Gefertec LLC will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Danville, Va. The $1.9 million project is expected to create eight new jobs. Germany’s Gefertec says it is the only company worldwide that provides 3DMP technology, which uses wire-arc-welding-based metal additive manufacturing to create near-net-shape components. The company also claims that the technology can simplify the process of conventional manufacturing to three steps: warehousing, manufacturing and then finishing with the integration of an optional milling system. The Danville facility will produce Gefertec’s 3DMP machines.

The Danville Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA) will cover the cost of two years of temporary space at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). Gefertec will launch at IALR before moving to a permanent space in Danville in the future.