Atlas Copco opens smart green factory in Wuxi

Swedish industrial giant Atlas Copco Group marked a milestone in its 152-year history with the grand opening of its new China headquarters for compressor technologies in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on Wednesday.

The campus, representing a 3 billion yuan ($416 million) investment, the division's largest since 1997, underscores the company's deepening commitment to innovation and sustainability in one of its fastest-growing markets.

The Swedish company, renowned for its world-class air and gas compressors, vacuum systems, industrial tools and energy-efficient technologies, has positioned the Wuxi facility as one of its global hubs for research and development, production and distribution. The campus is set to become one of Atlas Copco's largest manufacturing and innovation bases worldwide.

Since establishing its first Chinese production site in Wuxi in 1994, Atlas Copco has seen sustained expansion in the region. Today, products engineered and manufactured in Wuxi serve industries across China and over 180 global markets.

"China's importance to our growth trajectory cannot be overstated," said Vagner Rego, global CEO of Atlas Copco Group, during an exclusive interview with China Daily ahead of the inauguration.

He said the campus is a testament to Atlas Copco Group's partnership with China and its thriving semiconductor, automotive and renewable energy sectors — all of which are driving unprecedented demand for innovative solutions.

The facility integrates an intelligent green factory designed to boost output of core equipment while prioritizing energy efficiency. Advanced technologies, including variable speed drive compressors and oil-free systems, aim to slash industrial energy consumption — critical in a nation where compressors account for over 9 percent of industrial electricity use. The campus also debuts a breakthrough heat pump system that captures and repurposes waste heat from compressors, drastically reducing carbon emissions.

"China's clear roadmap to carbon neutrality aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals," Rego said. The company has pledged to expand investments in Wuxi, focusing on high-quality, locally tailored innovations to strengthen supply chains and accelerate decarbonization. A dedicated R&D center at the site will leverage China's robust supply network and growing talent pool to develop next-generation solutions.

Rego highlighted China's dual role as both a market and an innovation incubator: "Our Wuxi team has cultivated exceptional expertise and collaboration with local suppliers. With this new infrastructure, we're poised to deliver breakthroughs that empower industries worldwide to achieve greener operations."