The move has received the support of the state of New York and the SUNY (State University of New York) Polytechnic Institute, who, in a joint partnership, has placed an order for an initial lot of 20 of Norsk Titanium’s Merke IV Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) machines. These machines will be produced in the new facility.
The company’s RPD process works by feeding titanium wire into a set of plasma torches protected by a cool argon environment. The structural titanium components produced have equivalent strength to forgings, but are expected to be produced more efficiently.
Under the terms of the deal with the state of New York, Norsk Titanium US will provide additional investment into the Plattsburgh operation, bringing the total commitment to US$1 billion over the initial 10-year period of operations. A US$125 million New York state investment was approved back in April 2016. The state has also released an additional US$4 million in planning funds for the factory.
“We are proud to be a part of the unwavering vision and leadership of Governor Cuomo and are moving forward in support of his efforts to revitalise upstate New York with jobs, technology and community pride,” said Norsk Titanium chairman of the board John Andersen, Jr. “Our researchers have spent 10 years pioneering the RPD process that is now ready to cut millions of dollars in cost from the world’s premier commercial and military aircraft, and with the foresight displayed in other sectors, the state of New York is the ideal place to launch this manufacturing revolution.”
Norsk Titanium president and CEO Warren M Boley, Jr. also commented: “Today marks the beginning of a new era in the way aircraft, marine vessels, automobiles, spacecraft and many industrial products are designed and built. Not only are we creating jobs, huge economic impact and great visibility for the wider Plattsburgh community, we are also making history by kicking off a new phase of on-demand, near-net-shape manufacturing that sets a new benchmark of efficiency and customer responsiveness.”
