Since receiving Global Victoria's Global Gateway Grant in 2021, SPEE3D has been able to significantly expand its local and international workforce, reach new Defence markets, such as the UK Army, and release its latest deployable metal 3D printer product, XSPEE3D, into the market.
In 2022, SPEE3D were able to expand its workforce, resulting in the company moving to a new factory facility in Dandenong South which is nearly 5 times the size of its old facility.
With the hire of a UK Defence consultant, SPEE3D was able to collaborate with REME soldiers from the British Army. This included being invited to the US Army’s 2022 Project Convergence Program. As part of Project Convergence 2022, SPEE3D and the British Army made parts of consequence using SPEE3D’s WarpSPEE3D technology for the US and UK Army.
During the joint exercise, SPEE3D and the British Army created dozens of applications for various armoured vehicles over the campaign’s two weeks – parts that were ready to use in just hours. A feat that had not been achieved by any other metal additive manufacturing process.
In the same year, SPEE3D released XSPEE3D, the world’s most easily transportable metal 3D printer, ideal for industries that operate in remote environments. XSPEE3D is unique for having all printing capability and auxiliary equipment within one easily transportable 20ft container and has since been commercialised and acquired by organisations in the UK such as the British Army and MTC.
What's next for SPEE3D regarding global expansion as a Victorian exporter?
As an Australian metal 3D printing technology manufacturer, SPEE3D has had success expanding globally in recent years, and this includes multiple regions, such as Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia. The company is eager to continue growing as a Victorian exporter.
To achieve its goal, SPEE3D looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Victorian Government, by engaging in Victoria's advanced manufacturing industry through partnering with other companies, participating in local industry events, and continuing to collaborate with research institutions such as Swinburne and RMIT to develop research projects and opportunities using additive manufacturing.
What's your advice for Victorian advanced manufacturing companies looking to go global?
The Victorian Government was instrumental in helping SPEE3D establish robust partnerships with local organisations in the UK.
SPEE3D highly recommends Victorian companies seek support from the Victorian Government. They provided a range of resources, support programs, and opportunities to co-exhibit at trade events when SPEE3D was initially looking to expand its business globally.