The company bought 85% of Worcester-based Materials Solutions in 2016, describing the business as a pioneer in the use of selective laser melting (SLM) technology for the manufacture of high-performance metal parts. The business had "grown considerably over the last two years".

Siemens' new investment is expected to increase the number of engineers, metallurgists and manufacturing specialists at the facility by 55 to 80, and make the centre a focal point for collaboration between Materials Solutions and the group's UK Digital Factory division.

Siemens said the new state-of-the-art Worcester manufacturing facility was due to open in September this year. It would enable the company to increase its fleet of 3D printing machines from 15 to 50 over the next five years.

"It represents a major investment by Siemens in this rapidly advancing and innovative technology," the company said.

"The new factory will be fully powered by Siemens Digital Enterprise technologies solutions, an end-to-end portfolio comprising software-based systems and automation components which cover every conceivable requirement arising along the industrial value chain and therefore harness the potential of digitalisation."