The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has approved a 27.4 million USD financing package for 6K Additive.
The funding is set to be used to bolster the domestic production of metal powder for additive manufacturing and traditional powder metallurgical processes used in component production. 6K Additive expects the planned expansion to expand its powder capacity in Burgettstown, PA, from 200 metric tons to over 1,000 metric tons per year.
This increased capacity will support the manufacture of defence, hypersonic, nuclear and other critical applications used by the Department of War (DoW) and its supply chain partners, along with commercial organisations. Supporting this effort, 6K Additive has also received a 23.4 million USD Defense Production Act grant award.
“We are experiencing growth in demand for our refractory, titanium and nickel powders for additive manufacturing, and the EXIM financing supports scaling to meet this growth by expanding our state-of-the-art powder and alloy footprints. We also intend to expand our product offerings with ingot production for forging and castings,” said 6K Additive CEO Frank Roberts. “Key to our success is our talented employee team. The EXIM loan supports hiring the very best engineers, operators and support staff to significantly grow the organisation to meet anticipated market demand over the next 3-5 years.”
“This expansion is proof that American manufacturing is innovating and growing,” added EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic. “My first Board action is about rebuilding America’s industrial base, securing critical supply chains, and making sure America leads in the industries of the future. Partnering with the Department of War on this effort underscores EXIM’s role as an economic tool to effectuate President Trump’s agenda for revitalising our domestic manufacturing and bringing supply chain security to America.”
"This U.S. Export-Import Bank loan will scale domestic production capacity for advanced metals needed for defense applications and strategic economic sectors," offered the Honorable Michael Cadenazzi, the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy. "This loan also builds upon the Department of War’s 2023 Defense Production Act Title III investment in 6K Additive and exemplifies the whole-of-government approach to building and scaling critical mineral capabilities."
EXIM has provided the funding to 6K Additive in line with The Make More in America Initiative (MMIA) program. MMIA was launched by EXIM in April 2021 with an initial 3 billion USD allocation to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity, secure critical supply chains, and enhance U.S. competitiveness in strategic sectors. EXIM is said to evaluate MMIA applications based on their potential to strengthen supply chain resilience, create sustainable jobs, and align with broader national security priorities.
Like all EXIM loans, once approved, 6K Additive’s loan is subject to mutually agreed upon and fully executed loan documentation and satisfaction of condition precedent, which is expected to be finalised in the next 90 days. In line with the MMIA initiative, the expansion is expected to generate 50 new skilled positions in engineering, technical operations, and administrative roles. These jobs will provide opportunities for residents while attracting specialised talent to the region.
