CEAD and RusselSmith bring large-format 3D printing to West Africa to drive localised, sustainable manufacturing

CEAD announced a strategic collaboration with RusselSmith, an ISO-certified provider of innovative asset integrity and advanced manufacturing solutions for critical industries in Africa.

Through this partnership, CEAD and RusselSmith will introduce advanced large-scale additive manufacturing technologies to African markets, enabling new opportunities for local supply chain development, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing localization across industries such as energy, maritime, and construction.

This marks the second CEAD system to be installed on the African continent, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting innovation, localized production, and industrial growth across the region. Russel Smith is set to initiate its journey into LFAM with the implementation of a CEAD Flexcube 3D printing and 3-axis machining solution. This advanced system will be leveraged to produce end-use parts across multiple industries, including maritime, additive construction, energy, and tooling applications.

RusselSmith’s expertise in asset integrity and advanced manufacturing,combined with CEAD’s market-leading large-scale 3D printing hardware, software, and materials, will help businesses across Africa improve uptime, reliability, and supply chain efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Under the agreement, RusselSmith has been appointed CEAD’s exclusive regional implementation partner for large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems in designated West African territories. The collaboration encompasses technology deployment, with CEAD advising on equipment specifications and providing training, technical support, and material adaptation guidance. RusselSmith will apply LFAM in marine, defense, and construction sectors, supported by new manufacturing facilities it will construct and operate. Together, the companies will promote LFAM capabilities across West Africa and jointly evaluate local material supply chains. CEAD will serve as a technological advisor throughout the collaboration.

“Our collaboration with RusselSmith marks an exciting step in bringing CEAD’s technology to a new and rapidly growing area,” said Lucas Janssen, CEO of CEAD. “Together, we will enable African businesses to innovate faster, produce locally, and embrace more sustainable manufacturing practices.”

RusselSmith, with a strong presence in Africa’s critical sectors, will leverage CEAD’s large-scale 3D printing solutions to support clients in manufacturing replacement parts, tooling, and bespoke components locally, reducing reliance on imports and lowering operational downtime.

“Our partnership with CEAD is an exciting step forward for RusselSmith and brings real value to the industries we serve. By integrating large-format additive manufacturing into our existing capabilities, we are better positioned to support key sectors such as maritime, energy, defense and construction with more innovative, sustainable and localised manufacturing solutions that deliver shorter lead times, reduced logistics costs, and stronger local supply chains,” said Kayode Adeleke, CEO of RusselSmith. “RusselSmith and CEAD share a common vision in promoting the adoption of LFAM and this collaboration reflects our strong commitment to building more resilient industries and creating lasting value across Africa.”

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to empowering African industries with transformative manufacturing solutions that are both technologically advanced and environmentally responsible.

“From the first time we met with RusselSmith, we shared the same vision on how LFAM can make an impact in developing applications and enabling circular economy “ said Andrea Baldolini, Head of Sales, CEAD .