Partnership to advance additive manufacturing
Pfäffikon, Schwyz, Switzerland – June 21, 2017 – Oerlikon (SIX: OERL) announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GE Additive (NYSE: GE) to collaborate on accelerating the industrialization of additive manufacturing (AM).
The five-year agreement between Oerlikon and GE specifies the provision of additive machines and services by GE to Oerlikon, and Oerlikon becoming a preferred AM component manufacturer and materials supplier to GE Additive and its affiliated companies. Further, GE and Oerlikon will collaborate on research and development in additive machines and materials over the period of the agreement. The MoU, announced at the International Paris Air Show, includes GE Additive affiliated companies Concept Laser and Arcam AB.
Dr. Roland Fischer, CEO of the Oerlikon Group, said: “Developing innovative technology is key to our growth strategy and a distinct advantage Oerlikon brings to customers. Partnering with GE Additive, Concept Laser and Arcam AB on innovative AM materials and machines will strengthen both companies’ positions in additive manufacturing, and allows us to meet the growing demand for additive components, materials and services in many industries.”
Vice President and General Manager of GE Additive, Mohammad Ehteshami, added: “GE Additive and Oerlikon both understand the transformative power of additive manufacturing. As the adoption rate of AM grows rapidly, it is through strategic partnerships that we can push forward the uptake of AM in industries, and we’re proud to partner with Oerlikon.”
Key terms of the MoU include:
- GE Additive and its affiliated companies will be preferred suppliers of AM machines to Oerlikon.
- Oerlikon will become a GE Additive preferred component manufacturer and materials supplier to GE Additive and its affiliated companies.
- Oerlikon and GE Additive will collaborate on machine and materials R&D.
Additive manufacturing (more often called 3-D printing) involves transforming digital designs from computer-aided design (CAD) software, and building them using an additive machine, layer by layer, with metal powder. Additive components are typically lighter, more durable and more efficient than traditional cast and forged parts because they can be made as one piece, requiring fewer welds and joints and less assembly. Because additive parts are essentially “grown” from the ground up, they generate far less waste material. Freed of traditional manufacturing restrictions, additive manufacturing dramatically expands the design possibilities for engineers.
For many years, GE has been a leading end user and innovator in the additive manufacturing space. In addition to the USD 1.4 billion investment in Concept Laser and Arcam AB, GE has also invested approximately USD 1.5 billion in manufacturing and additive technologies over the past ten years, developed additive applications across six GE businesses, created new service applications across the company and earned 346 patents in material science. In 2016, the company established GE Additive to become a leading supplier of additive technology, materials and services for industries and businesses worldwide.
Oerlikon is an AM market leader with extensive expertise in advanced materials, AM production, post processing and surface solutions. Leveraging its global service network and strong customer relationships across many industries, Oerlikon is well positioned to drive the industrialization of AM as an integrated materials and service provider. In 2016, Oerlikon acquired citim GmbH to complement its additive production capabilities in Europe and the USA. Oerlikon is also building a state-of-the-art AM powder production facility in Plymouth, Michigan (USA), a cutting-edge R&D and production facility in Charlotte, North Carolina (USA), and a world-class R&D and innovation center in Munich, Germany.
About GE Additive
GE Additive is part of GE (NYSE: GE) – the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE Additive includes additive machine providers Concept Laser and ArcamEBM; along with additive material provider AP&C and additive service provider to the medical industry, DTI. As a notable user of additive technologies GE recognize the value and potential it brings to modern design and manufacturing. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store", through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, resources and intellect. GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry.
About Oerlikon
Oerlikon (SIX: OERL) is a leading global technology Group, with a clear strategy to become a global powerhouse in surface solutions, advanced materials and materials processing. Backed by the key ability to intelligently engineer and process surface solutions and advanced materials, the Group is committed to invest in value-bringing technologies that provide customers with lighter, more durable, more efficient and environmentally sustainable products. A Swiss company with over 100 years of tradition, Oerlikon has a global footprint of over 13 500 employees at more than 180 locations in 37 countries and sales of CHF 2.3 billion in 2016. The company invested CHF 94 million in R&D in 2016 and has over 1 000 specialists developing innovative and customer-oriented products and services.
Disclaimer
OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Pfäffikon, (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as “Oerlikon”) has made great efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this document. However, Oerlikon makes no representation or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this document. Neither Oerlikon nor any of its directors, officers, employees or advisors, nor any other person connected or otherwise associated with Oerlikon, shall have any liability whatsoever for loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from any use of this document.
The contents of this document, including all statements made therein, are based on estimates, assumptions and other information currently available to the management of Oerlikon. This document contains certain statements related to the future business and financial performance or future events involving Oerlikon that may constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein could be substantially impacted by risks, influences and other factors, many of which are not foreseeable at present and/or are beyond Oerlikon’s control, so that the actual results, including Oerlikon’s financial results and operational results, may vary materially from and differ than those, expressly or implicitly, provided in the forward-looking statements, be they anticipated, expected or projected. Oerlikon does not give any assurance, representation or warranty, expressed or implied, that such forward-looking statements will be realized. Oerlikon is under no obligation to, and explicitly disclaims any obligation to, update or otherwise review its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This document, including any and all information contained therein, is not intended as, and may not be construed as, an offer or solicitation by Oerlikon for the purchase or disposal of, trading or any transaction in any Oerlikon securities. Investors must not rely on this information for investment decisions and are solely responsible for forming their own investment decisions.
