Atlas Copco launches AIRPlan Service in the UK to support customers with limited CAPEX

The AIRPlan service has been developed for businesses that need to invest in their utility room, but have limited CAPEX available or do not want to own and manage compressed air assets directly. At a time when investment budgets are under close scrutiny, AIRPlan gives manufacturers a more flexible way to secure a reliable, energy efficient compressed air and gas supply, while allowing capital to be prioritised for other areas of the business.

Under the AIRPlan model, Atlas Copco installs, maintains, monitors and updates the compressed air installation for the lifetime of the agreement, with customers paying one monthly operating cost. The service can include oil-injected and oil-free air compressors and blowers, dryers, filters, nitrogen and oxygen generators, central controllers, SMARTLINK monitoring systems, AIRnet piping and maintenance.

"What we hear from manufacturers across the UK is that they want to invest in efficiency improvements, but capital budgets are often under pressure and production needs can change quickly. AIRPlan is designed for that reality," said Ben John, business line manager for Compressor Technique Service at Atlas Copco UK. 

"It gives customers access to the compressed air system they need today, with the flexibility to adapt it tomorrow, without tying up capital in equipment ownership. For maintenance, operations and finance teams, that means fewer surprises, clearer costs and the confidence that the system is being looked after by Atlas Copco throughout its life."

For many UK manufacturers, compressed air demand can change significantly over time. Production volumes may rise or fall, operating hours may shift, and new processes or technologies may alter the performance requirements of the installation. AIRPlan is designed to give customers the flexibility to adapt their compressed air system as those requirements evolve, helping to avoid the risk of owning equipment that becomes oversized, undersized or inefficient over time.

At the heart of the service is a managed approach to reliability and efficiency. AIRPlan includes regular servicing, genuine OEM replacement parts, expert monitoring and troubleshooting, with SMARTLINK remote monitoring providing visibility of compressor room performance, energy efficiency, reports and recommendations. Advanced diagnostics also allow Atlas Copco to identify deviations in system performance and take corrective action before they develop into larger operational issues.

The model also supports long-term technology renewal. As new, more efficient technology becomes available, or when equipment reaches the appropriate stage in its lifecycle, Atlas Copco can replace or upgrade the installation under the AIRPlan agreement. This helps customers maintain access to efficient compressed air technology rather than relying on ageing assets, which is particularly relevant for manufacturers seeking to reduce energy consumption, manage whole-life costs and improve resilience across critical production utilities.

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