Effective Dec. 6, 2001, Stockholm, Sweden-based Atlas Copco acquired Grassair B.V., a Dutch producer of screw compressors. Grassair employs 75 people. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Grassair, located in Oss, the Netherlands, is a well-established manufacturer of screw compressors with many decades of experience. The company serves a wide customer base, with Netherlands being the main market.

The acquisition is in line with Atlas Copco's strategy to grow its compressed air business. “We want to expand the business for small and medium-sized stationary compressors, and this is where Grassair fits in,” said Ronnie Leten, president of the Industrial Air Division.

“Grassair is a strong brand to build on and it has an excellent reputation for its extensive service offering.”

Grassair B.V. will keep its company name and continue to market the products under its brand name. The company will become part of Industrial Air, a division within the Compressor Technique business area.

Industrial Air, part of the Compressor Technique business area, is a manufacturer of air compressors, dryers and filters. The division has its main customer base in the manufacturing industries.

Atlas Copco has acquired a number of equipment manufacturers in recent years as well as two national U.S. rental firms, Prime Equipment and Rental Service Corp. The combined companies, now known as RSC, are No. 2 on the RER 100.