray booth and two paint baking ovens. A sales engineer from Atlas Copco approached McKinnon & Forbes to offer them an iiTrak system energy audit to check the performance of its fixed-speed compressor system. The results of the assessment revealed that improvements to the existing compressed air network were possible, and that the company could save over 55 per cent in annual energy costs by installing a GA11VSD+FF screw compressor, which automatically adjusts its motor and element speed to match the workshop’s variable compressed air demand.
GA 11 VSD+ compressor for garages and workshops
A few months later, when the company’s original compressor approached the end of its working life, the Atlas Copco unit was installed. Energy efficiency savings of over £2,000 a year was not the only benefit to be derived from the new set up. The small footprint and quiet operation of the compressor enabled it to be sited within the workshop, thereby overcoming the excessive condensation problems emanating from the externally located pipework of the old system. Furthermore, the point-of-use relocation meant residual heat from the new compressor could be used to provide added comfort to the working environment.

The full feature GA11VSD+FF oil-injected, rotary screw compressor, with integrated refrigerant dryer, is powered by Atlas Copco’s own in-house designed interior permanent magnet IPM motor. This technology has turned the compressed air industry on its head by redesigning the conventional layout of a typical air compressor. Instead of the normal horizontal configuration, the unit has an upright, vertical low footprint layout designed to save floor and work space while improving maintenance access even if placed against a wall.

compressed air users

I would recommend Atlas Copco to anyone, even if they were not directly looking to change their compressor. The information I received helped not only to drive down my costs and save space, but also helped bring me right up to date with the latest legislation regarding the treatment and disposal of compressor condensate.
Steven McKinnon , Director of McKinnon & Forbes

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Editor's Notes:

Atlas Copco Compressors is the GB sales and service operation of the Atlas Copco Group providing oil-free and oil-injected stationary air compressors,  gas and process compressors, vacuum pumps, turbo expanders, nitrogen generators, air treatment equipment (such as compressed air dryers, coolers, and filters) air management systems, and custom designed engineered packages. 

Atlas Copco Compressors’ sales and distribution network means that specialist compressed air advice and service is always within easy reach. A team of over 80 service engineers operates across the country, to ensure maximum running efficiency and minimum downtime at its customers' sites.

In the United Kingdom, Atlas Copco also handles the sales and marketing of construction and mining equipment, portable compressors and electric power generators, industrial power tools and assembly systems – all backed up by a nationwide sales, distribution, service and maintenance network. 

Atlas Copco is a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions. The Group serves customers with innovative compressors, vacuum solutions and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. Atlas Copco develops products and service focused on productivity, energy efficiency, safety and ergonomics. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 180 countries. In 2016, Atlas Copco had revenues of BSEK 101 (BEUR 11) and about 45 000 employees. Learn more at https://www.atlascopco.com/en-uk/compressors. 

For all of the latest news follow us on Twitter via @AtlasCopcoUKIRE, connect with us on Facebook or find our Atlas Copco UK & Ireland LinkedIn company page.

  • For further editorial information contact Chris Butcher on 01582 390980.
  • For product or sales enquiries please contact 0800 181085.
  • For further company information contact Joanna Canton Long on 01442 222240.

Compressed Air Energy Efficiency Oil-lubricated compressors Automotive Screw compressors Application story 2016 United Kingdom