MacLean-Fogg acquires Formetrix, rebrands to MacLean Formetrix
May 12, 2021
MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions, Mundelein, Illinois, USA, has announced the acquisition of the assets of Formetrix, LLC, Mansfield, Massachusetts. The acquisition includes the substantial metal powder intellectual property portfolio, broadening the capabilities of MacLean-Fogg to service new and existing OEM, Tier 1 and 2 customers, as well as tool & die makers in automotive, EV, industrial, agriculture, heavy truck and construction markets.
The new business entity will be known as MacLean Formetrix and will be based in the Detroit suburb of Macomb Township, Michigan, and will be led by General Manager Greg Rizzo. Harald Lemke, formerly of Formetix, has joined MacLean Formetrix as Director of Product Management.
The combination of Formetrix’s patented, high-performance steel alloys, combined with MacLean-Fogg’s strengthened scope in manufacturing, will, it was stated, allow MacLean Formetrix to build on the initial market successes of the acquired materials and rapidly scale to support a variety of tooling applications in metal forming, die casting, injection moulding and beyond.
Duncan MacLean, MacLean-Fogg president & CEO, stated “As a previous customer of Formetrix, we were able to implement technical cost break-throughs with their material and process innovations that others in the Additive Manufacturing business claimed were impossible. We couldn’t be more excited to continue to make their innovations available for our internal users, as well as serve other innovative manufacturers and tool makers.”
These materials, combined with advanced AM processes, can allow for tool-and-die makers and manufacturers to realise cost, time, and weight savings, as well as tool-to-tool repeatability by replacing traditionally fabricated hard tools with durable printed steel tools and inserts. Additionally, with the multi-dimensional design and manufacturing freedom that Additive Manufacturing allows, tool designers may realise previously impossible coolant channels and shapes, increasing their value contribution to their customers.
“The initial response has been tremendous,” commented Rizzo. “We knew about our experiences but have been surprised to see in these initial weeks how many past customers for the Formetrix tool steel powder have immediately reached out with requests for material and new application inquiries.”
