Norsk setting up industrial scale additive manufacturing plant in New York

Farnborough, United Kingdom – Norsk Titanium U.S. is building the world’s first industrial-scale metal additive manufacturing plant by 2017 in Plattsburgh, New York. Officials at the aerospace structural company say the state of New York and the State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute have place an order for 20 Norsk MERKE IV Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) machines.

“We are proud to be a part of the unwavering vision and leadership of Governor Cuomo and are moving forward in support of his efforts to revitalize upstate New York with jobs, technology and community pride,” says Norsk Titanium Chairman of the Board John Andersen Jr. “Our researchers have spent ten years pioneering the Rapid Plasma Deposition process that is now ready to cut millions of dollars in cost from the world’s premier commercial and military aircraft, and with the foresight displayed in other sectors, the State of New York is the ideal place to launch this manufacturing revolution.”

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

SUNY Polytechnic Institute Vice President Christopher Walsh says the investment “will create good-paying, advanced manufacturing jobs in Plattsburgh while advancing New York’s leadership in this dynamic and growing industry.”

Under the terms of the deal, Norsk Titanium US will provide additional investment into the Plattsburgh operation that is expected to bring the total program commitment to the $1 billion dollar level throughout the initial 10-year period of operations. A $125 million New York investment in the Norsk Titanium US Plattsburgh factory was approved in the 2016-2017 State budget.

Norsk Titanium US is also partnering with the North County Chamber of Commerce in Plattsburgh to support and promote the successful launch and growth of Norsk’s industrial-scale factory including workforce training, economic development, and STEM outreach including specific educational programs for SUNY Plattsburgh, local community colleges and other schools in the region.

New York has released an additional $4.0 million in planning funds for the Norsk Titanium US industrial-scale Plattsburgh factory.

Norsk Titanium’s proprietary RPD process works by feeding titanium wire into a set of plasma torches protected by a cool argon environment that has made it possible to replace legacy forged parts, which take months and even years to develop and produce, with precision, additive manufactured components. The company has signed numerous contracts with the top echelon of aerospace manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers interested in leveraging RPD to cut cost and lead time from airframe and engine programs.

Source: Norsk Titanium AS