Oerlikon invests $55 million in the US to open a 3D printing innovation center

On June 3, 2019, the author learned from foreign media that Swiss 3D printing company Oerlikon established a $55 million innovation center and advanced component manufacturing plant in North Carolina.

Dr. Michael Süss, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oerlikon Group, said: “This 125,000 square foot facility will be the cornerstone of Oerlikon's additive manufacturing business in the US. Additive manufacturing will play a decisive role in future industry and industrial processes. We are committed to investing in this. Business and lead the industrialization of this technology. The facility marks an important step in our growth investment strategy."

Oerlikon invests $55 million in the US to open a 3D printing innovation center

As a mature global technology and engineering group, Oerlikon's business is divided into two parts, surface solutions and man-made fibers. The company has more than 10,500 employees in 175 locations in 37 countries. Currently, Oerlikon employs more than 1,300 people in 18 states. The $55 million investment is part of the company's $400 million investment in the US over the past five years.

As part of its development strategy in the United States, the Innovation Center and Advanced Parts Manufacturing Plant were released in 2017. The first factory in the region is the center of man-made fibres, especially the carpet yarn system.

With a staff of approximately 60 employees, the new center is a hub for metal component development and industrial additive manufacturing. In addition, through Oerlikon Additive Manufacturing experts, the company can also streamline logistics and reduce its environmental impact.

“We have partnered with customers in the US aerospace, automotive, energy and medical industries, and we expect these and other industries to continue to grow,” said Dr. Sven Hicken, head of Oerlikon Additive Manufacturing.

“We believe that additive manufacturing can change production in many industries, and we are pleased that our presence in North Carolina allows us to better demonstrate these possibilities to our customers.”

Last year, in order to conduct business in the United States, Oerlikon signed a five-year metal 3D printing cooperation agreement with Boeing, a leading aircraft manufacturer based in Chicaco, Ill.

The two partners are working to create standard manufacturing methods for titanium aircraft parts that meet the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Department of Defense flight requirements.

In China, Oerlikon collaborates with Industrial 3D Printing Solutions, Huaying Hi-Tech, to increase the use of additive manufacturing in Asia. According to the terms of the agreement signed last year, Oerlikon will become the main metal powder supplier and global partner of Chinachem 3D printer.

Oerlikon invests $55 million in the US to open a 3D printing innovation center

Now, Oerlikon hopes to invest another 200 million dollars in the next three years and add about 400 new jobs at the Huntersville plant.