3D Systems to Expand in Lawrenceburg

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with 3D Systems officials announced today the company will expand its Lawrenceburg operations by adding an additional 25,000 square feet to its facility located at 3535 Waynesboro Highway.

3D Systems, a global 3D products and services provider, will invest $2.9 million and create more than 50 new jobs in Lawrence County over the next five years.

“Some of the most sophisticated manufacturing facilities in the world are located in Tennessee and because of our strides in education and workforce alignment, we can ensure that companies are supplied with a steady pipeline of skilled workers to fulfill their needs,” Boyd said. “We thank 3D Systems for expanding in Lawrenceburg and adding to our growing manufacturing workforce that employs more than 333,000 members of Team Tennessee. I look forward to building upon our partnership in the future.”

3D Systems’ Lawrenceburg facility is a rapid prototyping and low volume production manufacturing facility specializing in Stereolithography (SLA), ColorJet printing (CJP), cast urethane parts and custom CNC machining. Stereolithography, the first 3D printing process, was invented by Chuck Hull, co-founder and chief technology officer of 3D Systems, in 1983. This technology uses a photopolymer resin and UV lasers to build objects layer-by-layer, and was quickly adopted by the automotive industry and other manufacturers as a means to accelerate the prototyping process. SLA remains the gold standard for accuracy and surface finish in prototyping today.

The Lawrenceburg office is part of the company’s on demand parts manufacturing service, Quickparts, providing advanced prototyping and manufacturing solutions through cloud-based fulfillment. The expansion will increase 3D Systems’ operational capacity in Lawrenceburg as well as grow the company’s footprint in the region.

“We are delighted to bring more business to the region and increase our fulfillment capabilities for an existing and widening customer base,” Ziad Abou, senior vice president, on demand parts, 3D Systems, said. “We look forward to expanding the reach of our expertise in Lawrenceburg, and to growing the advanced manufacturing and prototyping potential within Tennessee and beyond.”

Local officials expressed gratitude to 3D Systems for creating new employment opportunities for area citizens.

"We are delighted that 3D Systems has chosen Lawrence County to expand their manufacturing capabilities,” Lawrence County Mayor T.R. Williams said. “Since their days as Accu-Cast Technologies and through their acquisition by 3D Systems, the company has been providing solid employment opportunities for our citizens. We are also fortunate to have had continued good teamwork with TNECD, the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and the South Central Tennessee Development District who all worked seamlessly together to lead this project to fruition."

Tennessee Valley Authority leadership echoed its praises to 3D Systems and credited its partners for the success of the project.

“TVA and Lawrenceburg Utility Systems congratulate 3D Systems on its announcement to expand and create new job opportunities in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “We are proud to partner with the city of Lawrenceburg, the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to celebrate this innovative company’s success and to help further TVA’s mission of service to support existing business and industry growth in the Valley.”

Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County are represented by Sen. Joey Hensley (R - Hohenwald), Rep. Barry Doss (R - Leoma) and Rep. David Byrd (R - Waynesboro) in the Tennessee General Assembly.

- See more at: http://www.tnecd.com/news/302/3d-systems-to-expand-in-lawrenceburg/#sthash.4zXmnrP9.dpuf