Siemens Investing €30 million In 3-D Printing

Siemens will make a €30 million investment in a new manufacturing facility for Materials Solutions Ltd., its additive manufacturing, or 3-D printing, specialist.

The new building in Worcester, UK, set to open in September, will more than double the company’s current footprint, enabling it to increase its 3-D printing machines to 50. The expansion is also expected to support the creation of more than 50 new jobs in Worcester. This investment is part of Siemens’ plans to build and grow a global business with additive manufacturing services for the aerospace industry, the automotive industry and other industries.

Siemens acquired a majority stake in Materials Solutions Ltd. in 2016. Siemens said the business is a pioneer in the use of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology for the manufacture of high-performance metal parts, with a focus on high-temperature super alloys. Materials Solutions has grown its business considerably over the last two years. The company also works closely with Siemens’ Power & Gas Division and it is anticipated that thanks to its expanded footprint, it will manufacture thousands of parts for use in Siemens power generation.

The new factory will be fully powered by Siemens Digital Enterprise solutions, an end-to-end portfolio comprising software-based systems and automation components which cover every conceivable requirement arising along the industrial value chain. It will, therefore, harness the potential of digitalization.

“Additive Manufacturing is a major pillar in our digitization strategy,” said Willi Meixner, CEO of Siemens Power and Gas Division. “This significant investment underlines our belief that there is huge potential for innovation and growth within the Additive Manufacturing sector. It is also the next step towards achieving our ambition of pioneering the industrialization of this exciting new technology and demonstrates how we are leading the way for the fourth industrial revolution.”

Siemens is not only as a user of 3-D printing but also a supplier of software and solutions for the automation of the technology. Moreover, with Materials Solutions, the company also offers comprehensive services for engineering and printing up to the complete manufacturing of parts for external customers for example in the aviation industry, the automotive industry and motor sports.