History of Atlas Copco Geotechnical Drilling and Exploration Division

1886   Per Anton Craelius starts his diamond core drilling company
1892   The first Craelius rig to be driven by steam
1920   The ITH metric system introduced
1921   Grouting equipment added
1937   Surface set bits
1940   Impregnated diamond bits - two decades before anyone else
1950   Double T-core barrel
1959   Mechanical grouting pump
1960   Craelius becomes a company in the Atlas Copco Group
1968   First all-hydraulic drill, the DIAMEC 250
1978   Craelius sold to Unicorn, 1980 to Foseco and 1988 to Diamant Boart
1992   Craelius once again in the Atlas Copco Group
1996   APC (Automatic Performance Control) DIAMEC rig introduced
2003   MDS and PDDE acquired by Atlas Copco
2004   Rotex Oy acquired by Atlas Copco
2004   Rock reinforcement business (Swellex, MAI self drilling anchors and
           related pumps) moved to the Craelius division

Atlas Copco Exploration Products Historical Timeline

1998   JKS Boyles acquired by Atlas Copco
2000   HOBIC acquired by Atlas Copco
2001   Christensen Products acquired by Atlas Copco
2007   Division name changed from Atlas Copco Crealius to Atlas Copco             Geotechnical Drilling and Exploration
2007   Construction of new manufacturing unit in North Bay, Ontario - Canada