Atlas Copco receives pioneering order from Iran

“This order is further proof that Atlas Copco is the market leader in the field of core drilling and grouting,” says Freek Nijdam, Head of the business area Construction & Mining Technique. “The Iran order is also one of the largest ever received by Atlas Copco Craelius and clearly shows that we are making good progress in a highly competitive market. Atlas Copco’s cutting edge technical development has been very well received by the customers.”  The Iran order consists of 20 drill rigs, accessories and grouting equipment. Atlas Copco and IWPC have previously been co-operating on various dam projects in Iran. The order is considered to be groundbreaking and a catalyst for further business opportunities for other divisions within Atlas Copco.  Primarily, the equipment will be used for reinforcement work both in the construction of the dam and for stabilising the bedrock. It will also be used for sealing of cracks in the walls of the dam with grouting, something which has become an Atlas Copco Craelius speciality.  The main purpose of the dam is to produce electricity, but also incorporates an irrigation system, which will provide the northeastern part of Iran with water for agriculture. This is the third dam that is being built in Karoun and the power station will generate 2,000 MW of energy primarily for industries and agriculture.  Estimated cost of the Karoun III project is around USD 150 million (SEK 1,3 billion) and will take an estimated six years to build. The power station will be the largest in Iran.  Atlas Copco Craelius, a division within the Atlas Copco group, develops, manufactures and markets equipment for exploration drilling and ground reinforcement.  Atlas Copco is an international industrial Group 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 and generators, construction and mining equipment, assembly systems, and offer related service and equipment rental. More information is available on www.atlascopco.com. For further information please contact:  Björn Rosengren, President, Atlas Copco Craelius AB  Telephone +46-8-587 78501