Award-winning OEM GE Additive has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New South Wales (NSW) Government in Australia to develop a 3D printing aerospace centre at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Following a visit to the GE Additive Customer Experience Centre in Munich, NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said, “3D printing is on the cutting edge of manufacturing globally and this deal will help make Western Sydney the nation’s leader.”
“Our partnership with GE Additive will create many hi-tech jobs across the aerospace, medical and automotive sectors.”
Aerospace, additive manufacturing & Australia
Described as one of Australia’s most transformational infrastructure projects, Western Sydney Aerotropolis, aims to create 200,000 new jobs in the area. This will call for employees across aerospace and defence, manufacturing, healthcare, freight and logistics, agribusiness, education and research industries.
As a result of strategic planning, this project also seeks to support residents with strong local and international connections and a 24-hour economy centred around the new Western Sydney Airport. According to Premier Berejiklian, enhancing additive manufacturing through a new Space Industry Hub at the Aerotropolis will advance the country’s aerospace activities.
“We are aiming to triple the size of Australia’s space sector to $12 billion by 2030, creating up to 20,000 new jobs in this industry alone.“This agreement demonstrates our commitment to look globally to bring the best opportunities to NSW.”
Piloting aerospace sectors with GE Additive
GE Additive’s expertise in metal additive manufacturing is also contributing to aerospace sectors Asia and Europe. In 2018, the company signed and MoU with the Korea Aerospace Industries Association (KAIA) and the Incheon Industry-Academy Collaboration Institute (IIACI) to develop the country’s additive manufacturing capabilities.
More recently at the 2019 Paris Air Show, GE Additive announced that TUSAŞ Engine Industries, Inc. (TEI), an aircraft engine part manufacturer based in Turkey, has invested in four of its Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM), to advance the Turkish aviation industry.
Following the announcement of the new MoU with the NSW Government, Jason Oliver, President and CEO of GE Additive, stated, “We are extremely honoured to welcome Premier Berejiklian and the NSW delegation to Munich and equally so to be part of this wider vision for Western Sydney and especially the Aerotropolis precinct.”
“Adopting an ecosystem approach to additive manufacturing will drive the adoption of this new technology and the development of new businesses and skilled jobs.”
Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for more additive manufacturing news.
Join our 3D Printing Jobs to post a job or advance your career in 3D printing now.
Featured image shows Debbra Rogers, chief commercial officer, GE Additive, Jason Oliver, President & CEO, GE Additive, The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP, Premier of NSW and The Honourable Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism & Western Sydney. Photo via GE Additive.
