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By Will McGuirk
Dexterity is built into the culture of Agile Manufacturing Inc. In 2021, the 3D printing additive manufacturing company expanded into Beaverton—as a result of growth—after 20 years of flexing its business muscles in Uxbridge. The company has thrived in its new north Durham location. Business growth has necessitated further expansion into space their plan said wouldn't be used until eight to 10 years in the future.
Vice president, Nathan Smeenk, says Agile Manufacturing is on the leading edge of 3D printing. Constant innovation is at the core of their company culture including the latest plant at 540 Mara Road.
“We distribute new industrial 3D printers, we buy and sell used industrial 3D printers, we maintain and service industrial 3D printers, and we offer materials and consumables for industrial 3D printers. Additionally, we run them to produce both prototypes and production parts. We focus on keeping our equipment well maintained and we focus on running the printers optimally. Both of these efforts manifest in constant innovation that helps Agile and our clients directly. We regularly push the boundaries of 3D printing,” he says.
The choice to grow within Durham was based on the region’s talent pool, says Smeenk. The location was based on the availability of an appropriate building, and a willingness to be flexible on the needs of existing employees and where they lived.
“That said, immediately upon opening our doors, we received interest from—and hired—folks that live in and around Beaverton,” he ads. Agile now has 29 employees and is the third-largest additive manufacturing company in North America.
Smeenk says the town and surrounding area have been welcoming. The company looks to be involved in all facets of a new community and they have quickly become part of the town’s economic well-being since they first opened.
“We have been invited into the community with open arms. Our president has joined the local board of trade and we have supported and sponsored several local causes. We try to support our local community—from renting tables from the Lions Club to shopping for supplies at the local hardware and grocery stores. We are happy to draw our onsite staff into Beaverton every weekday.”
Growth Mode is a series of stories about thriving businesses choosing to grow and innovate in Durham Region.
