COLUMBIANA, Ohio – In 2021, Humtown Products experienced 50% growth in its additive operations in Leetonia and 83% growth in productivity at its conventional sand operations in Columbiana.
The company, which has served the foundry industry since 1959, experienced worker shortages at both locations but was able to fill orders as employees took on new responsibilities and learned new skills, says Brenda Covert, marketing director.
Each new machine requires two technicians to operate it. It was difficult to find workers but the company increased its workforce by nine in 2021.
Across both operations, Humtown finished 2021 with 49 employees.
Last year, Humtown Additive solidified its international reputation as the largest provider of 3D sand printing in North America. It started with four sand printers and added five more by year’s end.
And the company affirmed its leadership position as Brandon Lamoncha, director of additive manufacturing, presented several webinars that attracted a global audience, with participants from India and Brazil.
ExOne, the largest sand 3D printing machine builder in the world, chose Humtown as the first featured profile in a new interview series. Company President Mark Lamoncha was also featured in the PBS series “Viewpoint by Dennis Quaid,” discussing workforce development in advanced manufacturing.
In the first quarter of 2022, Humtown expects to take delivery of two more sand 3D printers.
These new machines, along with a significant uptick in orders, will require the hiring of eight to 12 employees by spring.
The machines will make Humtown the first company in the world to fully integrate its capacity to achieve medium- to high-volume production of sand cores and molds, says Covert.
The company will also work with an additive manufacturing consultant to develop a plan to expand into new technologies and materials, enter the metal additive manufacturing sector and develop technologies to support the oil and gas industry.
In the second quarter, Humtown will partner with several international companies to introduce inorganic sand 3D printing to the North American market. This is a sustainable and safe method to produce cores, reducing gas emissions to benefit workers and the environment, according to Covert.
Pictured: Mark Lamoncha and his son, Brandon, lead the growth of Humtown Products.