Metal Powder Works has landed a purchase order under the UK Ministry of Defence’s Project TAMPA, marking its entry into a strategic NATO defence additive manufacturing supply chain.
- Contract awarded under UK MOD’s Project TAMPA for titanium parts
- Collaboration with UK-based Additive Manufacturing Solutions using LPBF technology
- Positions MPW as a US-based node in a global defence additive manufacturing network
- Validates MPW’s proprietary DirectPowder™ titanium production capability
- First engagement with a NATO defence programme, opening new market opportunities
A Strategic Win for MPW
Metal Powder Works Limited (ASX: MPW) has taken a significant step into the defence sector by securing a purchase order from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) under Project TAMPA. This initiative is the UK MOD’s flagship programme aimed at accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing across its defence supply chain. The contract involves supplying titanium components manufactured using MPW’s proprietary DirectPowder™ technology, a patented process that transforms premium bar stock into high-quality metal powders.
While the contract’s financial value is not material relative to MPW’s overall operations, its strategic importance cannot be overstated. It marks MPW’s first engagement with a NATO defence programme and positions the company as a qualified US-based manufacturing node within the UK MOD’s emerging global additive manufacturing network. This network is designed to enhance supply chain resilience by distributing certified production capabilities across allied nations.
Collaboration and Technology
MPW will collaborate closely with UK-based Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS), a specialist additive manufacturing company embedded within the UK defence and aerospace ecosystem. AMS utilises Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology, a cutting-edge additive manufacturing technique, to produce parts. This partnership leverages MPW’s in-house powder production capabilities with AMS’s advanced manufacturing expertise, creating a seamless supply chain link for defence-grade titanium components.
The contract’s confidential nature limits disclosure of specific details, but it is clear that the collaboration aligns with the UK MOD’s Defence Advanced Manufacturing Strategy published in March 2025. This strategy envisions a global “hub and spoke” network to address critical supply chain challenges such as parts obsolescence and long lead times, issues that have historically plagued defence inventories exceeding 1.3 million items.
Broader Industry Implications
Project TAMPA, commissioned in 2021, has become the cornerstone of the UK MOD’s additive manufacturing approach and is closely aligned with the US Department of Defense’s additive manufacturing initiatives. MPW’s inclusion as a US-based node reflects the MOD’s strategic emphasis on dispersed, certified production capabilities across allied nations, enhancing interoperability and supply chain security.
For MPW, this contract validates its DirectPowder™ titanium capability for defence-grade applications and opens a substantial new addressable market for its specialty alloys. The MOD’s strategy encourages industry investment in additive manufacturing, signalling a long-term commitment that could translate into further contracts and growth opportunities for MPW.
The contract is expected to be completed within the current financial year without requiring additional capital expenditure, underscoring MPW’s operational readiness and the scalability of its technology.
Bottom Line?
MPW’s entry into the UK MOD’s additive manufacturing network signals a promising new chapter in defence supply innovation.
Questions in the middle?
- What is the potential scale and value of future contracts under Project TAMPA for MPW?
- How will MPW’s DirectPowder™ technology compare to competitors in defence applications?
- Could this contract lead to deeper collaboration with other NATO allies beyond the UK and US?