Nikon invests $91 million in the aerospace supplier startup Morf3D



Nikon has purchased a majority stake in the aerospace supplier startup company Morf3D. Nikkei estimates the deal at nearly 10 billion yen ($91 million). Here is the full press release:





Nikon to Acquire Majority Ownership of Morf3D Inc.

April 6, 2021

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) has acquired majority ownership of Morf3D Inc. (CEO: Ivan Madera, head office: El Segundo, CA, hereinafter “Morf3D”), a trusted leader in metal additive manufacturing (AM) specializing in AM and engineering for the aerospace, space and defense industries, for an undisclosed amount.

Nikon has more than a century of cutting-edge technology and manufactures some of the most precise equipment in the world, with its products being used in applications ranging from advanced semiconductor manufacturing and mass production of panels for televisions and smart devices, to medical systems, automotive and satellites. Nikon is committed to applying its extensive technologies, deeply rooted in light, opto-electronics and precision excellence, to creating value in novel fields and solving societal challenges.

In July of 2019, Nikon established the Next Generation Project Division to accelerate the launch of new growth businesses including materials processing technologies. Nikon intends to drive industrialization of digital manufacturing by leveraging synergies resulting from strategic investments and alliances with industry-leading companies worldwide.

Morf3D is focused on helping customers realize the potential of AM to solve complex design and manufacturing challenges. Using state-of-the-art additive design and analytical tools combined with unmatched AM serial production experience, Morf3D accelerates fully optimized functional structures and build processes for clients.

Yuichi Shibazaki, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Next Generation Project Division of Nikon said, “Morf3D has proven leadership in metal additive technology, a strong innovation pipeline and highly specialized aerospace manufacturing qualifications. It also brings a team of experts accustomed to partnering with customers to achieve their unique requirements. This combination is well-aligned with the Nikon’s vision for accelerating industrialization of AM through innovation, and we look forward to working together to deliver exciting next-generation AM solutions to customers globally.”

Ivan Madera, Chief Executive Officer at Morf3D said, “Nikon’s investment and cutting-edge technology accelerates Morf3D’s position as an innovation leader in advanced manufacturing for the aerospace, space and defense markets. Our unique partnership is well-positioned to bring forth the highest level of quality, service and technological advancements that will drive the industrialization of additive manufacturing.”

About Nikon

Nikon has been a pioneer in optical technology markets worldwide since its inception in 1917.

Today, utilizing advanced technologies, we offer a wide range of products and solutions from digital cameras and binoculars to industrial precision equipment such as FPD and semiconductor lithography systems, microscopes and measuring instruments as well as for the healthcare field.

In the future, we will take advantage of Nikon’s core technologies to generate new core pillars of profit including the material processing business; Nikon strives to be a leading company in precision and optics fields that realizes sustainable growth of enterprise value in medium- to long-term.

About Morf3D

Morf3D Inc. specializes in additive engineering and manufacturing with metals and provides advisory services in additive manufacturing strategy and technology adoption road-mapping. Morf3D’s mission is enabling client proficiency in fully exploiting the benefits of additive engineering and manufacturing and delivering innovative solutions that solve complex design and manufacturing challenges.

For more information about Morf3D