Hamilton Herald Masthead

Editorial


Front Page - Friday, June 27, 2025

Branch Technology through time




Branch Technology move to Tennessee in 2014, but the company's journey began the year before.

2013:

Architect Platt Boyd develops early concept for large-scale 3D printing using robotic arms and freeform extrusion (later called CFab).

2014:

Founded in Montgomery, Alabama, and later moved to Chattanooga.

Joins the INCubator at the Hamilton County Business Development Center.

Begins to develop its proprietary Cellular Fabrication (CFab) system.

2016:

Collaborates with SHoP Architects to create “Flotsam & Jetsam” for Design Miami.

Launches the BranchMatrix product line for customizable lattice structures.

2017–2018:

Builds the world’s largest 3D-printed pavilion (42 feet by 20 feet) for OneC1TY in Nashville.

Installs “Nature Clouds” exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago.

2018–2019:

Receives federal research and development grants and matching funds from LaunchTN to scale CFab.

Begins transitioning from prototypes to commercial-grade architectural components.

2020:

Manufactures Chattanooga’s (and the world’s) first 3D-printed building facade for Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.

Expands into a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility using up to 18 robotic arms.

Closes an $11 million funding round led by EquipmentShare

2021:

Completes “Climbs” sculpture for the Chattanooga Airport, showcasing complex, artistic use of C Fab.

2023:

Ryan Lusk becomes CEO; Platt Boyd transitions to chief innovation architect.

Partners with the city of Chattanooga and local nonprofits to 3D-print transitional shelters for unhoused individuals.

2025:

Recognized by the Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership for scaling globally and addressing housing, climate and design challenges with large-scale additive manufacturing.