Caracol and RusselSmith announce exclusive AM partnership in West Africa
Caracol, based in Barlassina, Italy, and RusselSmith, based in Lagos, Nigeria, have announced the signing of a strategic partnership to collaborate on the deployment, development, and commercialisation of Caracol’s Vipra AM platforms, its robotic Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology, in West Africa.
This strategic collaboration aims to establish a world-class advanced manufacturing hub in the region to support the growth of local industrial capabilities and enable the adoption of innovative, sustainable production solutions.
Through this exclusive partnership, Caracol and RusselSmith will work together to deploy Caracol’s robotic large-format Vipra AM technology across key West African markets; develop local expertise and capacity in advanced manufacturing; support commercialisation opportunities to serve diverse industrial sectors; and advance regional industrialisation by providing innovative, scalable, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.
The collaboration combines Caracol’s robotic DED technology with RusselSmith’s regional presence and industry expertise.
“The partnership between RusselSmith and Caracol is a testament of commitment towards Africa and its technology and manufacturing independence, agnostically from industries, together we are pursuing the creation of value for the whole Continent,” said Riccardo Nicastro, the Global Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director of Middle East and Africa for Caracol.
RusselSmith’s CEO, Kayode Adeleke, stated, “Our exclusive partnership with Caracol represents another bold stride in shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in West Africa. By introducing robotic WAAM technology through Caracol’s Vipra AM platform, we are unlocking new possibilities for industrialisation across the region. This collaboration allows us to build local expertise, accelerate the development of scalable manufacturing solutions, and create opportunities that strengthen Africa’s ability to compete globally. Together with Caracol, we are laying the foundation for a world-class hub that drives innovation, nurtures talent, and delivers sustainable growth for the industries we serve.”
