WESTERN SYDNEY TO BE 3D PRINTING CAPITAL

Western Sydney will be the centre of 3D printing in Australia thanks to a new joint initiative between the NSW Government and industry leader GE Additive.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian was in Munich today to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with GE Additive to develop industrial-scale 3D printing at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

"3D printing is on the cutting edge of manufacturing globally and this deal will help make Western Sydney the nation's leader," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Our partnership with GE Additive will create many hi-tech jobs across the aerospace, medical and automotive sectors."

GE Additive is at the forefront of metal additive manufacturing, which is disrupting manufacturing industries and accelerating the way products are designed and made.

Ms Berejiklian visited the GE Additive Customer Experience Centre in Munich, which provides access to 3D printing experts and specialised training for companies of all sizes.

"We are extremely honoured to welcome Premier Berejiklian and the NSW delegation to Munich and equally so to be part of this wider vision for Western Sydney and especially the Aerotropolis precinct," Jason Oliver, President and CEO of GE Additive, said.

"Adopting an ecosystem approach to additive manufacturing will drive the adoption of this new technology and the development of new businesses and skilled jobs," Mr Oliver said.

"Given NSW's rich seam of talent and ambition for the future, we are particularly excited at the impact our work together could have, not just in NSW, but nation-wide and more broadly across the APAC region."

Ms Berejiklian said enhanced 3D printing capabilities will be a key component of a new space industry hub at the Aerotropolis.

"We are aiming to triple the size of Australia's space sector to $12 billion by 2030, creating up to 20,000 new jobs in this industry alone," Ms Berejiklian said.

"This agreement demonstrates our commitment to look globally to bring the best opportunities to NSW."

Today's announcement follows an agreement signed in December between the NSW Government and 18 NSW space companies, research and education institutions, as well as the CSIRO, to establish a new Space Industry Hub at the Aerotropolis.

Ms Berejiklian and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres are on a trade mission to the UK and Germany from August 11 to 16.