Report: Stratasys Opens ‘World’s Most Advanced’ 3D Printer Factory In Israel

3D printing giant Stratasys’  love affair with the Startup Nation is nothing new; it merged with Israeli company Objet in 2012 and moved its headquarters to the central Israeli city of Rehovot. Now Stratasys announced that its newest plant in Israel will be the most advanced 3D printer factory in the world.

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The company plans to open the world’s most advanced 3D printer manufacturing company in Kiryat Gat, a southern Israeli city that is already home to tech giants like Intel, which recently injected $6 billion into its chip plant there, HP, Kinetics and many more. Though little is known about the new plant, which opened this past Monday, Stratasys CEO David Reis said that the plant will hire hundreds of new employees in the southern and coastal regions of Israel, a statement that made Finance Minister Yair Lapid more than happy. At the inauguration of the plant, Lapid praised Stratasys technological breakthroughs and its keen commitment to keep its industry and manufacturing in Israel.

Finance Minister Yair Lapid at plant’s inauguration

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Indeed, Stratasys is a source for Israeli pride; the company is in the country’s top-ten stocks traded abroad with an impressive market cap of $6 million. In addition, the company invests in the native ecosystem by hiring local engineers, developers and employees, and by establishing offices across Israel. Though Stratasys originated as an American company, founded by S. Scott Crump in Minnesota, the industry-leader quickly realized the talent and development potential in Israel.

Now the company is quickly sealing its place as one of the biggest 3D printing companies in the world. Last year Stratasys acquired the creator of the 3D printers for at-home use, MakerBot, as well as Solid Concepts this summer, the world leader in rapid prototyping through 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing).

Photo: Creative Tools/ Future Manufacturing