Oerlikon has recently declared that it will be building a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Plymouth Township, Michigan, USA, dedicated to producing advanced materials for additive manufacturing and high-end surface coatings. The new facility will produce the latest materials, such as advanced titanium alloys for the additive manufacturing market and certain high-end thermal spray powders. The site will be fully equipped with next-generation VIGA technology, which combines vacuum induction melting with inert gas atomization systems. VIGA is one of the most versatile methods for processing a variety of metals and alloys into powders, and offers improved process efficiency and yields. In addition, the facility will house a state-of-the-art research & development (R&D) lab for further developments of titanium and other alloys (e.g. nickel, copper, iron and cobalt), for joint R&D projects with customers, and have the ability to produce customized powders in small batches.
In the first phase, Oerlikon plans to invest approximately USD 50 million in the facility. The Group has the option of further expanding and developing the site to meet customers’ demands. The new facility complements Oerlikon Metco’s existing site in Troy, Michigan, where advanced materials for surface solutions are produced. The Group expects to initially employ approximately 70 staff in Plymouth Township, which is known as a high-tech corridor, where many leading industrial research facilities are based. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2017.