GE progresses with investments in additive equipment companies
December 16, 2016
GE has announced that it has executed on its agreement to acquire a 75% stake in Concept Laser GmbH of Germany. The agreement, announced in late October, allows for GE to take full ownership over the next several years. In addition, GE recently concluded its tender offer for the shares of Arcam AB of Sweden, first initiated in September, and purchased 76.15% of the company.
GE now has controlling shares of two important producers of Additive Manufacturing machines and technology and has committed significant investments to enhance the portfolios of both companies.
Privately-held Concept Laser has more than 200 employees and is headquartered in Lichtenfels, Germany, with significant operations in the United States (Grapevine, Texas), China, and a global network of more than 35 distributors and agents. Concept Laser designs and manufacturers powder bed-based laser AM machines. Its customer base is focused on the aerospace, medical and dental industries, with a meaningful presence in automotive and jewellery.
Arcam AB, based in Mölndal, Sweden, invented the electron beam melting machine for metal-based additive manufacturing and also produces advanced metal powders. Its customers are in the aerospace and healthcare industries. Arcam has approximately 285 employees. In addition to its Sweden site, Arcam operates AP&C, a metal powders operation in Canada, and DiSanto Technology, a medical additive manufacturing firm in Connecticut., as well as sales and application sites worldwide.
“GE has made significant long-term commitments to both Arcam and Concept Laser to enhance their complementary technologies,” stated Mohammad Ehteshami, Vice President for Additive Integration at GE Additive. “Both companies are important players in the growing Additive Manufacturing movement, and are foundational to GE’s journey into this revolutionary manufacturing space.”
