Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB attains ISO 14001 certification

The certification applies to Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB’s facilities in Örebro, Sweden, and includes the development, manufacture and marketing of surface and underground rock excavation equipment for the construction and mining industry.  According to the international standard ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB has developed a system which provides the company with knowledge and control of its effect on the environment. In addition, it verifies that the company has control measures in place to continuously reduce any negative impact.  “Environmental issues have always been important to us and the ISO 14001 certification is a way to further establish our position as a leader in our industry,” says Ingemar Widestig, Quality and Environmental Assurance Manager for Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB.  Environmental and ergonomic issues have long been an integrated part of the product development process. The hydraulic drill rigs can for example run on vegetable oil to reduce pollution from spill oil and leaks into the environment. The cabins for surface drilling rigs improve the working environment by shielding the operator from rock falls and other hazards as well as protecting from poor air quality, heat, cold, moisture, noise, and vibration.  Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB is part of the Construction and Mining Technique (CMT) business area. For more information visit the web site at www.atlascopco.com/rde  Atlas Copco is an international group of industrial companies with its head office in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1999, the Group had revenues of SEK 36 billion, with 97 percent of revenues outside Sweden, and over 26,000 employees. Atlas Copco companies develop, manufacture, and market electric and pneumatic tools, compressed air equipment, construction and mining equipment, assembly systems, and offer related service and equipment rental. Additional information about Atlas Copco is available on the Group's web site, www.atlascopco-group.com, which provides access to current news about the Company. For further information, please contact:  Hans Friberger, Environmental Communication, Atlas Copco Group  Phone +46-8-743 95 65, e-mail: [email protected]  Ingemar Widestig, Quality and Environmental Assurance Manager, Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB  Phone +46-19-670 70 50, e-mail: [email protected]