BASF’s Forward AM undergoes management buyout to form independent company
July 4, 2024
Forward AM, the Additive Manufacturing business of BASF, has undergone a management buyout (MBO), creating a new independent company named Forward AM Technologies. Led by CEO Martin Back, and supported by BASF, the acquisition includes Forward AM’s materials and solutions, as well as its Sculpteo service business.
Forward AM offers a range of Ultrafuse metal filaments, including 17-4 PH and 316L stainless steels, for the Material Extrusion (MEX)-based Additive Manufacturing process Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The new company will retain control over intellectual property and, with its strong supply chain, reports that it expects to meet future demands and fulfil all contractual obligations without disruption.
“I would like to express my gratitude to BASF for all their support during the MBO process,” stated Martin Back, CEO at Forward AM. “By working together, we could ensure that our team of experts and the innovative tools currently in place can continue to provide leading AM solutions to the manufacturing industry in times of volatility. The team at Forward AM is truly passionate about shaping the future of manufacturing and all the exciting opportunities to build and grow within this innovative AM community. I’m looking forward to this empowering journey ahead.”
Forward AM has posted strong performance, with a consistent 30% annual growth rate over the past two years, said to stand at more than double the industry average.
During the transaction, BASF provided strong support to enable the formation of an independent company, while also saving jobs along with all the advanced technologies developed by the team at Forward AM.
“It is a very exciting time to be part of the AM industry. Building on excellence in materials, services, and solutions, we’re going to continue to drive innovation through our work and collaborative efforts with our partners,” said Back. “We know the manufacturing sector faces growing volatility and uncertainty, creating a demand for more resilient and sustainable materials and agile solutions. Forward AM is here to deliver on that demand head on. This new venture emphasises our continued commitment and dedication to providing expedient and robust AM solutions, focusing on the success of our customers and partners. Together, we are proving that AM technologies are integral to the future of manufacturing. Together, we will keep moving forward.”
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