Stratasys Opens New Facilities in Kiryat Gat Israel to Meet Market Demand for 3D Printers

There is no question that 3D printing is a growing industry. It comes as no surprise then to hear that Stratasys is opening a new factory to try and keep up with that demand. The latest addition to Stratasys’ manufacturing facilities is located in Kiryat Gat, a city in southern Israel. The festive nature of the event was enhanced by a ribbon cutting ceremony and the presence of the Stratasys Cyclists, who completed a 45km ride from the company’s Rehovot headquarters to pass a symbolic Stratasys torch to Amir Kleiner, Stratasys Israel’s VP of Operations and newly appointed head of the Kiryat Gat facility. In addition, Israel’s Minister of Finance, Yair Lapid, attended the event and spoke to those present.

The Director of Stratasys, Ilan Levi summed up the importance of the opening of the building at Kiryat Gat:

“The opening of the facility marks an important milestone for Stratasys as part of our commitment to manufacturing high quality 3D printers and materials. The new facility will enable us to respond to increasing demand, will improve the quality of production, and will improve the working environment and conditions of the production team.”

The visit by Minister Lapid to the facility was not only so that he could address the attendees but also so that he could learn more about 3D printing and its role in design and manufacturing. Lapid not only took a tour of the facility and learned about its operations, he also took time to meet with production floor employees and discuss their backgrounds and experiences in the industry. The impact of the experience was apparent as Lapid spoke about the positive economic impacts of the new facility at the ceremony:

“If you want to understand how to create an economy, look here. Stratasys has built a facility with the latest 3D printing technology, contributing to the circle of employment. Kiryat Gat forms the microcosm of our economic activities creating the engine of growth. Many of the people working in the facility are from the area. This creates a cycle. Jobs generate growth which in turn, increase the standard of living. A factory, like the one inaugurated here today, which exports more than 99% of its products, is a major engine of growth for this region.”

The new building in Kiryat Gat will add to Stratasys’ resin consumables production capabilities as the existing facility, established in 2009, is the primary location for the manufacturing and assembly of PolyJet 3D printers. Discuss the company’s continued expansion in the Stratasys Kiryat Gat forum thread on 3DPB.com