Atlas Copco compressor division reports growth in 2021

Atlas Copco gas and process compressors supply large amounts of air or gas for processes across many industries. (Image: Atlas Copco Group)

Atlas Copco’s compressor technique division reported significant gains in orders received, revenues, EBITDA and operating profits in 2021, according to the company’s 2021 annual report released recently.

The Compressor Technique business designs and builds industrial compressors, gas and process compressors and expanders and includes a global service network. It is the largest of the company’s four business divisions.

The compressor division reported 2021 revenues of SEK 49mn, up 5% from 2020. Its orders received for the year rose 16% to SEK 55mn. Earnings before interest, taxes depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was SEK 12mn in 2021, up from SEK 10.7mn a year earlier.

“The demand for equipment and service was strong, and the order intake increased significantly with strong growth in all regions,” the company said. “The business area continued to invest in product development, market presence, and service with an intensified focus on sustainability.”

The compressor division completed 10 acquisitions throughout the year. The global market for compressors and gas treatment equipment and related services has a diverse customer base that values reliability, productivity and efficiency, the company said.

Atlas Copco said its gas and process compressors and expanders are sold to a variety of process industries, including air separation plants, power utilities, chemical and petrochemical and liquefied natural gas plants. Its large gas and process compressors and related services accounted for about 10% of the division’s total sales.

The company said it saw several clear market trends throughout the year: increased focus on efficiency, energy recovery and the reduction of CO2 emissions. Customers were committed to the transformation to a low carbon society and used cloud technology, big data and machine learning technologies.

“The need for decreased CO2 emissions drives demand for more energy-efficient machinery,” the company said. One of the unit’s innovations in 2021 was the development of the Alup Evoluto 30-45kW, a new range of oil-injected screw compressors that have higher efficiency and lower noise levels in a smaller footprint than previous models.