Manufacturing powders company 6K Addictive announced Monday that it would increase its production capacity and expand its facility.
The company, which produces engineered materials for additive manufacturing and lithium-ion batteries, said its facility would increase by 35,000 square feet, including the addition of four new UniMelt microwave plasma systems and a 15,000 square feet of feedstock preparation building. The company estimates it will add as many as 35 new employees.
“Global unrest has shed a major spotlight on our nation’s supply chain vulnerability for critical materials,” said 6K Additive’s president Frank Roberts. “This, in combination with our consistent product quality, sustainability benefits, and the fact that we are a domestic supplier have contributed to increased commercial activity with key strategic customers. This expansion will help us meet customer demands in the coming years and ensure efficiencies in current and future operations.”
The company said that over the last year, it has seen growth in demand for its nickel, titanium, and refractory powders. The expansion, the company said, would help it meet customer needs for up to three years.
“The ability to meet the demands of our customers in both quality and delivery is paramount for our organization. The addition of a feedstock preparation facility and the added UniMelt production capacity will help to create a consistent operational flow to meet this demand,” Eric Martin, chief operating officer for 6K Additive, said. “However, I am equally excited to be able to bring on more talent to the organization with as many as 35 additional employees planned. It’s great for our organization as well as the tri-state area.”
Expanding the company’s Burgettstown, Penn. facility to include a feedstock preparation facility will give the company vertical integration for nickel and titanium in the same location, the company said. Additionally, the expansion will streamline operations, speed up delivery, and give the company more control over product quality.