ICON - American leader in construction 3D printing sector, lays off over 25% of staff
The Atomic Layers: S6E11 (00158)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
ICON, one of the undisputed pioneers and leaders in the construction 3D printing sector, has announced plans to lay off over 100 employees this March. With this decision, the company joins a growing list of firms within the broader AM sector undergoing significant restructuring.
The Austin, Texas-based company disclosed its plans in a notice filed with the Texas Workforce Commission, in compliance with U.S. Department of Labor requirements. The layoffs, which will affect 114 employees, represent a reduction of more than one-quarter of ICON's workforce, estimated at around 400 employees.
ICON has gained industry recognition for its innovative 3D printing technologies, including the Vulcan system for single-story homes and the more advanced Phoenix system, capable of constructing multi-level buildings.
The company has been involved in various construction projects across Texas, including residential developments in Wimberley Springs, where eight 3D-printed homes went on sale earlier this year. Other notable projects include the first 3D-printed hotel and apartments in Marfa, as well as the expansion of Community First! Village with 100 new homes for previously unhoused individuals, in collaboration with Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
According to a statement from ICON, the layoffs aim to "re-align the team size" to focus on priority initiatives and the most promising growth opportunities. The company plans to concentrate on advancing its Phoenix system and deploying it for use by construction firms.
Despite the significant workforce reduction, ICON intends to continue key projects across the residential, hospitality, social housing, and defense sectors with a more streamlined team.
However, it is clear that these layoffs could significantly impact the company’s ability to deliver on its projects, whether in terms of machine development or construction services.
This development sends a clear signal that even in a currently hyped sector like construction 3D printing, the industry is beginning to experience a correction, marked by formal or informal restructuring efforts.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
01-11-2022: voestalpine announced the installation of a massive 6-meter 3D printer.
News & Gossip:
In June last year, Nikon SLM Solutions announced the start of 3D printer production in the USA, at a facility in Greenville, South Carolina. Now the first NXG XII 600, built on American soil, is installed at Nikon SLM Solutions' Tech Center in Long Beach, CA. The U.S.-made system complies with BAA, DFARS, and TAA regulations, ensuring faster lead times, enhanced support, and strengthened presence in the U.S. market.
I encourage you to read my article on VoxelMatters: “When functionality lost to design” - a list of top 10 desktop 3D printers from the past, where appearance and design became a bigger priorities than performance.
By the way, the current number of subscribers to this newsletter is 399. Since my visit to Formnext last November, in less than two months, +308 people have subscribed to it. Thank you so much! That said, it’s still a modest figure compared to the 3DP War Journal newsletter on LinkedIn, which already boasts over 1,900 subscribers...