RTI International Metals Acquires Directed Manufacturing

RTI International Metals Inc. has acquired Directed Manufacturing Inc., a leader in Additive Manufacturing of metals and plastics for both commercial production and engineering development applications, for $23 million in cash. The transaction is expected to enhance RTI’s ability to deliver advanced, cost-effective titanium and other advanced material solutions to customers in aerospace, medical device and other markets.

Based in Austin, Texas, Directed Manufacturing, which will conduct business as RTI Directed Manufacturing Inc., becomes the flagship organization in RTI’s Advanced Additive product line. It produces complex products using titanium, nickel-chromium alloys and other specialty metals and composite plastics. The specific additive manufacturing or 3-D printing technologies used by the company include direct metal laser sintering and plastic laser sintering systems.

Directed Manufacturing currently manufactures products that include surgical tools, medical implants, injection mold inserts, aerospace airfoils, rakes, guide vanes and injection nozzles, complex fasteners, and others. It is one of the few companies in the fast-growing additive manufacturing field with commercial production experience in both metals and plastics.

“We are very excited to welcome Directed Manufacturing to RTI. We believe its technology, track record of profitable commercial production, quality, performance and base of established customers immediately puts RTI at the forefront of additive manufacturing and 3-D printing –– the technology that is rapidly expanding its influence on global manufacturing,” said Dawne S. Hickton, vice chair, president and CEO of RTI.

“The growth potential for additive manufacturing solutions in RTI’s and Directed Manufacturing’s markets is truly exceptional. We look forward to maximizing the commercial opportunities that the new capabilities of our latest acquisition will generate, particularly on  new commercial aircraft and engine platforms, as well as medical device applications,” Hickton added. “We are also anxious to pursue opportunities with businesses in other market segments that are seeking the cost effectiveness of near-net-shape production that Directed Manufacturing’s 3-D printing capability delivers.”

The acquisition builds on more than two years of RTI research, development and other participation in the field of additive manufacturing as part of its strategic plan. These activities include collaboration with a major commercial aerospace OEM on prototype powder metal parts for advanced design aircraft. RTI is also a founding sponsor of the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute — recently rebranded “America Makes” — a joint effort of the federal government and industry based in Youngstown, Ohio.

“We are delighted to combine our company with RTI. Its existing capabilities, financial strength, strong market presence and global footprint make it the perfect partner for Directed Manufacturing to continue and accelerate our progress as we move forward together,” said Alex Fima, founder of Directed Manufacturing.

RTI International Metals is a vertically integrated global supplier of advanced titanium and specialty metal products and services to commercial aerospace, defense, energy, medical device and other customers. RTI delivers titanium mill products, extruded shapes, formed and highly engineered precision-machined parts and components.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., RTI has locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.