News Summary
On April 10, 2025, St. Petersburg celebrated the grand opening of Haddy’s 32,000-square-foot microfactory, the world’s largest AI-powered 3D printing facility. Founded by Jay Rogers, Haddy aims to revolutionize the furniture industry through local and sustainable manufacturing practices, minimizing supply chain disruptions. The factory employs advanced robotics to create customizable products from recycled materials, boosting local job markets and community engagement. Mayor Ken Welch recognized the factory’s significance as a milestone for local manufacturing and economic growth.
St. Petersburg Welcomes Revolutionary 3D Printing Microfactory
In St. Petersburg, a wave of innovation just rolled in with the grand opening of Haddy’s new manufacturing facility on April 10, 2025. This isn’t just any factory – it’s the world’s largest AI-powered 3D printing microfactory, spanning an impressive 32,000 square feet. With technology making waves, Haddy aims to revolutionize the furniture industry by adopting a local manufacturing approach that emphasizes sustainability and efficiency.
A Vision for the Future
At the cutting-edge of this breakthrough is founder and CEO Jay Rogers, who established Haddy in 2022. The company’s mission is ambitious but clear: bring production closer to home. With this new microfactory, Haddy is not just another manufacturing facility; it’s a new chapter for American industry. By utilizing artificial intelligence and robotics, Rogers and his team hope to minimize trade tensions and supply chain disruptions that have plagued industries in recent years.
Mayor Ken Welch, who attended the grand opening, described the event as a significant milestone for both Haddy and St. Petersburg. His enthusiasm was infectious as he highlighted Haddy’s commitment to local manufacturing and sustainable practices, making a strong case for the positive ripple effects this factory will have on the community and economy.
Meet the Robots
One of the most exciting aspects of Haddy’s operation is the use of AI-powered robots. The facility is home to eight robots that work tirelessly to 3D print furniture and other products, all from recycled materials. This eco-friendly approach is not only in line with modern sustainability goals but also sets a new standard for how products can be manufactured.
These enhancements in technology mean that Haddy can produce on-demand, highly customizable products. It opens a world of possibilities, allowing customers to have their voice heard in the design process. This means no more waiting for ages for that perfect piece of furniture; it can be created right in the heart of their city.
The Economic Impact
Haddy isn’t just about technology and innovation; it’s about people, too. The facility initially employed 12 people, and with new roles being created, it’s already making a solid impact on the local job market. The microfactory has the potential to create skilled jobs that will give a much-needed boost to the city’s economy.
In fact, Mayor Welch emphasized the positive influence of Haddy’s operations, stressing that local manufacturing creates jobs for local residents. Haddy’s approach is expected to set the stage for robust economic growth, enriched workforce development, and community engagement.
A Sustainable Approach
Sustainability is at the core of Haddy’s business model. The facility adheres to advanced practices by using sustainable and recyclable materials for industrial-grade products, aiming to ultimately alleviate reliance on overseas production. This is an integral part of a larger movement towards reindustrialization in the U.S., positioning Haddy at the forefront of this wave.
The grand opening wasn’t just a celebration but also a platform for discussion about the future of manufacturing. Featuring industry leaders like the Vice President of Additive Manufacturing at Siemens AG, discussions centered around the necessity of strong leadership and partnerships to drive industry disruption.
Looking Ahead
For now, Haddy will focus on producing design-forward furniture, but there are plans to expand into various sectors, including national defense, construction, and disaster recovery. This flexibility showcases the adaptability of modern manufacturing practices and reflects a broader trend toward innovation and efficiency.
In a nutshell, St. Petersburg’s investment in Haddy’s microfactory represents a brave new world of manufacturing. With a focus on local resources and sustainable practices, this venture is more than just a factory; it’s paving the way for the future of how products are made. Keep your eyes on Haddy as they take the first steps in this exciting journey!
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