Groundbreaking ceremony marks the future at the Unna site

Capacity expansion for future-oriented technologies

The investment volume for the new project amounts to 14 million euros. The centerpiece of the new, approximately 1,000 m² production area is the installation of a VIGA 70 (Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization) system.

As part of the expansion, the existing plant (VIGA 35) will also be relocated to the new building. Completion and commissioning of the new complex is expected in 2027.

"Especially in an economically challenging environment, the 'ExtraMile' project is a clear commitment to our Unna site and our employees," emphasizes Dr. Niclas Müller, Chief Executive Officer of VDM Metals. "With this investment, we are creating the necessary infrastructure to continue to serve the growing global demand for our powder materials as a technological leader in the future."

The new hall and the new, larger plant will increase the total capacity for the production of high-alloy metal powder at the site to around 200 tons per year. High-alloy metal powders are the basis for a future-oriented production method, additive manufacturing (AM), which is used in many technical industries. In the VIGA plant, the components for nickel and cobalt-based alloys are melted in a vacuum and then atomized using argon gas. This produces extremely fine metal powder microparticles, which serve as the base material for various additive manufacturing processes.

Strategic milestone in Unna

Since powder production began in 2016, the business segment at the Unna site has developed rapidly. With sales of over 85 tons in 2025 - driven in particular by the VDM top sellers VDM® Powder 625, 718, and 939 - current production is reaching its limits.

The investment responds to this growing demand from industries such as aviation, turbine construction, and the chemical process industry. A special feature of the project is the integration of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities directly into the hall complex. In addition, the building offers expansion potential for two further plants in order to be able to respond flexibly to future market growth.

With around 550 employees at the end of 2025, the VDM Metals plant in Unna will remain a central pillar of the regional economy and the global innovative strength of VDM Metals.