Photocentric, Inc., an additive manufacturing company based in the United Kingdom, has announced plans to establish its US headquarters in Avondale.
The company will move from its current location in Phoenix and lease a 50,000 square-foot facility in Avondale, doubling in space. This move signals a “rapid growth phase” for Photocentric, according to a press release from the Arizona Commerce Authority. The expansion is expected to create dozens of new jobs.
Photocentric was founded in the UK in 2002. Since then, the company has pioneered the development of photopolymers and additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing is an umbrella term that includes both 3D printing and rapid prototyping and photopolymer is a material that hardens in light. It uses computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D scanners to build geometric shapes by depositing material, like photopolymers, layer by layer.
As the name suggests, additive manufacturing adds material to create an object. Traditional manufacturing, on the other hand, often requires removing material using a variety of techniques like milling, carving or shaping.
Unsurprisingly, Gov. Doug Ducey, the Arizona Commerce Authority and Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise are thrilled with this news. Photocentric leadership recognizes Arizona’s growing tech industry and has high hopes for this new facility to help the company grow.
“At our core, Photocentric is a technology and innovation company,” says Photocentric Chief Operating Officer Leea Haarz. “The high caliber of available talent and great partnership with the City of Avondale’s Economic Development team have made this decision easy, and will ensure future success.”