Atlas Copco enter market for dimension stone equipment

Company broadens business interests with acquisition of Italian cutting and drilling equipment manufacturer

ATLAS Copco have broadened the group’s business interests by entering the dimension stone equipment market with the acquisition of Italian cutting and drilling machine manufacturers Perfora S.p.A for an undisclosed sum.

‘Perfora is a leading supplier in this segment, with a strong customer focus and high-quality products,’ said Bob Fassl, business area president of Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Technique. ‘We see good growth opportunities through this deal.’

Markku Teräsvasara, president of Atlas Copco’s Surface Drilling Division, added: ‘The acquisition of Perfora is good timing. With increasing energy and labour costs driving fleet modernization, dimension stone quarries are in a phase of shifting from pneumatic to automated hydraulically driven equipment.’

Perfora S.p.A are a privately owned company based in Bagnolo, northern Italy. They currently employ 43 people and have annual revenues of around €10 million. Their products, which include diamond-wire saws and drill rigs specifically designed for dimension stone applications, are distributed through direct sales and local dealers in selected countries around the world.

Perfora’s managing director, Piergiorgio Picotto, said the company felt it had reached a limit to how much it could grow on its own. ‘We chose to merge with Atlas Copco as they have a widespread distribution network in key markets and an organization that can offer improved services to our customers,’ he said. ‘We also see potential synergies in product development that will allow us to maintain and strengthen our position in the dimension stone industry segment.’

Perfora will form part of the Atlas Copco Surface Drilling division within the Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area.