Integrated vacuum and exhaust-abatement equipment maker Edwards Ltd of Burgess Hill, West Sussex, UK is now part of the newly formed Vacuum Technique business area of Atlas Copco Group (a Sweden-based provider of industrial productivity solutions that acquired Edwards in 2013). Mike Allison has been appointed president of the Semiconductor division and Paul Rawlings is now president of the Semiconductor Service division. Both report to Geert Follens, president of the Vacuum Technique business area.
“Mike Allison is a passionate business leader with deep and global experience from the semiconductor industry,” comments Follens. “His proven track record in delivering strong business results through high-value solutions for our customers made him the best candidate for the position,” he adds. “Paul Rawlings has a long history in the semiconductor industry with established relationships with key customers around the globe. He was an obvious choice to head our Semiconductor Service division.”
The new Vacuum Technique organization comprises 13% of Atlas Copco Group’s total business, and includes the Semiconductor, Semiconductor Service, Industrial Vacuum, High Vacuum and Vacuum Technique Service divisions. Major brands within the Semiconductor division include Edwards and CSK.
Founded by F.D. Edwards in 1919, Edwards High Vacuum International became part of The BOC Group in 1968, and was named BOC Edwards in 1997. After acquiring The BOC Group in 2006, Linde Group sold the component business (vacuum pumps and semiconductor equipment) of BOC Edwards in 2007 for €685m (£460m) to private equity firm CCMP Capital.
Atlas Copco Group to acquire Edwards Group
