Atlas Copco Compressors LLC USA this week announced plans to consolidate three of its U.S.-based facilities into one new common facility in Houston. The objective is to increase competitiveness by creating a competence center for these products. There are currently 125 people employed at the three locations.

The new factory will produce a wide range of custom designed products and complete packaged solutions for customers across North and South America. It will also produce selected standard products.

“Bringing these units together will both ensure competitive products and enable us to build a competence center close to our main customers,” said Stephan Kuhn, business area president of Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area. “Our utmost objective is to provide customers with the best possible service.”

Production from the three facilities — Pneumatech, Greenfield Compression and Atlas Copco CustomDesign — will be moved to a new custom fitted competence center in Houston. It will capitalize on the close proximity to customers in the oil and gas industry, readily available supplier support for engineered components and easy logistical access to a number of major customer groups and transport routes. The new operation is expected to be up and running by year-end 2011.

The majority of the employees concerned will be offered relocation to the new competence center. Employees who are not relocating will receive severance benefits that include assistance with career transitions and support planning.

Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. The Group delivers sustainable solutions for increased customer productivity through innovative products and services. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden.