ICON Technologies Inc. Realigns Focus Amid Workforce Reduction
In a significant move within the 3D printing and construction industry, ICON Technologies Inc. has announced the layoff of 114 employees. This decision was disclosed in a WARN letter submitted to the Texas Workforce Commission. A representative for ICON confirmed the development and explained that the company is “realigning its priorities” to concentrate on its most promising growth opportunities.
Founded in late 2017, ICON made headlines during SXSW in March 2018 with the debut of the first permitted 3D-printed home in the U.S., a modest 350-square-foot residence completed in about 48 hours at reduced speed. Since then, this Austin-based company has attracted over $450 million in investments from major players like Tiger Global Management and Norwest Venture Partners.
The recent workforce reduction will take effect on March 8, impacting approximately 28% of ICON’s staff. The company, which reportedly employed around 400 individuals before the layoffs, has been instrumental in delivering innovative housing solutions across the U.S. and Mexico, including projects for those experiencing homelessness.
- ICON’s pioneering efforts began with affordable housing projects in Mexico alongside nonprofit New Story.
- In Austin, Texas, they collaborated with Mobile Loaves & Fishes to build homes for the chronically homeless.
- In early 2021, ICON expanded into mainstream housing by constructing homes for sale in partnership with developer 3Strands.
- A groundbreaking collaboration with Lennar, one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., was announced later that year.
“Our mission remains to develop these intelligent machines to build humanity’s future,” shared an ICON spokesperson. The company’s current focus is on advancing their Phoenix line of multi-story 3D printers and empowering builders with robotic technology.
{ICON Spokesperson}
The company plans to continue working on residential, hospitality, social/affordable housing projects, and Department of Defense initiatives with a more streamlined team. As ICON navigates these changes, its commitment to innovative construction technology remains steadfast.
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