Concept Laser expands its leadership position and continues investing in the additive manufacturing of the future

The new 3D campus of Concept Laser at the Lichtenfels location: Covering an area of approximately 35,000 square meters, research and development as well as production and service will be combined under one roof in the future. The new facilities are expected to be ready for occupancy in early 2019 and will provide space for nearly 700 jobs. (Image source: Concept Laser GmbH)

3D metal printing offers almost limitless freedom in component design. Parts can be produced not only more economically, i.e., faster and cheaper, but also significantly lighter, equipped with additional functions, and manufactured in a single piece. (Image source: Concept Laser GmbH)

3D metal printing offers almost unlimited freedom in the design of components. Parts can be produced not only more economically, i.e., faster and cheaper, but also significantly lighter, equipped with additional functions, and manufactured in a single piece. (Image source: Concept Laser GmbH)

- Investment in a new location for 3D metal printing in Lichtenfels
- Expansion of activities for research, development, and production of Concept Laser
- Germany will thus become the center for GE's additive manufacturing

GE (NYSE: GE) and Concept Laser are investing around 100 million euros in the growth of industrial 3D metal printing, thereby expanding their global market leadership position in this emerging field of industrial manufacturing. The groundbreaking ceremony for the 3D campus at a new site in Upper Franconia's Lichtenfels will take place in fall 2017. Covering approximately 35,000 square meters, research and development, production, service, and logistics will be consolidated under one roof. The new facilities are expected to be ready for occupancy by early 2019 and will provide space for nearly 700 jobs. With this, the Lichtenfels site of Concept Laser will become a global center for the development of GE's 3D metal printing technology.

With the 3D campus, the company is responding to the strong growth of Concept Laser in recent years and creating space for further expansion. "The 3D campus will simultaneously preserve and strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit and startup culture of the company," says Frank Herzog, founder and CEO of Concept Laser. The industrial park Seubelsdorf/Lichtenfels combines ideal features for the 3D campus, such as location and transportation connections. The above-average growth of Concept Laser in recent years was reflected in the currently fragmented space situation—and cannot be expanded indefinitely at the current location in Lichtenfels/Schney in the foreseeable future. The new site offers, in addition to research and development, production, and administration, potential expansion areas beyond the planning horizon of 2022.

"I am very pleased that GE's commitment to growth at the Lichtenfels site is now being backed by action. Securing and creating new jobs is also good news for the city and district of Lichtenfels. The significant investments in a new location, combined with its importance as a new global center within GE, clearly demonstrate the value and appreciation given to Concept Laser," says Frank Herzog, CEO of Concept Laser GmbH. "With a global corporation as a majority shareholder, we can benefit even more from the dynamic market opportunities in our industry."

Today, GE already uses 3D metal printing technology mainly in the aerospace sector for various series-produced components. The potential savings through improved material properties and reduced weight are enormous. The industry is on the verge of a broad transition into industrial serial production. "At GE, we are ensuring that we continue to expand our leadership in this technology through the creation of the new GE Additive business unit and the acquisition of majority stakes in Concept Laser and Arcam. GE has already invested more than 1.5 billion US dollars in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Our investment in an additional site for Concept Laser is part of our long-term strategy for manufacturing of the future. We will benefit greatly from the expertise and experience of our colleagues in Lichtenfels," says Mohammad Ehteshami, Vice President of GE Additive.

The steps taken so far in the approval process for the new site were completed significantly faster than usual. "This is a visible example of the efficiency of our local administration, which plays a significant role in this success story. I would like to thank Mr. Christian Meißner, District Administrator of Lichtenfels, and Mr. Andreas Hügerrich, Mayor of Lichtenfels, as well as our partners in the city council, who have always supported our regional expansion actively and made it possible. My further thanks go to the landowners, who were willing to engage in short-term and goal-oriented discussions, thus enabling the construction project," says Frank Herzog.

"We are pleased that Concept Laser has found the right place for its future growth. The new site will not only create highly qualified new jobs in a future technology but also expand a vibrant infrastructure," says Andreas Hügerrich, the 1st Mayor of Lichtenfels.