We’ll kick this weekend’s 3D Printing News Briefs off with some advisory board and management changes, and then move on to project call news. We’ll end with some heartwarming stories about 3D printed wheelchairs for kids and animals.
Massivit Continues Focus on U.S. Aerospace & Defense Strategy
Christopher Athearn
Israeli large-format AM leader Massivit is continuing to increase its focus on the U.S. aerospace and defense industry. The company recently took another strategic step to further establish its presence in the U.S. by announcing the appointment of Brigadier General Chris “Alf” Athearn, USAF (Ret.), to its advisory board. Athearn is a distinguished former U.S. Air Force acquisition professional, with 35 years of experience in defense acquisition, advanced airborne weapons systems, and defense industrial base strategy. He held several senior positions within the Air Force and Department of Defense, including as Commander of DCMA Northrop Grumman and leading the Weapons Capacity Task Force between 2022 and 2024. Athearn comes to the Massivit advisory board with a mandate to support and speed up the company’s move to establish a manufacturing ecosystem in the U.S. aerospace and defense market. Specifically, he should help strengthen Massivit’s relationships with military stakeholders, defense contractors, and key program offices.
“The U.S. is pushing hard to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate the production of critical defense systems, but many programs still depend on legacy manufacturing methods,” Athearn said. “Massivit’s technology can dramatically reduce production lead times and enable faster innovation. I believe this capability can be a game changer for defense manufacturing. The need for advanced manufacturing has never been greater. I am honored to join Massivit’s Advisory Board and look forward to helping accelerate new manufacturing capabilities that strengthen the defense industrial base, increase production agility, and reduce the time required to field new operational capabilities.”
Boston Micro Fabrication Announces Series of Strategic Management Changes
John Kawola, CEO of Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), at BMF headquarters in Boston. Image courtesy of 3DPrint.com/Vanesa Listek.
Microscale 3D printing leader Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) is making some big changes to support its next phase of growth and execution. This week, the company announced a series of strategic management changes, including its CEO John Kawola transitioning from his current position to the role of strategic advisor. Additionally, Bryan Ferrand will take on the role of BMF’s President, while Donna Kelly has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of BMF Precision Inc. These changes are all effective as of July 1st, 2026. The company’s focus on advanced manufacturing applications that require ultra-high resolution, precision, and accuracy helped it build a strong p
We’ll kick this weekend’s 3D Printing News Briefs off with some advisory board and management changes, and then move on to project call news. We’ll end with some heartwarming stories about 3D printed wheelchairs for kids and animals.
Massivit Continues Focus on U.S. Aerospace & Defense Strategy
Christopher Athearn
Israeli large-format AM leader Massivit is continuing to increase its focus on the U.S. aerospace and defense industry. The company recently took another strategic step to further establish its presence in the U.S. by announcing the appointment of Brigadier General Chris “Alf” Athearn, USAF (Ret.), to its advisory board. Athearn is a distinguished former U.S. Air Force acquisition professional, with 35 years of experience in defense acquisition, advanced airborne weapons systems, and defense industrial base strategy. He held several senior positions within the Air Force and Department of Defense, including as Commander of DCMA Northrop Grumman and leading the Weapons Capacity Task Force between 2022 and 2024. Athearn comes to the Massivit advisory board with a mandate to support and speed up the company’s move to establish a manufacturing ecosystem in the U.S. aerospace and defense market. Specifically, he should help strengthen Massivit’s relationships with military stakeholders, defense contractors, and key program offices.
“The U.S. is pushing hard to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate the production of critical defense systems, but many programs still depend on legacy manufacturing methods,” Athearn said. “Massivit’s technology can dramatically reduce production lead times and enable faster innovation. I believe this capability can be a game changer for defense manufacturing. The need for advanced manufacturing has never been greater. I am honored to join Massivit’s Advisory Board and look forward to helping accelerate new manufacturing capabilities that strengthen the defense industrial base, increase production agility, and reduce the time required to field new operational capabilities.”
Boston Micro Fabrication Announces Series of Strategic Management Changes
John Kawola, CEO of Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), at BMF headquarters in Boston. Image courtesy of 3DPrint.com/Vanesa Listek.
Microscale 3D printing leader Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) is making some big changes to support its next phase of growth and execution. This week, the company announced a series of strategic management changes, including its CEO John Kawola transitioning from his current position to the role of strategic advisor. Additionally, Bryan Ferrand will take on the role of BMF’s President, while Donna Kelly has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of BMF Precision Inc. These changes are all effective as of July 1st, 2026. The company’s focus on advanced manufacturing applications that require ultra-high resolution, precision, and accuracy helped it build a strong p