MakerBot Downsizes Brooklyn Manufacturing Space

Consumer 3D printer manufacturer MakerBot had opened their factory at Industry City in Brooklyn, New York back in July last year, in order to streamlines the production process to help advance its lean manufacturing methods and dedicate an even larger space to product testing. Now, the company downsizes its manufacturing space by 40%, from 225,000 to 135,000 square feet, as Crain’s reports.

Following two rounds of lay-offs last year, additional workers were laid off now, while others were relocated to their headquarters at One MetroTech Center in downtown Brooklyn. A company’s spokesman told Crain’s: “We are continuing to evaluate options to optimize our operations and save costs at our Industry City location to better serve our customers.”

However, MakerBot has no plans to downsize its headquarters office at Metro Tech. While the company paid a termination fee of an undisclosed amount for the 65,000 square feet returned to Industry City, an additional 25,000 square feet that were vacated and are now leased out.

Andrew Kimball, CEO of Industry City, said in a statement: “Despite the recent uptick in manufacturing, MakerBot’s decision yet again points out how difficult it is for companies competing in the global marketplace to grow their manufacturing presence here in New York City. Real estate is only one of a number of factors these firms consider, and why we’re willing to be aggressive in helping them grow here.”