GKN Powder Metallurgy Acquires Forecast 3D, Expands Additive Manufacturing Capabilities to Include Plastics

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.

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.

“Forecast 3D is a perfect fit,” says 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.”

Forecast 3D and HP Multi Jet Fusion technology are both said to deliver industry-leading advantages in quality, speed and economics, complementing GKN Powder Metallurgy’s advancements in metal 3D printing for mass production.

Corey Weber, CEO and co-founder, Forecast 3D says: “GKN’s resources, production experience and footprint will be the perfect fuel for this new FORECAST 3D engine as we prime it for the new world of local, on-demand manufacturing.”

As foundational partners in the HP Digital Manufacturing Network, this acquisition brings together two experienced parts producers to further accelerate the mass production of high-quality final parts for customers around the world, the companies say.