TBGA

History and Founding

TBGA was established in 2017 by John E. Barnes, a veteran in the additive manufacturing industry. The firm initially operated as The Barnes Group Advisors but was rebranded to The Barnes Global Advisors in 2020 to better represent its international clientele. The name change was announced in a blog post where Barnes noted the original vision to connect people globally to solve problems and advance AM adoption.

Services and Products

TBGA’s core offering is its ADDvisor® Services, which include advisory, training, and communications. The advisory arm guides companies through AM adoption with strategic roadmaps, design for additive manufacturing, qualification processes, business case analysis, and supply chain development. Training is delivered via a fully online AM certificate in partnership with Purdue University, as well as in-person courses through international partners such as ADDvance Manufacturing Technologies in Spain, Tiziri Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in South Africa, and the Indian 3D Printing Network. In 2022, TBGA launched TBGA Media, led by communications veteran Cynthia Rogers, to provide communications strategy, visual content, digital engagement, thought leadership, public and media relations, and social media management for the advanced manufacturing sector.

Leadership

TBGA is led by Founder and Managing Director John E. Barnes. Laura Ely serves as Director of Programs, overseeing ADDvising, Training, and TBGA Media. Cynthia Rogers heads TBGA Media. No other C-level executives (CEO, CTO, CFO, COO, CCO) are publicly named. The managing director role effectively functions as the CEO.

Market Position and Reach

TBGA positions itself as the largest independent additive manufacturing consultancy globally. Its team of specialists brings over 150 years of combined AM experience, serving clients on six continents. The firm has worked with a range of companies from startups to Fortune 500 manufacturers, though specific client names are not publicly disclosed. TBGA’s expertise extends to advanced technologies such as Cold Spray, Binder Jet Processing, and Directed Energy Deposition. The consultancy has trained more than 1,000 individuals through its various courses.

Financial and Operational Details

TBGA has not disclosed external funding rounds, revenue figures, or its exact headcount. The company describes its team as seasoned specialists; given typical consultancy sizes, it likely employs fewer than 50 people. The firm maintains a lean organizational structure without publicly listed financial data.