https://cdn.specpick.com/images/photonics/conceptlaserrack2m.jpg712370

In less than three months after acquiring 75% ownership of Concept Laser, the German 3D printing systems developer, engineering giant GE is transforming the additive manufacturing firm. Changes include expanding Concept’s headquarters, growing its employee base and support teams, and investing in next-generation additive equipment and materials.

When GE acquired its 75% stake in Concept Laser in mid-December 2016 for $600 million, Concept had about 200 employees. Today, employment has grown to 244 and is expected to reach between 350 to 400 people - mostly engineers and technicians - by early 2018. Concept Laser is also bolstering its field service operations in both the United States and Germany, and adding engineers in such areas as production, quality control, development and test.

Architectural designs are being finalized for a significant expansion of Concept’s headquarters in Lichtenfels, Germany, with new floor space for manufacturing, product development and test, and administration.

Besides Germany, Concept Laser has significant operations in Grapevine, Texas, US, in China, and with a global network of distributors and agents. Concept designs and manufacturers powder bed-based laser additive manufacturing machines. Its customer base is focused on the aerospace, medical and dental industries, with a significant presence in automotive and jewellery.

Following the GE acquisition, Concept is collaborating with the GE Additive Technology Center (ATC) in Cincinnati, Ohio. At this location, GE engineers are identifying where additive manufacturing can be used to mass-produce sophisticated components for industrial products, including components for jet engines produced by GE Aviation, a world-leading end user of additive manufacturing technology.