Atlas Copco to exit compact crushing & screening sector

Atlas Copco has decided to end production of its Austria-produced Powercrusher compact crushing and screening equipment during 2015. The equipment, originally developed under the Hartl name, is manufactured at St Valentin, Austria, where some 70 personnel are employed. In 2014, the business had a turnover of €28 million (US$31.2 million).

According to a spokesman, the closure will take effect in mid 2015 and there are no plans to try to sell the business as a going concern or relocate production-related employees elsewhere in the Atlas Copco organisation. Service and support personnel will continue in their roles following the closure although it is possible that this function in time may be taken over by a third party, to whom these personnel will then be transferred.

In a brief statement Johan Halling, president of Atlas Copco’s Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business sector said: “We are discontinuing this business as it does not fit strategically for us. We will ensure existing Powercrusher customers will continue to have their equipment serviced in the best way."

How things can change. Atlas Copco acquired Hartl Anlagenbau GmbH in autumn 2010. At the time, Andreas Malmberg, then president of Atlas Copco’s surface drilling equipment division, said: "The acquisition strengthens Atlas Copco's position as market leader within surface rock excavation and handling, as well as within recycling and road construction. The Powercrusher product line complements our current product offering and makes us an even more complete partner."