Meltio, a Linarense company founded in 2019 dedicated to the development of metal 3D printing systems, plans to export to 60 countries in 2022. The figure means doubling the markets in which it already has a presence, which by the end of 2021 will reach thirty. Meltio is the result of a joint-venture between Additec, a technology company based in Las Vegas, and Sicnova, a distributor of 3D printing equipment.
The company will close this year with a turnover of more than 4.5 million, “which leads to a confirmation of the product in the market,” explains its CEO, Ángel Llavero. Global turnover since 2019 is more than 9 million euros. With a clearly international vocation, its export percentage reaches 96% of its annual turnover. It already has a presence in Europe (Italy, Germany, United Kingdom or Greece), America (United States, Brazil, Mexico, etc.), Asia (China, Japan or Kazakhstan) and Oceania (Australia); and plans to reach 60 countries in 2022.
In its expansion plan, backed by investments of 7.5 million euros in the next twelve months, is the opening of a commercial show-room and support for the sales channel in India and offices in China and Florida (USA). ) as main objectives. It is currently present in the North American market. Taiwan, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, the Maghreb or Israel are also among its targets.
Meltio has the strategic support of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel producer. Innovation is essential in this company, which has as its main competitive advantage a world patent, the first laser head, capable of producing 100% dense parts from wire and powder in the same metal 3D printing process.
This technology makes it possible to offer industrial machinery for between 120,000 and 150,000 euros, when similar products from competitors are obtained for between 500,000 and 2 million euros. The company aspires to become a world benchmark, explains Llavero.
The patent with which they work allows the 3D printing machinery that they commercialize to work ‘low cost’ in the additive manufacturing of metal with welding wire, cheaper and with fewer occupational health problems than dust, with which the industry is has been operating in this sector for a quarter of a century. “This technology changes the rules of the Metal industry worldwide, since it is much more profitable than the traditional one,” says Llavero.
If in marketing the perspective is global, in manufacturing there is a clear commitment to local. Meltio centralizes its production in a 2,000 square meter plant in the Los Rubiales Industrial Park, in Linares (Jaén). Almost 90% of its suppliers are located in the town or within 200 kilometers. “This allows us to guarantee quality and gain agility. Our plans do not involve outsourcing production. We are clear that we want to be in Europe, and the south is the most competitive region in Europe. Linares is an ideal location for the industry technological due to the ease of attracting talent, retaining workers and supporting institutions. It is more profitable to be here than in China in terms of costs, “says the CEO.
The company’s workforce is currently 70 people. By the end of 2022, it is expected that there will be about 110, as there are offers launched to increase it with engineering professionals, technicians, application developers, marketing and sales.
