FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

July 6, 2023    

Contact: [email protected]  

Gov. Whitmer Announces 75 New Jobs with Shapeways Expanding in Livonia 

Michigan wins expansion over competing sites in Long Island, New Jersey, underscores state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing. 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced that Shapeways Holdings, a provider of digital manufacturing services, is expanding in Livonia with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $5.1 million and create 75 jobs in advanced manufacturing.   “Shapeways Holdings is driving $5.1 million of investment and creating 75 good jobs in Livonia, underscoring our leadership in advanced manufacturing and future mobility, building on our strong economic momentum,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan was chosen for this expansion because of our talented workforce and strength in the future of mobility and advanced manufacturing. This expansion solidifies Shapeways’ presence in Livonia and helps drive our efforts to ensure Michigan’s manufacturers lead the way in Industry 4.0 technologies and workforce needs. Together, we can continue to send a clear message that everyone is welcome to make it in Michigan.” 

“I am pleased to see Shapeways is continuing to invest in Livonia, and I applaud the MEDC for supporting this critical work for our community,” state Senator Dayna Polehanki (D- Livonia). “This impactful project shows that Livonia remains an important hub for manufacturing technology.” 

“For decades, Livonia has been a proud home to small and large manufacturers alike who have made their start right here in Michigan and across the world,” said state Representative Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth). “Western Wayne County is a natural fit for companies looking to expand and we welcome Shapeways Holdings into our community.” 

“We’re thrilled to welcome the expansion of an innovative company at the forefront of their industry like Shapeways Holdings to Livonia,” said state Senator Mary Cavanagh (D- Redford Twp.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on LEO/MEDC. “I’m incredibly proud of the investment made not only in our district, but in Michigan as a whole, as our state continues to prove itself a leader in advanced manufacturing and future technology.” 

Shapeways Holdings, Inc., (NYSE: SHPW) an industry pioneer and a global leader in digital manufacturing based in New York City, successfully launched its expanded facility in Livonia in April 2023, which was part of a strategic relocation from Shapeways’ previous manufacturing facility in Long Island City. 

In line with this expansion, Shapeways’ acquisition of Linear AMS in May 2022, based in Livonia and Charlotte, brought with it new services such as metal 3D printing, conformal cooling, injection molding and other traditional manufacturing capabilities for molding and tooling. These comprehensive manufacturing solutions offer improvements in part quality, performance, and manufacturing output to leading industries like automotive, medical, aerospace, and other industrial sectors, resulting in reduced labor and tooling costs while streamlining crucial stages like prototyping during product development. 

The decision to relocate to Livonia was also founded on Michigan’s robust manufacturing and supplier base, along with its cost-effective real estate and labor markets. The expanded Livonia facility now houses Shapeways’ U.S. fleet of commercial 3D printing and finishing equipment, and has been updated with new equipment, more conference room space, and increased staff. 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $5.1 million and create 75 jobs, with the support of a $375,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over the company’s original site in Long Island as well as a competing site in New Jersey. Currently, Shapeways employs 36 individuals in Michigan. 

“We are thrilled to be part of the manufacturing community in Michigan, and grateful for the warm welcome and support of the local community, the state government, and our customers and partners,” said Shapeways Chief Operating Officer Andrew Nied. “The strong manufacturing base and access to quality suppliers made Michigan an ideal choice for our expanded facility, and we look forward to creating more jobs and advancing digital marketing together.” 

Shapeways offers full benefits, training opportunities, and equity in the company to its employees, and also supports continuing education and on-the-job mentorships. The project will bring immediate employment opportunities and foster collaboration with the growing supplier base and will help solidify the company’s presence and future investment in the state. 

The project supports MEDC’s strategic goal of growing advanced manufacturing and technology industries in the state, in addition to aligning with the Industry 4.0 initiative launched in 2020 to ensure 50 percent of Michigan’s small and mid-sized manufacturers are prepared to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies by 2025. 

“The decision by Shapeways to expand its operations in Livonia underscores our state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing as well as the strength of our business climate and talented workforce,” said MEDC Sr. Vice President of Regional Prosperity Matt McCauley. “This project is a win for Southeast Michigan and for the entire state. We are grateful to Governor Whitmer, legislators from both parties, and local officials for their continued support for our programs that help make announcements like today’s possible. We appreciate the efforts of our local partners in creating high-skill jobs for our residents, and will continue working to win projects, invest in places and support our people as we encourage businesses of all sizes to make it in Michigan.” 

The city of Livonia has offered to provide staff time in support of the project and SEMCA Michigan Works! is prepared to assist the company in finding candidates for the newly created positions. Individuals interested in careers with Shapeways should visit https://www.shapeways.com/careers. 

“The city of Livonia is excited to see the new jobs and investments that Shapeways has committed to our community,” said city of Livonia Planning and Economic Development Coordinator Jacob Uhazie. “Their decision to relocate to Livonia ensures that the city remains at the center of advancements in Industry 4.0 technologies.”  

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