The Baker-Polito Administration has announced a $1.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) to 6K, which will boost the company's production of advanced materials that are used in additive manufacturing (AM) and in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, grid storage and consumer electronics.
6K's UniMelt microwave technology features sustainable and environmentally friendly characteristics. It recycles scrap materials or used metal powder or parts that would otherwise have gone to landfill, and instead transforms them into metal powder used in 3D printing for the production of parts used in aerospace, defense, medical and automotive applications.
6K has also announced a new 33,000 sq. ft. battery center of excellence pre-production facility in North Andover, MA.
The grant was announced by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. The state grant will fund the purchase of one new UniMelt system, a technology that is designed by 6K and will be manufactured by Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works in Lawrence with components from AVS, Inc. in Ayer, highlighting the strong in-state supply chain.
Gov. Charlie Baker said, "M2I2 allows us to target support toward companies that, like 6K, are committed to growing their operations here in Massachusetts. Through this grant we are funding new infrastructure that will lead to job growth and production, while also supporting clean technology that promises to revolutionize the supply chain for batteries by keeping more of this production here in the Commonwealth."
The UniMelt enables the development of advanced materials across a wide spectrum of markets, including AM, lithium-ion batteries and energy storage. The new unit will join others in the company's new facility, expanding production capability.
Manufacturers with facilities in Massachusetts can learn more about funding opportunities through the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and the M2I2 program at cam.masstech.org.
For more information contact:
6K
25 Commerce Way, Ste. 1
North Andover, MA 01845
978-258-1645
www.6Kinc.com