NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski launches metal hybrid manufacturing company
January 24, 2019
Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing’s facility in Statesville, North Carolina, USA (Courtesy Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing)
Former NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski has launched Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing (KAM) in Statesville, North Carolina, USA, a new company focused on advanced manufacturing technologies, with a focus on metal hybrid manufacturing – the combination of metal Additive Manufacturing and subtractive technologies. Keselowski is said to be investing tens of millions of dollars in equipment and expertise to be based at the company’s 70,000 ft2 facility.
KAM currently employs thirty, but it is expected that by the end of 2019 the company will employ up to one hundred people in what it describes as one of the most advanced hybrid manufacturing facilities in the US. Further, KAM is reported to be partnering with several of the world’s leading companies, including GE Additive, ALSCO, BIG KAISER, Mazak Corp and Pinnacle X-Ray Solutions. Working with KAM’s team of engineers and technicians, their combined efforts are expected to help KAM lower customer costs and reduce waste, while manufacturing higher quality products.
“The capabilities of new technologies are limited only by our imaginations and willingness to act,” stated Keselowski. “Until now, much of this advanced manufacturing technology was considered too complex and too expensive for production level applications. By combining Additive Manufacturing with subtractive capabilities, the goal of KAM is to lead the way for the next industrial revolution by making these technologies more accessible.”
With operations having begun in 2018, KAM has already begun working with customers. The company model is aimed at building custom solutions in metal hybrid manufacturing that it states offer a distinct set of advantages, and by partnering with leading equipment and technology companies, KAM hopes to refine elements of the production process to improve both quality and speed.
Rod Meyer, Founder and CEO of Pinnacle X-Ray Solutions, stated, “We are excited to be working with the team at KAM, because we know the hybrid manufacturing model they’ve developed will help companies worldwide. Our technologies go hand-in-hand. With our advanced CT scanning technology and KAM’s expertise in engineering solutions, we’re disrupting the traditional manufacturing process.”
Keselowski added that the new technology offers an important opportunity to grow a critical sector of the US economy. “Manufacturing built our country, enabling the strength and freedom we’ve all enjoyed,” he explained. “Today, the advancements in manufacturing will spark a new wave of American companies, not only creating jobs, but also solving some of the world’s biggest problems – from helping the environment to improving our safety. At KAM, we’ve assembled the talent, resources and technology to conquer these challenges. I am confident that our work will have a positive impact for generations to come.”
