Velo3D Launches Forge 1, Boosting U.S. Metal Additive Manufacturing

Velo3D has launched Forge 1, a major metal additive manufacturing facility in Livermore, expanding U.S. industrial capabilities. This move addresses critical supply chain needs in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors.

What Happened
Velo3D, Inc. (Nasdaq: VELO) officially opened its Livermore Production Campus, dubbed Forge 1, on July 15, 2026. The facility, spanning nearly 289,000 square feet, is one of North America's largest metal additive manufacturing sites. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by notable figures including Livermore Mayor John Marchand and California Senator Jerry McNerney. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) H.R. McMaster emphasized the importance of this development for national security and industrial resilience. Forge 1 is designed to meet the increasing demand for scalable production of mission-critical components, supporting industries such as aerospace and defense.

Velo3D stands out as the only U.S.-based OEM in the large-format laser powder bed fusion market, with all manufacturing and software development taking place domestically. This ensures a robust and reliable supply chain, crucial for national security and allied cooperation.

What This Means for Your Business
For U.S. businesses in the AECM sector, Forge 1 represents a significant advancement in metal additive manufacturing capabilities. Companies can expect enhanced support in transitioning from concept to production, accelerating the deployment of critical technologies. This facility offers a trusted platform for manufacturing, particularly benefiting sectors that require rapid scaling of production capabilities. The integration with Velo3D's Fremont headquarters further strengthens the company's ability to deliver comprehensive solutions, from research and development to full-scale production.

For government contractors, the facility's focus on supporting national security and resilient supply chains presents new opportunities for collaboration and procurement. The expansion of U.S. manufacturing capabilities aligns with federal priorities for strengthening domestic industries.

What US Operators Should Watch
Decision-makers should monitor opportunities arising from Forge 1’s capabilities, particularly in defense and aerospace sectors where rapid production scaling is crucial. It's important to track developments in federal funding initiatives that prioritize domestic manufacturing resilience. Additionally, staying informed about Velo3D's integration of advanced manufacturing technologies could provide competitive advantages in procurement and compliance with evolving standards.

Source: Manufacturing Tomorrow. Read the original story ->