Richmond, VA – It was announced today that Gefertec, LLC will open their first U.S. manufacturing facility. The project is expected to create 8 new jobs and includes $1.9 million in capital investment. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is assisting this project with a $45,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant. Additionally, The Danville Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA) will cover the cost of 2 years of temporary space at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). The company will launch at IALR before moving to a permanent space in Danville/Pittsylvania County in the future. The Tobacco Commission has also made significant investments in IALR over the years.
President of Gefertec, LLC, Andrea Clark said, “Gefertec is excited to announce the opening of our Danville - Pittsylvania County location as our first U.S. location for our 3DMP® additive manufacturing business.”
CEO of Gefertec GmbH, Tobias Roehrich, said, “This is in alignment with our long- term commitment to Danville and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and we are excited to expand our business to the U.S.. Danville has been chosen for its excellent business and community support and its involvement in the advanced manufacturing sector.”
Gefertec, LLC will introduce additive manufacturing technology to the United States market. Gefertec develops new methods for the production of metallic parts that extend beyond the limits of conventional production processes, thereby offering unique possibilities to designers, engineers and companies. Gefertec is the first and only company worldwide that provides the market with the revolutionary 3DMP® technology that is based on modern arc welding in the form of ready-to-use production machinery. The arc machine series offers perfect manufacturing solutions for metalworking companies as well as for research and development institutions.
Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall said, "Gefertec's decision to locate at IALR is another big win for Danville-Pittsylvania County. It goes to show that investments in facilities like IALR pay dividends for our area. Attracting an industry leading, innovative company like Gefertec takes a team effort and I'm glad the Tobacco Commission was able to assist with this project. I wish Gefertec all the best as they get their operation up and running here in Southside."
Danville Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA) Chair, Fred Shanks added, “Danville Pittsylvania County is excited to welcome Germany manufacturer, Gefertec, to Southern Virginia. Their innovative additive manufacturing technology continues to enhance services offered in the region and complements the investments made in creating an advance manufacturing cluster. We continue to believe in a bright future for Danville Pittsylvania County and for Gefertec.”
Chairman of Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Joe Davis said “I am pleased that Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville are associated with the advanced technology being developed by Gerfertec. With additive manufacturing becoming a more efficient and cost effective means of producing aerospace and automotive parts, having an innovative company like Gerfertec positions our community to be a leader in advanced manufacturing well into the future.”
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in the regions we serve. Attracting new and innovative businesses, like Gefertec, is an important part of this mission and long term investments, like those the Commission has made in the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, will allow us to continue to attract top employers and innovators.