Materials firm accelerates growth with US facility

An advanced materials supplier is creating up to 20 jobs as part of a £1.5 million investment aimed at accelerating international growth.

Huntingdon-based Goodfellow has opened an expanded 15,000sq ft precision engineering facility in Columbia, Maryland, strengthening its micro-machining and advanced materials capabilities in the US.

Bosses say the investment is expected to increase Goodfellow’s US workforce to 60 while reducing customer lead times and supporting more complex, high-volume programmes.

Equipped with advanced laser systems, the facility will enable the company to manufacture micro-scale components to ultra-fine tolerances.

Goodfellow has already secured a multi-million-dollar contract with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of AI processors using the expanded capability.

Simon Kenney, chief executive of Goodfellow, said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to production in the US, as well as providing an advanced global hub for our micromachining business.

“As artificial intelligence, aerospace, and medical technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible, we’re investing in the capacity and capability to be a true manufacturing partner to companies shaping the future of these industries.

“With this investment comes a real opportunity to expand our export business, which accounts for 80 per cent of annual sales.

“This facility represents a significant investment in our global manufacturing footprint. 

“It’s a statement of our confidence in the Goodfellow brand, our capabilities and in the future of precision engineering.”

Goodfellow supplies more than 170,000 advanced metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, compounds and composites to customers across sectors including aerospace, medical, electronics, energy and advanced technology.

Its new facility was officially opened at an event attended by more than 100 representatives from the local business community, including Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Howard County Economic Development Authority and Howard County Council.

Lori Kleppin, director of membership and external affairs at Howard County Chamber of Commerce, added: “Goodfellow is exactly the type of advanced manufacturer we want to attract and cultivate in this region, and we welcome the additional investment into its new precision engineering centre.

“The micro machining capabilities and advanced materials it provides will be essential for US industry looking to lead the world in electrification, medical products, AI and sustainable power generation. 

“In addition to the investment, there will also be up to 20 new high value jobs created, which is excellent news for the people of Columbia.”

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