Phillips Corporation, Federal Division, has announced the delivery of advanced hybrid and additive manufacturing systems to the US Navy’s Schoolhouse in Danville, Virginia, strengthening the Navy’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing training and supporting the development of a skilled workforce focused on fleet readiness and sustainment. The procurement, carried out in partnership with BlueForge Alliance, the US Navy’s procurement and program management partner, includes 12 Phillips Hybrid Manufacturing Systems and 12 Markforged X7 composite additive manufacturing systems. The equipment will provide sailors participating in the Afloat Training Program with practical experience in metal hybrid manufacturing, composite additive manufacturing and production-ready workflows.
The Phillips Hybrid systems are built on Haas TM-1P CNC platforms and integrated with Meltio’s Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology. By combining precision CNC machining and metal additive manufacturing on a single platform, the systems enable Navy personnel to produce components, repair worn parts, restore high-value assets and deposit material precisely where required.
The integrated manufacturing approach is designed to improve flexibility, reduce material waste and shorten production lead times compared with conventional manufacturing processes. The hands-on training will prepare sailors to use advanced technologies for fleet sustainment, depot maintenance and expeditionary manufacturing operations.
The 12 Markforged X7 systems add advanced composite 3D printing capabilities to the training environment, enabling personnel to manufacture durable parts, tooling, fixtures, prototypes and replacement components. Together, the two technology platforms provide sailors with broad exposure to manufacturing solutions that are increasingly relevant to shipboard and shore-based operations.
The Danville Schoolhouse training environment is designed to reflect the production capabilities being introduced across the US Navy. By developing expertise in both metal hybrid and composite additive manufacturing, the program aims to equip sailors with the skills needed to produce, repair and sustain critical components closer to where they are required.
BlueForge Alliance worked with Phillips Federal to execute the procurement and deliver a standardized, production-ready manufacturing solution aligned with the Navy’s fleet sustainment and workforce development objectives. The initiative also supports the Navy’s broader Deployed Advanced Manufacturing efforts, which emphasize point-of-need production and workforce development through the use of polymer and metal additive technologies.
Bobby Keithley, Vice President of Sales & Product Strategy, Phillips Federal, said the collaboration demonstrates the value of equipping sailors with the same advanced manufacturing systems they may encounter in operational environments. The Navy Schoolhouse is owned by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and operated in collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). The deployment reinforces Phillips Federal’s role in delivering advanced manufacturing technologies for US government applications, helping strengthen industrial readiness and support the Navy’s mission to maintain critical assets and improve fleet sustainment capabilities.
Phillips Federal, a division of Phillips Corporation, is a leading provider of advanced manufacturing technologies and services to the US federal government. With decades of industry expertise, the company delivers customized solutions for aerospace, defense, energy and other government sectors. Through innovation, technical excellence and strategic partnerships, Phillips Federal equips federal agencies with advanced tools and technologies designed to enhance operational readiness and support mission-critical objectives.
