As global defense needs evolve, Beehive Industries, a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced propulsion systems for uncrewed aerial defense applications, highlighted the importance of domestic industrial capability for ensuring secure, reliable, and timely production of critical defense components. Its Chief Product Officer, Gordie Follin, testified on August 13 before the U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Finance Institutions during a field hearing titled “Securing the Supply Chain: The Defense Production Act in Focus.”
The session was held at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Speaking to House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (AR-02), National Security Subcommittee Chairman Warren Davidson (OH-08), and other members—including Representatives Bill Huizenga (MI-04) and Tim Moore (NC-14)—Follin discussed the Defense Production Act (DPA) and its role in supporting the U.S. defense industrial base. He described Beehive Industries’ use of AM for turbine engines in loitering munitions, drones, and missile systems, which allows for reduced production timelines and domestic sourcing of components.
“With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East straining U.S. and allied stockpiles, traditional manufacturing timelines are insufficient,” Follin stated. “Additive manufacturing allows us to reduce lead times from years to months, eliminate supply chain bottlenecks, and minimize reliance on foreign components from adversarial nations like China. This technology enhances supply chain integrity, ensures greater control over quality and security, and supports a resilient, self-sufficient industrial base critical for national defense.”
Scaling U.S. Defense Manufacturing through Additive Innovation
Follin emphasized that Beehive Industries’ approach—which shortens production cycles, fosters innovation, and reinforces the defense industrial base while lowering fuel consumption and costs—can generate efficiencies that support more effective Department of Defense (DOD) budget management.
Follin highlighted the DPA, especially Title III, as an essential mechanism that allows companies such as Beehive to scale their operations rapidly. “The DPA provides essential tools such as loan guarantees, purchase commitments, and advance funding, reducing risks for small and nontraditional manufacturers,” he said. He pointed to recent Title III awards in 2025 supporting domestic production of critical materials—including scandium, tungsten, graphite, and neodymium—essential for aerospace and propulsion systems, ensuring that downstream manufacturers like Beehive can scale production effectively.
Follin also suggested updates to the DPA to better support AM, highlighting the need to maintain and clarify Title III authority for transitions from prototype to production and to provide funding for mission-critical prototyping. He recommended adapting programs with accelerated contracting mechanisms, flexible cost-sharing for growth-stage companies, and targeted engagement with small- and mid-sized manufacturers. Follin noted the importance of strengthening domestic supply chains for high-temperature alloys and turbine-critical materials, with investments aimed at mitigating geopolitical risks. He further encouraged coordination with allied industrial base initiatives, including international standards, co-investment models with NATO and AUKUS partners, and secure technology-sharing for joint production.
“The DPA is a force multiplier for national security, catalyzing innovation and domestic production,” Follin concluded. “Reauthorizing and modernizing this essential law will ensure the U.S. maintains technological superiority and sustains prolonged industrial competition. Beehive Industries stands ready to partner with the DOD, allies, and Congress to close the supply-demand gap for critical defense systems.”
Enhancing U.S. Manufacturing Resilience
Recent developments in the U.S. additive manufacturing sector reflect a coordinated push toward reshoring industrial capacity through long-term material supply agreements and advanced hardware deployment. Metal 3D printer manufacturer Velo3D signed a $22 million exclusive supply agreement with Australia-based Amaero to source refractory alloy powders, including niobium and titanium variants. As part of the deal, Velo3D will qualify Amaero’s powders for use across its Sapphire printer family and integrate them into machine licensing packages. Velo3D explained that this collaboration is a step toward supporting the re-shoring of advanced manufacturing to the United States.
Meanwhile, SyBridge Technologies has expanded its partnership with Carbon, a 3D printing company known for its Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) platform. The expansion includes more than doubling its DLS-dedicated manufacturing space at its Chicago-area facility to accommodate increasing orders tied to reshoring efforts. SyBridge has produced nearly two million parts with Carbon’s platform, citing advantages in geometric freedom, mechanical consistency, and cost-efficient high-volume output. SyBridge CEO Byron J. Paul emphasized that the investment enables American firms to reduce supply chain exposure and establish scalable, tariff-free production capacity using engineering-grade materials.
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Featured image shows Gordie Follin’s Congressional Testimony. Photo via Beehive Industries.
