Mighty Buildings is for sale. I mean, the whole company...
The Atomic Layers: S6E19 (00166)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
The crisis in the AM industry apparently does not bypass even its most specific sectors—those outside the mainstream. Companies specializing in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) for the construction sector are also feeling the chilling breath of recession on their necks.
Last week, I reported that ICON—the American leader in the 3DCP sector—was laying off over 25% of its staff:
Now, we learn that another company—Mighty Buildings, based in Oakland, California, has been put up for sale altogether.
Mighty Buildings was founded in 2017 and from the start specialized in 3D printing and prefabrication of sustainable homes. A key aspect of Mighty Buildings' operations was the use of 3D printing to produce construction components.
The company developed its proprietary composite material called Light Stone Material (LSM), which can be 3D printed and quickly cured under UV light. This material is known for its durability, lightweight properties, and excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
Mighty Buildings' factory integrated 3D printing, robotic arms, and advanced software, enabling automation of a large portion of the construction process, reducing labor costs, and minimizing waste. The company’s products ranged from small Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to larger modular residential buildings.
In August last year, Mighty Buildings even attracted the attention of Honeywell—a multinational conglomerate operating in four business areas: aerospace, building automation, performance materials and technologies, and safety and productivity solutions.
But it seems all of this is in vain.
Mighty Buildings has just announced that it is up for sale. Due to financial difficulties and the need for restructuring, the company is now seeking new investors. The sales process is being coordinated by Rock Creek Advisors, with the final deadline for offers set for February 14, 2025.
At the same time, the company has highlighted the need to find new jobs for its employees in the United States, Mexico, and Europe, many of whom have been laid off.
The situation at Mighty Buildings, along with the challenges faced by ICON, illustrates that despite its considerable potential, the 3DCP industry continues to face numerous challenges. High development costs, regulatory barriers, and limited funding remain the primary obstacles to the broader commercialization of this innovative construction method.
So yes, a purge is underway here too.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
01-19-2021: Protolabs acquired the online manufacturing platform 3D Hubs.
News & Gossip:
To show that not everyone in the 3DCP industry is facing challenges, here’a some good news: HOK and Pikus are collaborating on the first stadium with 3D-printed concrete seating. The components, known as the "Star Wars Bench," are being manufactured off-site and installed on location in Utah. The project demonstrates that 3DCP technology has reached a level capable of handling large-scale investments.
Portuguese company Rat Rig has introduced the Rat Pack, a versatile air filter for 3D printers, tailored for its V-Core 4 and compatible with other models like V-Core 3. Available in two sizes (€42.50 and €57.50), it includes a HEPA filter, fan, and mounts. It integrates seamlessly with RatOS and Klipper firmware.
This isn’t breaking news anymore—it’s already 4 days old. But still… Greg Dachs—Senior Vice President Of Engineering at Carbon, joined Capstan, a company focused on robotic medical devices aimed at improving care for heart disease. He left Carbon after 9 years of duty, meaning it was with the company probably since its inception. It’s a bit surprising that Carbon is losing such an important specialist…