Formed 150 years ago in Stockholm, Sweden, Atlas Copco is celebrating its 75-year in Canada this year.
Established in Kirkland Lake, Ont., in 1949, the company is a leader in the sales, service and marketing of air and gas compressors, portable compressors, generators, construction equipment and assembly systems. Today, Atlas Copco Canada Ltd. has approximately 300 employees. In addition to a reputation for engineering products that perform in harsh environments, the company’s portable air compressors also offer mobility flexibility.
“Our portable compressors can be towed or mounted on flatbed freight carriers, and they are versatile as they are not exclusive to wheels,” said Wouter Vlamynck, Atlas Copco president and general manager.
The Atlas Copco XRVS 1550 is a two-stage, oil-injected, rotary screw-type air compressor, powered by a liquid-cooled, six-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel engine
“This flexibility is due to the unit not being restricted to wheels and a towbar, but also including skid-frames with forklift pockets and lifting points for both styles. Such versatility and durability combined with a customer-focused approach to service are helping Atlas Copco achieve the company’s vision of being ‘First in Mind – First in Choice.’”
With more than 100 distributors across the country, Atlas Copco Canada is supported by a nationwide sales, distribution, service and maintenance network that supports its commitment to sustainable productivity.
How compressors work
Portable air compressors are used in foundation drilling, which involves drilling deep holes into the ground to create the foundation for buildings, bridges and other structures. For many construction projects, foundation drilling is a crucial step in the process, providing solid foundations for building structures and helping to ensure structural stability and safety over time.
“We knew we wanted to enter the Canadian market due to the attractiveness of the mining and oil and gas industries.”
Wouter Vlamynck, Atlas Copco
The process requires heavy machinery, – including drilling rigs, – which rely on compressed air to function. Drilling rigs use high-pressure compressed air to power the drills and flush debris. Atlas Copco offers multiple regulation technology solutions to maximize task efficiency and control. Examples include the patented Pressure Adjusted through Cognitive Electronics and, as found in the high-pressure XRVS 1550, AirXpert.
Portable air compressors are used in various industries for a wide array of applications. For instance:
- Mining: drilling
- Construction industry tasks: breaking
- Manufacturing: plant air backup, tools, sorters
- Agriculture: plant air backup and clean out
- Shipping: maintenance, surface refurbishing
- Aggregate: plant air backup, product conveyance and various pneumatic operations
Altas Copco is witnessing a shift in clients’ equipment acquisitions from purchase to rental. Vlamynck said, “The rental penetration in the North American market is higher than 50 per cent. So, rental is becoming a really important part of the business.”
When it comes to the maintenance and service required for optimal performance, he said, “Maintenance over 500 hours is crucial to ensure optimal performance of the unit. Our in-house designed filters and lubricants are also integral in maintaining the highest level of long-term performance. Our dedicated service techs in our Montreal and Calgary service centres are more than happy to support our customers in executing maintenance jobs.”
Customers can also choose from a full range of diesel or electric products. Regarding Altas Copco’s electric product lineup, Vlamynck said, “Low noise levels, longer service intervals, extended rental periods and lower total cost of ownership are all benefits of our electric portable air compressors over diesel units. Apart from that, you contribute to lower emissions.”
When assessing which product contractors need for portable air compressors, he said, “Contractors need to ask the right questions such as: What material do you want to drill in? How deep do you want to drill? What is the diameter of the hole? Based on these parameters, we can select the right compressor for the job.”
He says that Canada is so important to Atlas Copco that the company has been in Canada for one year longer than in the U.S.
“We knew we wanted to enter the Canadian market due to the attractiveness of the mining and oil and gas industries. Our products are designed and built for the toughest environments. So, the harsh Canadian market conditions really test and bring justice to our products.”