Logistics firms test 3-D Printing to see if new technology can shorten supply chains
UPS recently rolled out 100 industrial-grade 3-D printers in its Louisville, KY hub. They are testing to see if 3-D printing centers could shorten supply chains, cut costs and give them a better chance of taking advantage of the emerging trend of local production and delivery.
They also want to make sure they are ahead of the curve on this new, potentially disruptive technology and its potential impact on supply chains.
UPS’ 3-D project is run by the Atlanta startup CloudDDM LLC that UPS invested in last year. The two companies plan to expand in 2016 with another 900 printers, and are discussing opening similar print factories
Meanwhile, TNT Express NV, a Dutch delivery company that FedEx Corporation
is acquiring, is also investing in 3D Printing. The company recently began to offer 3D printing at select locations in Germany.
Amazon is also exploring how the technology can shift its business, they have a patent for a 3D printing truck that would allow delivery vehicles to print objects on the go.
3-D Printing or Additive Manufacturing is one of the eight new innovations disrupting supply chains that was identified in the 2015 MHI Annual Industry Report. Learn more and download the report.
