Haddy Opens LFAM Microfactory in Florida for Agile Composite Parts Production!

Haddy, a sustainable design and manufacturing company based in St. Petersburg, Florida, has officially inaugurated its new large-format 3D printing (LFAM) microfactory. This cutting-edge facility was developed in collaboration with CEAD, a Netherlands-based provider of LFAM solutions, and marks a significant milestone in localized production of composite parts.

The microfactory, equipped with eight Flexbot robotic 3D printing systems, is designed to be one of the largest and most powerful 3D printing facilities of its kind globally. The Flexbot systems, known for their fully automated, end-to-end manufacturing capabilities, allow for the production of large composite parts with integrated CNC post-processing features. This innovative technology facilitates the production of short fiber-reinforced thermoplastic components, such as furniture and high-performance parts for industries like construction, disaster recovery, and more.

The microfactory represents a major leap forward in digital and localized manufacturing. By using artificial intelligence (AI), the facility offers 16 times the production capacity of its nearest 3D printing competitor. This makes it not only a highly efficient solution for composite manufacturing but also a model of scalability and flexibility. The facility allows Haddy to meet the rising demand for agile production in the U.S. while minimizing environmental impact, as it reduces the need for long-distance transportation and provides a more sustainable manufacturing process.

Initially, the focus of the microfactory was on producing composite furniture components, but the scalable nature of the technology now enables Haddy to branch out into other sectors that require large, durable composite parts. This includes high-performance components for industries that are increasingly relying on advanced manufacturing techniques for greater efficiency and precision.

The new microfactory is powered by AI-driven systems, allowing the integration of multiple production processes in a seamless, efficient workflow. The Flexbot 3D printers used in the facility can print, finish, and assemble components, cutting down on production time and costs. Additionally, Haddy’s investment in CEAD’s modular technology offers the flexibility to expand production capabilities and diversify product offerings.

“For CEAD, this marks a significant milestone in enabling customers with localized, fully integrated manufacturing,” said Lucas Janssen, CEO and co-founder of CEAD. He also noted, “This microfactory is a testament to what CEAD and our team can achieve, delivering advanced technology at scale. It’s also a showcase of what’s possible when visionary companies like Haddy embrace this technology to drive local production and real-world impact.”

The microfactory is part of a broader trend toward localized, on-demand production in the U.S., driven by increasing demand for speed, efficiency, and sustainability in manufacturing. With the ability to produce large-scale, complex parts locally, Haddy and CEAD aim to set a new standard in manufacturing composite materials, driving innovation in industries far beyond furniture.

Starting with just two Flexbot systems in 2022, Haddy’s facility has now scaled to include eight, with plans to further expand its production capacity. This ongoing investment reflects the growing importance of localized, flexible production systems that are both scalable and environmentally conscious. As industries across the globe seek more sustainable and efficient manufacturing solutions, Haddy’s microfactory stands at the forefront of the next wave of technological innovation in additive manufacturing.

With its focus on automation, sustainability, and high-volume production, Haddy’s new microfactory in Florida is setting the stage for a new era in the production of advanced composite parts. This partnership with CEAD is expected to drive the next generation of manufacturing technologies, reshaping industries and creating more agile, environmentally friendly solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.