July 11, 2016

Norsk Titanium AS, a global producer of aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components, is engaging in a program with the State of New York and SUNY Polytechnic Institute to open be the world’s first industrial-scale metal additive manufacturing plant in Plattsburgh, NY, Norsk announced by press release Monday.

Using a $125 million from the state’s budget, New York State, in partnership with SUNY Polytechnic, placed an order for 20 MERKE IV Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) machines. The initial equipment will help the facility reach a baseline production level of 400 metric tons per year. The facility is expected to open by the end of 2017 and the organizers of the program said that they foresee the facility eventually growing to 40 MERKE IV RPD machines, capable of handling about 800 metric tons annually.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era in the way aircraft, marine vessels, automobiles, spacecraft, and many industrial products are designed and built,” said Norsk’s president and chief executive officer Warren Boley Jr. in the release. “Not only are we creating jobs, huge economic impact, and great visibility for the wider Plattsburgh community, we are also making history kicking off a new phase of on-demand, near-net-shape manufacturing that sets a new benchmark of efficiency and customer responsiveness.”

In addition to New York State’s investment, Norsk’s US subsidiary will help fund the Plattsburgh operation, with its commitment to the facility expected to reach about $1 billion within the first 10 years of the plant’s operation. Beyond its investment in equipment, the state is also investing an additional $4 million in planning funds for the factory.

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