A New Era in African Manufacturing
Arridex Group has launched West Africa’s first multi-technology industrial additive manufacturing facility, known as the Omnifactory. This initiative is part of the company’s broader mission to reduce Africa’s reliance on unstable global supply chains by promoting local production, accelerating innovation, and enhancing industrial self-sufficiency.
Previously known as RusselSmith Group, Arridex has repositioned itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing and industrial technology development across the continent. The Omnifactory represents a significant step in the company’s evolution from an oil and gas services provider to a diversified industrial technology platform serving multiple sectors.
Transforming the Manufacturing Landscape
During a media event in Lagos, Arridex Group Chief Executive Officer Kayode Adeleke emphasized the company’s commitment to proving that Africa can produce high-quality goods at global standards. He highlighted that the Omnifactory marks a major milestone in this transition.
Adeleke pointed out that the facility was established to address persistent supply chain challenges faced by industries across Africa. He explained that in 2017, the company recognized the need for industrial additive manufacturing after observing how minor equipment components could cause extended operational downtime due to unavailability of replacement parts.
He noted that some parts costing less than $5,000 could take six to nine months to arrive, resulting in significant operational delays. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the fragility of global supply chains, reinforcing the importance of developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Advantages of Additive Manufacturing
The Omnifactory allows manufacturers to create digital inventories of components and produce parts on demand, rather than maintaining costly physical inventories. This approach reduces delivery timelines and improves resilience across key economic sectors.
Adeleke described the shift from traditional procurement methods to a more efficient model: “Instead of procure and store, store and procure. Store the digital parts and manufacture on demand.”
The facility serves various sectors, including oil and gas, energy, maritime, aerospace, defense, construction, and advanced manufacturing. Arridex has secured partnerships and qualifications that position it at the forefront of additive manufacturing in Africa.
Industry Leadership and Expansion
Adeleke highlighted that Arridex is the only African member of the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association and the only company qualified by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to deploy industrial additive manufacturing solutions in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The company also partners with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria for industrial 3D manufacturing of military parts and components.
In addition, Arridex has received pioneer status from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission for additive manufacturing and has expanded operations beyond proof-of-concept projects into full commercial deployment.
The CEO announced that construction has begun on a larger Mega Omnifactory, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027. This facility will rank among the world’s largest single-site industrial 3D manufacturing sites, serving industries across Africa and international markets.
Pioneering Innovation and Future Vision
Adeleke expressed confidence in the future of industry, stating, “We are not waiting for the future of industry. We are building it. The future we are building is one where ‘Made in Africa’ means precision, resilience and global trust.”
Effiong Okwong, Vice President of Digital Solutions at Arridex, explained that additive manufacturing involves producing components layer by layer from digital designs. He emphasized the advantages of this technology over traditional methods, including reduced material waste, lower production costs, and the ability to make rapid design modifications.
Okwong noted that companies like SpaceX use additive manufacturing to produce critical components such as rocket engines. He said that Arridex has brought this technology to Nigeria, recognizing its importance for the country and the region.
Long-Term Goals and Strategic Initiatives
The company has long-term plans to establish the Arridex Institute of Advanced Manufacturing to train future engineers and manufacturing specialists. It also aims to develop the ADAM Network, a distributed manufacturing system connecting more than 40 production nodes across 15 countries.
Other Arridex leaders, including Chief Operating Officer Madhu Madathil, stated that these initiatives will support industrialization, energy security, supply chain resilience, and defense sovereignty across Africa.
