Oerlikon Opens R&D and Production Facility

Oerlikon, a global provider of surface solutions, equipment, advanced materials and materials processing, inaugurates its $55 million Innovation Hub and Advanced Component Production facility in Huntersville as part of its ongoing U.S. growth strategy. The facility will serve as a cornerstone of the company’s additive manufacturing business in the U.S.

The 125,000 square foot facility currently employs about 60 people and is fully functional. The additive manufacturing production facility is the company’s second location in North Carolina, with the other site being a center that provides manmade fibers, in particular, carpet yarn systems. Additive manufacturing uses high-tech tools, rapid prototyping and metal and plastics 3D printing to help customers create new components and transform production processes. With the help of the company’s additive manufacturing experts and using these technologies, companies can produce more complex and better performing components that are lighter and last longer, while also simplifying logistics and reducing their environmental impact.

Oerlikon employs more than 1,300 people in 18 states. The company previously announced that it intends to expand its U.S. footprint in upcoming years. This investment is part of the $400 million the company has invested in the U.S. in the past five years. The company expects to invest another $200 million in the next three years, adding around 400 new jobs. The Huntersville facility will continue to add jobs gradually and is poised for expansion as the business grows.

State and federal officials will speak at the event, which is expected to be attended by some 200 customers, academicians and business leaders, as well as employees and their families. The company will present a check to a local robotics club to show its support for STEM learning and ongoing collaboration with academic institutions.