Inside GE Additive's new Lichtenfels campus (Credit: Wilm Visuals)
GE Additive celebrated the inauguration of its new additive manufacturing campus in Lichtenfels, Germany today, a new 40,000 square-metre site which is set to be the new home for GE Additive Concept Laser teams.
Designed to support GE's focus on additive serial production, Jason Oliver, President & CEO, GE Additive described the launch as a “great milestone” for GE Additive and Concept Laser, which was acquired by the company back in 2016.
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.”
GE Additive Lichtenfels has capacity for up to 700 employees. GE says the transition of production from the current Concept Laser site to the new facility is well underway and will continue throughout the year. Meanwhile, office space is set for completion in 2020 with remaining teams relocating shortly thereafter.
Minister of Sciences, Bernd Sibler, who officiated the opening ceremony commented: “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.”
Describing GE Additive as a “pioneer and world class” in 3D printing, Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder said: “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 hightech made in Bavaria.”
In addition to GE Additive Lichtenfels, last month, GE Additive officially opened its new 15,000-square-metre Arcam electron beam melting (EBM) centre of excellence in Gothenburg, Sweden.
