General Electric's GE Additive partnered with Stryker to enhance the orthopedic device company's global supply chain operations.
Here are five things to know:
1. Under the agreement, GE Additive will support Stryker's efforts to grow in additive manufacturing. The agreement covers new additive machines, materials and services.
2. Stryker previously invested in Concept Laser and Arcam machines, with additive manufacturing investments dating back to 2001. The company has collaborated with Ireland- and U.K.-based universities to industrialize 3D printing technology in healthcare.
3. GE has been an end user and innovator in additive manufacturing for years and made $1.4 billion investments in Concept Laser and Arcam, in addition to $1.5 billion in other manufacturing and additive technologies over the past decade. GE established GE Additive last year.
4. More recently, Stryker opened a global technology development center in County Cork, Ireland, which includes an additive technology manufacturing hub.
5. The two companies hope this partnership will spark continued innovation. "We regard Stryker as one of the most experienced practitioners of metal additive, with a range of commercialized medical products. We will continue to innovate with new additive products, materials and technologies , which will support their growth," said Vice President and General Manager of GE Additive Mohammad Ehteshami.