Ex-Dyson Managing Director joins AMufacture as new Chairman

A UK-based additive manufacturing company has appointed the former Managing Director of Dyson as its new Chairman. David Hollander is taking on the role at Portsmouth-based AMufacture to support its rapid growth and international expansion.

AMufacture, which was founded in 2018 by Craig Pyser and Will Howden, has grown into a major contract manufacturer in the additive manufacturing industry, specialising in marine, automotive and defence contracts. It recently benefited from significant follow-on investment from leading private equity firm Maven Capital and Scottish-based co-investor Turner, which has been helping ambitious companies to grow for more than 100 years.

David, who has more than 40 years’ experience in leading and transforming businesses, says: “I’m delighted to join AMufacture at such an exciting time in the company’s development. We now have seven times the capacity we had two years ago with the opportunity ahead to develop either in other areas of the UK or, more importantly, overseas.

He adds: “What I’m bringing – from my time at Dyson and other companies – is some experience of having been there and done it before. I greatly admire Will and Craig’s ambition, the progress the company has made to date and I’m impressed by the focus and support that comes from the investment they have received.

“The potential for growth is huge. Additive manufacturing has historically been used for R&D but is now at such an advanced level that it’s very cost effective for relatively short manufacturing runs and for situations of rapid change where a client does not want to commit to a long run. It allows customers to prepare for multiple scenarios in the most cost-effective way.”

Craig, who is also chair of AMUK, the additive manufacturing industry’s trade association, says the appointment came as the company continued its rapid growth trajectory and advances plans for expansion both within the UK and internationally.

“David’s huge experience, knowledge and passion for innovation will play a great part in leading our growth. He was a key part of the team which built such fantastic success at Dyson and helped establish the company at the forefront of manufacturing innovation and excellence in its sector. That experience – as well as David’s extensive work at other major corporates and his proven track record as chairman of other private equity-backed businesses – will be invaluable as we look to scale AMufacture.”

Will, a former naval architect and Olympic sailor, adds: “We’ve already established ourselves as a key player in the additive manufacturing sector, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver innovative solutions across multiple industries. AMufacture prides itself on working collaboratively and seamlessly with clients, bringing additive manufacturing technology, processes and experience to their workflow.

“We operate the most sophisticated additive manufacturing technology in the UK and believe we’ve only just started to scratch the surface of what it is capable of. With David’s appointment, we’re perfectly positioned to grow still further both here and overseas.”