Kitted out in their grey and yellow Epiroc branded golf shirts, employees were welcomed by Kathryn Coetzer, Communications and Academy Manager for Epiroc SA. Video presentations delivered special messages from Mats Rahmström, CEO and President of Atlas Copco AB, and Helena Hedblom, Senior Executive VP – Mining and Infrastructure, Epiroc AB, who welcomed everyone to the Epiroc SA family. Frans van Niekerk, VP: Sub-Sahara region and Managing Director of Atlas Copco Industrial South Africa (Pty) Ltd. wished the local team best of luck in their new venture. Referring to the launch as a historical occasion, Victor Scott, Business Controller at Epiroc SA, said that Epiroc was formed to be a strong partner for customers by building on Atlas Copco expertise and performance. “Performance unites us, innovation inspires us and commitment drives us to keep moving forward. Customers can count on Epiroc to deliver the solutions they need to succeed today and the technology to be successful tomorrow.” In closing, Scott expressed his eagerness to start this exiting journey with the team.
Formal proceedings over, the party got underway with food, music and entertainment. Onalerona (Ona) Matsopa, Workshop Planner at Epiroc SA, moved everyone when she sang a Gospel song which she personalised to commemorate the auspicious occasion. “I wanted my words to inspire us all by delivering the message that even after a rough year we will keep on standing united, no matter what. With Epiroc we will go forward; there is no looking back.”
Employees felt energised by the presentations and Heino Hammann, who heads up Advanced Drilling Solutions, said that he felt “inspired and stoked for the future. We bring a different energy to mining, excavation and to our customers.” Floris Timmers, Business Line Manager, Mining and Rock Excavation Service from Kazakhstan, who kicked off his journey with Epiroc SA on 1 December commented, “There is so much drive for change and improvements and I am thrilled to be a part of Epiroc SA. We have mountains to move, holes to drill. Stay inspired!”
Globally Atlas Copco has grown into two separate international groups of companies. Atlas Copco’s Mining & Rock Excavation Technique Business Area together with its Construction Tools division now forms part of Epiroc which focusses on the mining and civil engineering sectors. The industrial businesses remain with Atlas Copco. Epiroc SA, headed by newly appointed Regional General Manager, Sanjay Ahuja, was launched in South Africa on 1st November 2017.
