Cedar Rapids-based GreatAmerica Financial Services is making a significant move into the rapidly growing 3D printing industry, also known as additive manufacturing. They have appointed Dan Kehr, an industry specialist with over a decade of experience in finance and additive manufacturing, to lead this new initiative.
With a focus on providing tailored financing solutions for a market that is evolving quickly, Kehr is expected to leverage his expertise in business development and existing industry connections. According to Brian Bjella, group president of GreatAmerica’s Specialty Markets Group, the company sees this move as an opportunity to support additive manufacturing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), channel partners, and end-users. Bjella emphasized that GreatAmerica’s established platform and funding capabilities are aligned with the needs of this dynamic sector.
Additive manufacturing is moving beyond its traditional role in prototyping to become a mainstay production method across various industries, including automotive and aerospace. The global additive manufacturing market was valued at approximately $20.37 billion in 2023, with the U.S. alone accounting for about 21% of this total. Projections indicate that the U.S. market is expected to reach $16.48 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 21.3%.
This strategic initiative underlines GreatAmerica’s commitment to investing in future growth across existing and emerging markets, showcasing a proactive adaptation to an ever-evolving industry landscape.