Atlas Copco last week inaugurated a new fully owned legal entity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, bringing support to existing and new customers in one of Africa’s larger emerging markets.

DRC is a country rich in natural resources with a vast array of minerals, providing a growing market for Atlas Copco’s products. The new customer center, Atlas Copco DRC Sprl., markets products such as drill rigs and consumables for both underground and surface mining operations, as well as exploration equipment, compressors, and construction equipment. It is a wholly owned subsidiary with the main office in Lubumbashi and a branch office in Kolwezi.

“The rapid development of the business and the need for further geographical coverage of the Democratic Republic of the Congo made us decide to establish a fully fledged customer center,” said Björn Rosengren, business area president, Atlas Copco Construction and Mining Technique.“We believe in good business opportunities on the Congolese market and our new company will provide a strong base for future growth.”

Atlas Copco has previously managed the Congolese market from Atlas Copco Zambia Ltd. The new customer center will initially employ about 80 people, primarily in sales and service, in the Katanga Province with the intention to also set up a branch office in Kinshasa.

Stockholm, Sweden-based Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems.