November 22, 2016

GE (NYSE: GE), the world’s leading end user and innovator in the additive manufacturing space, has reached an agreement to acquire a 75% stake in Concept Laser GmbH for $599 million (€549 million). The agreement allows for GE to take full ownership in a number of years. 

Concept Laser has more than 200 employees at its headquarters in Lichtenfels, Germany. With significant operations in the United States (Grapevine, Texas), China, and a global network of more than 35 distributors and agents, Concept Laser is a pioneer in the field of metal additive manufacturing.

Known as a designer and manufacturer of powder bed based laser additive manufacturing machines (3D printers), its customer base is largely focused in aerospace, medical and dental industries, with significant presence in the automotive, and jewellery sector.  Having a wide range of machines incorporating both the largest and smallest build envelopes, the systems are capable of processing a wide variety of powder materials.

Frank Herzog, founder of Concept Laser commented, “GE shares our vision regarding the potential for additive manufacturing to lead the digital transformation of industrial production. We are delighted that together we will be able to accelerate development of the technology to the benefit of all our customers.”

Herzog’s role as CEO of Concept Laser remains, and he will also assume a senior leadership position within GE.   To support the growth potential of the business, GE has committed to invest significantly into Lichtenfels, which will continue to be Concept Laser’s headquarters becoming a new German centre for GE. GE will retain Concept Laser’s employees and management.  In addition, the close partnership between Concept Laser and Hofmann Tool Manufacturing will also continue.  “Frank Herzog, and his team are true pioneers in metal laser melting technology,” said David Joyce, GE Vice Chairman and President & CEO of GE Aviation.  “We are committed to enhancing Concept Laser’s technologies and product offerings across a well-established customer base.”

The stage has been set for GE to sell additive manufacturing equipment across several industrial sectors. Over the past 16 years, Concept Laser has industrialised the technology with its patented LaserCUSING^® process, investing heavily in customer-centred technologies, including real time monitoring of the process through QMmeltpool.

The company’s machines with multi-laser technology are among the fastest and highest-quality laser melting machines in the world, winning multiple awards for innovation excellence in recent years.  At the Formnext trade fair, Concept Laser announced the launch of the new machine concept with fully modular machine technology including continuous production using the AM Factory of Tomorrow.

“We are hitting an inflection point in demand. As customers increasingly understand the possibilities that additive manufacturing presents, the technology advances are able to turn these possibilities into reality. With GE’s broader investment into additive manufacturing, we believe that this process will only accelerate,” said Herzog.

Additive manufacturing involves taking digital designs from computer aided design (CAD) software, and laying horizontal cross-sections to manufacture the part. Typically lighter, and more durable than traditional forged parts they require less welding and machining resulting in less waste. Free of traditional manufacturing restrictions, additive manufacturing dramatically expands the design possibilities for engineers.

About Concept Laser and ES Technology

Concept Laser is one of the world’s leading providers of technology to support the 3D printing of metal components. The patented LaserCUSING® process – powder-bed-based laser melting of metals – frees designers and engineers from the constraints of more traditional manufacturing methods, allowing tool-free manufacturing of highly complex parts. The company’s customers come from many different sectors, including the aerospace, medical, dental, automotive and jewelry industries. ES technology is an authorized partner for sales and service of the Concept Laser systems in UK and Ireland.