3D Metalforge wins contract to produce metal parts onsite at Singapore shipping terminal

3D Metalforge (ASX: 3MF) has been awarded a $387,000 contract to produce 3D metal parts at the world’s first additive manufacturing hub for port applications in Singapore.

The 15-month contract comes after two years of research and development with PSA Corporation, which is part of global port group PSA International.

The companies have partnered on development and commissioning of the new facility, which is located at PSA’s flagship Pasir Panjang terminal in the port of Singapore.

The facility will allow 3D Metalforge to speed the identification, design and production of port equipment parts, at a lower cost and with less environmental impact than traditional manufacturing.

This will enable PSA to secure parts on demand, re-design parts to improve performance and lifespan, and reduce its overall inventory.

Second production site

The Singapore facility is the second fully-operational production site for 3D Metalforge and the world’s first onsite additive manufacturing hub for port applications.

3D Metalforge managing director Matthew Waterhouse said commissioning of the facility validates the company’s strategy of supporting sustainable and robust supply chains for clients by manufacturing parts close to the point of use.

“We are very pleased to have this site moving into production mode,” he said.

“On-demand and customisation will allow PSA to reduce its overall inventory and re-design parts to improve part performance and lifespan.”

Mr Waterhouse said the contract builds on an existing relationship with PSA and will enable the production of high-demand port parts in a faster and more cost-effective way than conventional manufacturing.

World’s largest hub

PSA Corporation operates the world’s largest container transhipment hub in Singapore, handling 36.6 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) of containers in 2020.

With connections to 600 ports around the world, shipping companies have access to daily sailings around the clock, every day of the year.

Beyond port operations, PSA offers cargo solutions to customers operating in the advanced manufacturing, cold chain, e-commerce, and energy and chemicals industries.

The service is enabled by a digital platform known as Calista, which facilitates trade and helps shipping companies to better manage financing, compliance and the physical movement of goods.

New appointment

With a view to driving the growth of its business in Australia and New Zealand, 3D Metalforge last month appointed David Green to the role of business development director.

Mr Green has a background in industrial sales and marketing and will be responsible for advancing regional strategic opportunities within the energy, resources, industrial and defence sectors.

He will work with Mr Waterhouse to identify high potential accounts and secure sales of 3D Metalforge’s range of services to help build more sustainable and robust supply chains for parts production.