From Air Force Commander to 3D Printing for Missiles
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
A former Israeli Air Force commander, decorated for bravery and instrumental in integrating Apache helicopters, is now the chairman of Massivit, a 3D printing company. Massivit is shifting its focus to producing parts for the defense industry, including the potential for printing missile rocket engines. This pivot aims to address the urgent need for rapid military supply replenishment, reducing production time from months to days. The company has achieved significant sales despite a recent stock decline.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Massivit, a 3D printing firm, is now led by a former decorated Israeli Air Force commander.
- The company is pivoting to produce parts for the defense industry, including missile rocket engines.
- Massivit's 3D printing technology can reduce production time for military components from months to two days.
- The company aims to meet the urgent need for rapid replenishment of military supplies in modern warfare.
- Massivit has generated nearly $100 million in sales but its stock has declined approximately 30% this year.
A 63-year-old Israeli entrepreneur, who served as a decorated Air Force pilot and later commanded a helicopter squadron, has taken the helm at Massivit, a 3D printing company pivoting to defense applications. The chairman, who is a widower with three children and lives in Ra'anana, was born and raised on Kibbutz Gan Shmuel. He excelled in swimming as a child and later pursued advanced studies in mathematics, physics, and computers.
His military career included graduating flight school with honors and receiving a commendation for his role in a 1987 operation in Lebanon. He was part of the team that received the first Apache helicopters in the late 1980s. In 1996, he was appointed commander of Squadron 160 and later took command of Squadron 118 following the "Helicopter Disaster" in February 1997, successfully restoring morale and operational readiness.
After his military service, he transitioned to the tech industry, becoming CEO of Sky Sapience, a drone company acquired by the American firm COMSovereign for $12.7 million in 2021. Following his wife's passing from cancer in 2023, he moved into defense-tech venture capital before joining Massivit.
Massivit, which previously produced items like Donald Duck figures, is now focusing on 3D printing parts for the defense industry. The company's technology can reduce production time for critical components from three months to just two days, addressing the urgent need for rapid replenishment of military supplies in modern warfare. Massivit is also developing the capability to 3D print rocket engines for missiles. The company employs dozens of people and has generated nearly $100 million in sales since its inception, though its stock has seen a decline of approximately 30% this year due to the strategic pivot.