Atlas Copco has bought Perfora SpA, an Italian company that manufactures and sells cutting and drilling equipment for quarrying block for the dimensional stone industry.It marks Atlas Copco's entry to this sector.

“Perfora is a leading supplier in this segment, with a strong customer focus and high quality products,” said Bob Fassl, Business Area President of Atlas Copco Mining & Rock Excavation Technique. “We see good growth opportunities through this deal. As part of the Atlas Copco Group, Perfora becomes a unique global supplier of tailor made equipment for dimension stone producers.”

The market Perfora is operating in, the dimension stone industry, has been growing despite global economic instability. Natural stone is in demand and the trend is towards using these materials for building and decoration when it is economically viable.

"The dimensional stone quarries are in a phase of shifting from pneumatic to hydraulic and automated driven equipment. Increasing energy and labour costs are driving fleet modernization. The acquisition of Perfora is good timing. Together we will be able to offer modern equipment to a growing market globally,” says Markku Teräsvasara, President of Atlas Copco’s Surface Drilling Division.

Perfora is a privately owned company based in Bagnolo, northern Italy. It employs 43 people and has annual revenues of about Euro10million. The products, which include diamond wire saws and drill rigs specifically designed for dimension stone applications, are distributed through direct sales and local dealers in selected countries around the world.

Piergiorgio Picotto, Managing Director Perfora SpA, said: “We felt that we had reached a limit of how much we can grow on our own. We chose to merge with Atlas Copco, since it has a widespread distribution network in key markets and an organization that can offer improved services to our customers. We also see potential synergies in product development that will allow us to maintain and strengthen our position in the DSI segment.”