Haddy, a pioneering large-scale digital manufacturing company, has inaugurated what is being described as the world’s largest and most advanced 3D-printing microfactory. Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, this state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in the evolution of additive manufacturing (AM) and is positioned as a symbol of the next wave of American “reindustrialization.”
The factory is the result of a close partnership between Haddy and CEAD, a Dutch company renowned for its expertise in large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) solutions. CEAD supplied and installed the advanced LFAM technology that powers Haddy’s microfactory. Central to the facility’s operations are eight Flexbot robotic 3D printing systems, each integrated with CNC post-processing capabilities. This combination enables the factory to achieve unprecedented production throughput and flexibility, setting it apart as one of the most powerful 3D printing plants globally.
Haddy’s new facility leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize production, boasting a capacity that is 16 times greater than its nearest 3D printing competitor. The integration of robotics, AI-driven workflows, and fully recyclable materials enables the production of industrial-grade products that are faster, cleaner, and closer to where they are needed. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with sustainability goals by using 100% recyclable materials and generating no waste.
According to Haddy’s leadership, the facility represents a major leap forward for the reindustrialization movement in the United States. Jay Rogers, CEO of Haddy, told BBC News that emerging technologies like those at Haddy’s microfactory are enabling the reshoring of complex manufacturing tasks, traditionally outsourced to low-labor-cost countries, back to the U.S., with improved quality and adaptability.
While Haddy initially focused on producing design-forward furniture, the company is now expanding into critical sectors such as national defense, disaster recovery, and construction. The flexibility of its 3D printing technology allows for the rapid production of a wide range of items, from battlefield-ready equipment and modular housing components to mobile infrastructure. This agility provides a new blueprint for on-demand, localized manufacturing.
Industry leaders have praised Haddy’s facility as a significant advancement in the Industry 4.0 movement. Gat Caperton, CEO of Gat Creek and a board member of the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), noted that Haddy’s clean, circular manufacturing process, where digital designs are transformed into durable, beautiful objects without waste, represents the kind of innovation long sought after in manufacturing.
With its unmatched scale, speed, and sustainability, Haddy’s St. Petersburg factory is poised to serve as a model for future manufacturing facilities both in the U.S. and globally, signaling a new era for the industry.
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Image: St. Pete Rising
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