AP&C expands additive manufacturing operations in Greater Montreal

Advanced Powders & Coatings (AP&C), a subsidiary of Swedish firm Arcam AB, has decided to expand its operations and build a second plant in Greater Montréal. The company, which specializes in the manufacturing of metal powders for industrial sectors such as aerospace, already employs close to 85 people in Boisbriand and plans to invest approximately $31 million in a new, more automated facility that will increase capacity and create 106 new jobs over the next three years. More than half of the new hires will start in 2017.

On hand for the announcement at the Farnborough International Airshow were Dominique Anglade, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy; Magnus René, President and CEO of Arcam AB; Alain Dupont, President and CEO of AP&C; and Hubert Bolduc, President and CEO of Montréal International.

"The metal powder market is developing rapidly. This project will thus enable the company to satisfy growing demand and to position itself advantageously on world markets and stand out from the competition. Our government is pleased to contribute to the expansion in Québec of this dynamic SME. Support for the development of SMEs, which create specialized jobs in innovative manufacturing and account for a significant share of economic activity in the sector is, moreover, one of the priorities of the 2016-2026 Québec Aerospace Strategy," noted Minister Dominique Anglade.

Demand for additive manufacturing growing fast

Additive manufacturing, also called 3D printing, is the process of adding and joining layer-upon-layer of metal powder to create complex objects, such as aircraft engine parts and medical implants.

The expansion will enable AP&C to increase production capacity in order to meet growing demand for specialized powders used in additive manufacturing, particularly by major aerospace industry players.

"Our successful Montréal beginnings and Montréal International's strategic support have been key in making our expansion project possible. This investment means that we can provide our existing and future clients with superior quality materials to meet the high manufacturing standards of the aerospace and biomedical industries. With this new powder production facility and advances in atomization technology, we will significantly increase our production capacity in 2017 and beyond," explained Mr. Dupont.

Greater Montréal leading the world in aerospace

AP&C benefited from the support and advice of Montréal International and the Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation in moving its expansion project forward.

"AP&C's expansion is excellent news for Greater Montréal, as investments in additive manufacturing enhance our manufacturing value chain and drive competitiveness. Greater Montréal has everything the company needs to develop its cutting-edge expertise, including an enabling business environment and a pool of skilled talent," said Mr. Bolduc.

Greater Montréal is a world leader in aerospace alongside global centres like Seattle and Toulouse. Accounting for more than 40,000 jobs and over $15.5 billion in sales, the region's aerospace industry is a network of world-class players, prime contractors, top-­rated equipment manufacturers and close to 190 small and medium-size businesses.