Through its newly launched Manufacturing Partner Network, GE Additive aims to create an ecosystem that will drive a competitive market. Burloak Technologies, Carpenter Technology Corporation and Proto Labs Inc are the first companies to join the network. They will help customers to make additive parts in volume.
A select group of additive manufacturing specialists
To quickly introduce the first companies, Burloak Technologies is a producer of additive metal and plastic components. Carpenter Technology Corporation specializes in specialty alloys operations and performance engineered products; and Proto Labs is a manufacturer of filaments.
According to GE Additive, companies are ready to embrace additive manufacturing network but still have limited access to equipment, funding to invest and expertise.
On the other hand, additive manufacturing suppliers are also seeking demand to build long-term business cases in order to invest, while OEMs need a guaranteed source of capacity, so they can continue to invest with confidence.
So, this MPN appears as the ideal compromise and win-win partnership for all stakeholders.
Three areas of activities
Manufacturing Partners (MPs) will clearly benefit from GE Additive reputation in the industry.
They could launch co-marketing support and campaigns with GE monogram on all supports. They will be part of a network that will give them access to over 150 AddWorksTM consultants and technical support as well as new GE Additive technologies.
Lastly, they will benefit from Direct demand generation through a network of OEMs and revenue opportunities generated by GE Additive’s sales teams.
The MPN seems to be a promising opportunity for these new entrants. However, we just wonder what’s the real difference between this MPN and an Open Innovation Program.
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