Transforming Supply Chains and Boosting Industrial Resilience in Lagos
In a landmark event for African industrialization, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially commissioned the Arridex Omnifactory, the first multi-technology industrial additive manufacturing facility in West Africa. Unveiled during the Invest Lagos 3.0 forum, this facility marks a pivotal shift in how the region handles the production and procurement of critical industrial components.
For decades, asset owners in Nigeria and across the continent have struggled with long procurement lead times and the challenges of sourcing parts for aging infrastructure, often when the original manufacturers no longer exist. The Arridex Omnifactory provides a localized, on-demand solution, manufacturing high-grade industrial components, spares, and complex parts right in Lagos.
The facility houses a suite of advanced manufacturing technologies, including:
- Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF)
- Cold Spray
- Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
These capabilities allow for the production of everything from intricate precision parts to large-scale marine and aerospace structures.
The Omnifactory isn’t just an experimental project; it is the culmination of two decades of operational excellence. Arridex, which began as an asset integrity practice in 2005, has built a reputation for safety and reliability, recording zero lost-time incidents across seven million man-hours.
The company’s leadership in the space is recognized at the highest institutional levels:
- Regulatory Milestones: Holds Pioneer Status from the NIPC and is the first company qualified by the NUPRC for additive manufacturing in the oil and gas sector.
- Strategic Partnerships: Operates a joint venture with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) for military-grade production.
- Global Standing: A designated Strategic Partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).
“The next chapter of global manufacturing can be written from Lagos,” said Kayode Adeleke, Group CEO of Arridex. While the Omnifactory is already operational, the company has its sights set higher. Arridex plans to commission the Arridex Mega Omnifactory by Q1 2027, which is expected to rank among the largest single-site industrial additive manufacturing facilities in the world.
