3D Systems announced an expansion of its South Carolina headquarters, which will see the addition of 100,000 square feet in space.
The company has operated from this facility since 2005, having been founded in California by Chuck Hull, who established the company as a vehicle that would bring its stereolithography 3D printing technology to the market. After more than 30 years, the company now has about 25 locations worldwide with more than 2,000 employees, but sees expanding its headquarters as a significant part of its growth.
According to a company press release, 3D Systems will consolidate its material manufacturing, quality and logistics operations on the Rock Hill campus to make room for new and expanded material development labs that will ‘improve operational efficiency, accelerate developing solutions and reducing time to market. ‘The company also plans to open up more space for customer collaboration and training, as well as expanding its advanced manufacturing capacity for metal and polymer components. This, the company believes, will allow 3D Systems and its customers to develop applications that ‘meet the different needs of the market’ of their user base.
“Although 3D Systems is a global company, our South Carolina headquarters has been its center for many years. This expansion of our Rock Hill campus allows us to bring together key elements of the business to gain efficiency and accelerate innovation and the adoption of additive manufacturing by the customer on an industrial scale, ”commented Jeff Graves, CEO of 3D Systems. “Through our restructuring and investment activities, we will bring new jobs to the area over the next five years, which will contribute to the economic development of Rock Hill and South Carolina. The combination of state-of-the-art facilities; renowned hardware, materials and software; and our application knowledge leadership will be a catalyst for taking our innovation to new heights – providing additive manufacturing solutions for specific high-value applications in growing markets. “
The expansion is part of the restructuring plan that 3D Systems announced last year, which also saw its workforce reduced by about 20%. Scheduled to be completed in early 2022, 3D Systems says the expansion of its headquarters will add more than 50 new jobs in South Carolina over the next five years.
“I am pleased that 3D Systems is expanding its presence in our state,” commented Senator Lindsey Graham. “As leaders in additive manufacturing, they provide solutions that enable manufacturers in the United States, as well as around the world, to transform the way they create products. This is driving innovation and helping to increase the competitiveness of our country as an industrial power. I am impressed by the growth of 3D Systems, fueled by the innovation that these investments will continue to offer. I look forward to the success of 3D Systems for many years. “
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