GKN Powder Metallurgy, one of the world’s largest producer of metal powder and parts, announced the acquisition of FORECAST 3D, a leading plastic additive manufacturing services provider from US. The acquisition aims to deliver industrial 3D printing solutions to global industrial customers.
The acquisition is seen as a geographic expansion of GKN’s market with an increased reach for GKN Powder Metallurgy’s conventional and additive manufacturing customers. This solidifies GKN’s ambition to achieve global market leadership in industrializing additive manufacturing.
FORECAST 3D, the US-based plastic parts provider adds 25 years of experience in polymers to GKN’s advanced additive manufacturing production capabilities and market leadership in this high growth market.
Talking about the acquisition, Peter Oberparleiter, CEO, GKN Powder Metallurgy commented, “FORECAST 3D is a perfect fit. They are everywhere we aren’t – geographies, markets, technologies and base materials. Combining our individual capabilities will present unparalleled advantages to our customer bases and enable us to cross-promote additive manufacturing in metal and plastic over more diversified markets. It is an important step on our journey to become No. 1 in this high growth market.”
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HP: A Catalyst to the Acquisition
HP has been instrumental in the success of both the companies in their respective markets. Both GKN and Forecast 3D has been pioneers in using HP’s metals and plastics platforms as they were foundational partners in the HP Digital Manufacturing Network.
According to Christoph Schell, President, HP 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing, “There is enormous opportunity for growth in 3D printing and it is exciting to see GKN and FORECAST 3D come together to push the boundaries in both metals and plastics mass production. Customers worldwide now have the confidence of two of the premiere producers of 3D-printed parts at the ready to help accelerate digital manufacturing transformation and deliver innovative, high-quality applications.”
In the acquisition, GKN will benefit from FORECAST 3D’s expertise in the plastic industry, With a fleet of industrial-grade HP Jet Fusion 3D printers, FORECAST 3D has been able to deliver industry-leading advantages in quality, speed and economics, complementing GKN Powder Metallurgy’s advancements in metal 3D printing for mass production.
Speaking about the company and its capabilities, Corey Weber, CEO and co-founder, FORECAST 3D said, “At FORECAST 3D, our roots run deep in the world of nimble, low volume polymer additive manufacturing. As we continue to branch out and focus on high volume additive production, what better partner to pair with than GKN; a company that produces over 13 million parts per day? GKN’s resources, production experience and footprint will be the perfect fuel for this new FORECAST 3D engine as we prime it for the new world of local, on-demand manufacturing.”
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