GE Additive inaugurates additive manufacturing facility in Germany
GE Additive has opened its new campus in Lichtenfels, Germany. GE Additive Lichtenfels will become the new home for GE Additive Concept Laser teams.
The 40,000 sqm ultra-modern facility in Bavaria is part of continued investment in lean manufacturing sites, in response to growing customer demand for its technology and the shift to additive serial production.
Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder commented: “GE Additive Concept Laser is a pioneer and world class in 3D-printing. The new campus in Lichtenfels is a technology and job motor for industry 4.0 in Upper Franconia. Technological leadership in rural areas, large industrial investments throughout the state – that is high tech made in Bavaria.”
Attending the inauguration ceremony, Bavarian Minister of Sciences Bernd Sibler remarked: “In Bavaria, global players find exceptional conditions for successful and future-forward investments to take to the world. The opening of the new GE Additive Lichtenfels facility in Upper Franconia is one such example. It is a great win for the people in the region and there many valuable opportunities for business and science to cooperate. The future of the additive manufacturing industry is being shaped in Lichtenfels.”
SEE ALSO:
Protolabs and GE Additive use 3D printing technologies for Met Gala gowns
Jabil launches a complete solution to support additive manufacturing
Titomic and TAUV partner on additive manufacturing soldier systems
Read the latest issue of Manufacturing Global here
GE Additive continues to invest in its manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America, to meet increasing demand for its technologies as more customers shift to serial additive manufacturing production. The company recently opened a new facility in Gothenburg, Sweden as a centre of excellence for its Arcam EBM products.
The GE Additive Lichtenfels campus has capacity for up to 700 employees. The transition of production from the current Concept Laser site to the new facility is well underway and will continue throughout 2019. The office block is still under construction - scheduled for completion in 2020 - with remaining teams relocating shortly thereafter.
Jason Oliver, President & CEO, GE Additive, said: “Today is great milestone for GE Additive, for Frank and Kerstin Herzog and the entire Concept Laser family.”
He added: “There has been a lot of interest in the building over the past three years, both locally and from our customers. We want this modern, Lean manufacturing production facility, here in Bavaria, to become a global focal point for the additive industry. We have created a collaborative environment for our customers and our teams. And, making the campus a great place to work for our people has been a top priority from the early planning stages.”
