Scrappage scheme extends to compressors

Hot on the heels of the automotive scrappage scheme, Atlas Copco has announced that it is replicating the idea for compressed air equipment. Any compressor that is five years old or more, regardless of manufacturer or model, can be traded in for up to £2,000 against new Atlas Copco equipment. Leen Van Diggele (pictured), managing director of Atlas Copco Compressors UK, called the move "the biggest, most generous scheme of its type in our industry" and urged companies to take up the offer to save on capital cost of equipment purchase as well as lower running costs due to more energy-efficient equipment. Atlas Copco offers an extensive range of piston, scroll and screw compressors, as well as variable speed drive machines offering energy savings of up to 35%. The company is offering a no-obligation estimate of trade-in value – the larger the capacity of the old equipment, the better its scrap value will be. Call 0800 181085 to find out more. The scrappage scheme offer closes on 30th June 2010. The new scheme comes soon after Atlas Copco announced it is winning more market share, despite difficult trading conditions. Van Diggele told journalists late last year that the compressor division of the Atlas Copco group doubled turnover in the five years to 2008 and although business was down at the start of 2009, sales picked up later in the year and market share increased. "Market share depends on product type – for example, there are a lot of players in the sub-10kw arena but fewer supplying units of 90kw and over. We've seen in previous recessions that our market share grows even as the total market falls, which may be the result of more discerning buyers." He added: "We expect the market to improve gradually through 2010 and there will be a slight recovery in overall figures, but certainly not to the level of early 2008."