Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation has acquired all shares of AST Turbo AG, a Switzerland-based rotating equipment maintenance specialist, strengthening its international field service operations.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation, part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, said the transaction enhances its ability to respond to growing customer demands for shorter turnaround times on parts replacement, repairs, and inspections following turbo machinery installation, contributing to improved operational uptime.
Headquartered in Altendorf, Switzerland, AST Turbo AG was founded in 2012 and provides maintenance, inspection, and field services for rotating equipment such as compressors and steam turbines that drive compressors. Its services support resource and energy development sites, including oil and gas operations, with project experience spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, and other global markets.
AST brings highly experienced technical supervisors and advanced engineering capabilities, including virtual assembly technology that utilizes 3D laser measurement. The technology simulates product assembly processes using 3D data, enabling certain on-site assembly steps to be omitted. This reduces inspection periods and helps maintain high plant availability.
Turbo machinery, such as compressors, requires critical after-sales services, including replacement of consumable parts, repairs, and inspections following installation. In recent years, customers have increasingly sought shorter inspection intervals to maximize equipment uptime, as well as greater adoption of virtual assembly techniques and deployment of seasoned supervisors.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor and AST have maintained a long-standing collaborative relationship, jointly delivering field services on several projects prior to the acquisition. Following the deal, AST will continue under its current management team, leveraging its established customer base and operational footprint while integrating Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor’s and the broader MHI Group’s technological expertise and know-how to enhance service quality and expand business operations.
The company said the transaction reflects Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group’s broader partnering initiatives, aimed at incorporating external expertise through strategic partnerships and extending its technologies, products, and services to a wider global customer base.
