GKN Powder Metallurgy, the world's largest producer of metal powder and parts, has acquired Forecast 3D, a leading US specialist in plastic additive manufacturing offering a full range of services from concept to series production. The acquisition furthers GKN Powder Metallurgy's ambition to achieve global market leadership in industrializing additive manufacturing. The combination creates a geographic and market expansion for GKN Powder Metallurgy's conventional and additive manufacturing customers.
Forecast 3D, headquartered in Carlsbad, California and founded in 1994, serves a diversified target audience in the North American west coast. Prior to the acquisition, GKN Powder Metallurgy's primary market focus was in North America's midwestern region, as well as Europe and China. By combining both businesses, GKN Powder Metallurgy now serves all markets with a full range of 3D printing production technology and an expanded global footprint.
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.
"Forecast 3D is a perfect fit," said Peter Oberparleiter, CEO, GKN Powder Metallurgy. "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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