ASTRO America plans AM facility in Guam to support US Navy
The Applied Science & Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) initiative has announced plans for a new Additive Manufacturing facility in Dededo, Guam, to support the US Navy. The factory is expected to have an initial operating capacity within the first quarter of 2026, with plans to scale up.
The factory will open with industrial metal Additive Manufacturing machines, as well as capabilities for plastics, advanced measuring and testing, and equipment to reverse engineer hard-to-find parts.
“I can’t overstate the importance of doing it all here, building the workforce here, the factory here, building the parts here, supplying jobs here, all that stuff has to happen here, and it has to all grow at some sort of steady pace together,” stated Alex Benham, ASTRO director and general manager.
While manufacturing parts for Navy ships is a chief aim of the Guam Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Accelerator (GAMMA) initiative, the ability to additively manufacture industrial equipment will have an impact on the region more broadly, on-shoring work that typically takes place on the US mainland or Hawaii.
“Navy ships are constantly needing new parts, just because things break,” he said, adding that saltwater wears down metal even quicker. “On top of that, having a manufacturing capability here on island is really impactful for that calculus that the adversaries are doing.”
To support the development of on-shore production , the GAMMA initiative will also work with local institutions to ensure that locals are provided with the relevant education from high school.
Beyond defence
In his statement, Alex Benham went on to say that the Additive Manufacturing initiative has resulted in interest from companies outside of the marine supply sector, including aviation and automotive.
“Having additive here allows you the flexibility in your supply chain to make whatever you need, whenever you need it,” Benham said.
The new factory could also support the production of intricate components for local civilians.
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