St. Pete is now home to world’s largest 3D printing factory

An artificial intelligence and robotics-powered manufacturing facility with a local focus is ready to disrupt the furniture industry, from St. Petersburg. 

Local civic and business leaders celebrated Haddy opening its first microfactory Thursday afternoon in the city. The 32,000-square-foot facility is, despite its moniker, the world’s largest 3D printing hub. 

Jay Rogers, founder and CEO of Haddy, launched his innovative St. Petersburg-based startup in 2022. Mayor Ken Welch called the grand opening a major milestone for both the company and the city. 

“Haddy’s commitment to local manufacturing utilizing the latest technologies – and a commitment to sustainability – is a stellar example of what progress will look like, not only in the City of St. Petersburg but for our nation and worldwide,” Welch said. 

According to Haddy’s website, the local startup uses sustainable materials to manufacture everything from furniture to aerospace products.

The microfactory at 251 10th St. N. represents a paradigm shift for the manufacturing industry. Rogers, a Florida native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said Haddy’s roots began in 1995 when he pondered the internet’s potential for powering machines. 

The startup now employs eight robots that utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to 3D print furniture and other products with recycled materials. Rogers noted that automated systems are “doing the real work” and “getting smarter along the way.”

For decades, companies have outsourced manufacturing to countries with significantly lower labor costs, like China. Tariffs and trade wars have exacerbated a complex problem, and building new large-scale production facilities in the U.S. would take years and billions of dollars. 

Rogers believes proximate manufacturing – strategically moving production closer to target markets – is the solution. A global network of microfactories with continuously learning, automated robots could provide on-demand, highly customizable products while avoiding trade tensions and supply chain disruptions. 

“It isn’t going to be made in America,” Rogers said of future products. “It’s going to be made local, all over the world, and connected by the internet. So, that is a gift that we from St. Pete will give back to the world.” 

Jay Rogers, founder and CEO of Haddy.

Dr. Karsten Heuser, vice president of additive manufacturing (3D printing) at Siemens AG, flew in from Germany to attend the ceremony. The company provides Haddy’s automation software. 

Heuser said a startup needs a compelling strategy, a strong leader and robust partnerships to disrupt a specific industry. “I can tell you, Haddy has all of this.” 

Forbes recently profiled Rogers and noted Haddy’s 3D-printed products were globally competitive before the latest trade tensions. For example, the startup’s unique business model provided a lifeline for Paradeco Coffee Roasters following Hurricane Ian in 2022. 

The storm destroyed the local coffee shop’s wooden furniture and bar, and the owners couldn’t afford to lose additional revenue while waiting on traditional suppliers. Haddy and its robots replaced everything in a day. 

“Haddy’s growth and expansion is a clear representation of the spirit of St. Pete – that spirit of innovation, perseverance and creativity that really defines our city,” Welch said. “Specialized manufacturing creates well-paying and skilled jobs.” 

Automating labor allows businesses to create higher-salaried science, technology and engineering positions. Haddy now employs 12 people; Rogers said some started a day before the grand opening, and others have been with the company since its first microfactory was still a “glimmer in our eyes.” 

He called it a proud day for an “incredible team of humans that have brought these robots to life.” Welch said Haddy creates “impactful domino effects” for the city’s economy and workforce. 

Welch said the occasion “marks a bold step” toward a future shaped by a “unique approach to building the next generation of locally manufactured, sustainable products.” He also thanked Rogers and his team for showing tech and manufacturing companies – and the world – that those industries can thrive in St. Petersburg.