New Zealand-based EBM contract manufacturer Zenith Tecnica has been acquired by owners Andrew Burgess and Blair Jordan, with plans to expand its capacity and services.
New Zealand-based Zenith Tecnica, an early pioneer in Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology, has been acquired by a new ownership group comprising Andrew Burgess and Blair Jordan. The company has been a significant contributor to the region's additive manufacturing landscape, particularly in metal printing, alongside Ram3D. Zenith Tecnica's strategic location, while remote, has necessitated a strong focus on local manufacturing capabilities for sectors like maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
Zenith Tecnica has a diverse track record, producing parts for Air New Zealand, developing adaptive tools for athletes, and manufacturing over 260 satellite components. The company's acquisition is seen as a pivotal moment for the local 3D printing industry, especially within the medical, defense, space, and aviation sectors. The new owners aim to scale the business, building on a reported 490% revenue increase since 2020. To accommodate growing demand, Zenith Tecnica plans to add two more E-beam systems to its existing six.
Departing General Manager Heather Grace expressed confidence in the company's future under new leadership, emphasizing the importance of relationships and technical expertise in building trust across various industries. Grace will remain with the company until August. Future growth strategies include strengthening its partnership with Lanteris Space Systems (Intuitive Machines) for satellite production, building on previous work with NASA's Psyche mission and the Space Development Agency's tracking networks. The company also aims to expand its offerings in orthopaedic implants and guides.
New Managing Director Blair Jordan highlighted the rarity of Zenith Tecnica's team, which has earned trust in highly regulated industries by integrating closely with customers' engineering and quality departments. The focus for the new ownership is to scale operations while maintaining the company's established speed and flexibility. This will involve continued investment in equipment, personnel, and facilities, ensuring that capacity growth does not compromise the core operational principles that have defined Zenith Tecnica's reputation. The AS 9100 and ISO 13485-certified service is now entering a new phase of development.
This acquisition signifies a move towards consolidation and scaling within specialized additive manufacturing. Zenith Tecnica's EBM expertise in high-regulation sectors like aerospace and medical, coupled with its expansion plans, highlights the growing demand for advanced metal AM solutions. The focus on increasing capacity and maintaining flexibility is crucial for meeting the evolving needs of these industries, particularly for complex components in space and aviation applications.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.