(Yicai) July 6 -- The southern Chinese city of Shenzhen use set to host the world’s largest 3D printer manufacturing base, with a planned annual production capacity of over 3 million units.

Zhuhe Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of 3D printing startup Bambu Lab, recently acquired land in Shenzhen's Guangming district for CNY141.2 million (USD20.8 million), where the manufacturing base will be built, the city government announced on social media today.

The site covers about 83,591 square meters, with a planned total construction area of 376,158 sqm. It will include high-standard manufacturing facilities as well as office and residential facilities. The completed complex will support the research, development, and production of complete 3D printing systems, key components, and printing materials.

Once fully operational, the base is projected to achieve an average annual output value of at least CNY4.5 billion (USD663 million) within five years, the government said. It is also expected to attract a large workforce of 3D printing professionals, helping to create a regional talent pool for the industry.

3D printers build solid physical objects from digital 3D designs. Unlike traditional manufacturing that cuts away material, 3D printers work by laying down successive thin layers of melted plastic or resin to create an object.

Shenzhen is one of the world’s most advanced hardware manufacturing hubs, particularly in consumer electronics, robotics, drones, and additive manufacturing.

Founded in 2020, Bambu Lab is a leading maker of consumer 3D printers. The Shenzhen-based company had cumulative sales of more than 100 million units as of last month, it recently revealed. The firm is also produces and sells 3D printing consumables and operates the MakerWorld 3D printing model community.

In February, Bambu Lab signed a framework cooperation agreement with Guangming district for the base project. Prior to that, the firm had already begun operating a transitional production line in the district, the announcement said.

Editor: Tom Litting