How One Month Will Reshape the 3D Printing Industry
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As 3DPrint.com readers retreated to their homes to kick off the holiday season, numerous developments occurred within the additive manufacturing (AM) sector that will surely change the overall shape of industry. While some were able to catch up on bits and pieces of news throughout the winter break, the full perspective might not have been fully visible as part of a larger whole.
Several major players engaged in major disruptions. This included changes in Nano Dimension’s leadership overall, which could result in a failure to merge with Desktop Metal and Markforged. Meanwhile, Velo3D was acquired and Colibrium Additive was reported to have performed almost 50 percent in staff layoffs across the business unit.
At the center of these shifts is a critical dynamic: the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) appears to have thrown its weight behind Nikon as the leading provider of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology, leaving competitors like Colibrium’s Concept Laser and Velo3D struggling to find a path forward.
This alignment of government and industry priorities underscores how technological innovation and geopolitical considerations are reshaping the AM industry, creating winners and losers in the race to secure market dominance.
Colibrium Additive Announces Massive Layoffs Amid Industry Challenges
Colibrium Additive, formerly known as GE Additive, has announced sweeping workforce reductions across its global operations, citing challenges in the additive manufacturing industry. While initial reports suggested the layoffs were concentrated in the company’s Lichtenfels, Germany, facility, subsequent clarification indicates that the reductions span the entire Colibrium Additive business unit. As many as 40 to 48 percent of employees across the organization could lose their jobs in the first quarter of 2025, potentially affecting more than one hundred positions worldwide.
In response to media inquiries, Colibrium Additive issued the following statement:
“On 6 November 2024, Colibrium Additive submitted proposed changes to GE Aerospace’s European Works Council. Considering current conditions in the additive industry, we are proposing steps to streamline our business, so we are best positioned to serve our employees and customers. We appreciate the commitment of all our employees during this time and regret having to take this action. Any changes that might impact the business are always made following consultation, as appropriate, with our employees and with our Works Council and other employee representatives.”
The company stressed that these changes are confined to Colibrium Additive and do not involve the broader GE Aerospace organization. It also highlighted ongoing consultations with employee representatives as part of the restructuring process.
The layoffs are attributed to weak demand and a projected decline in orders following the completion of current projects. This downturn has created a “gaping hole” in the company’s order book. Employees reportedly expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding who will be affected, with some considering strikes or leaving their positions immediately.
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