Telford-based Protolabs to acquire 3D Hubs

Protolabs, which has its European headquarters in Telford, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 3D Hubs, an online manufacturing platform that provides engineers with on-demand access to a global network of about 240 premium manufacturing partners.

The transaction creates the world’s most comprehensive digital manufacturing offer for custom parts, providing Protolabs with a network of manufacturing partners to fulfill a breadth of capabilities outside of its current envelope, as well as a broader offering of pricing and lead time options.

“The addition of 3D Hubs provides Protolabs a platform to evolve our service model to provide unprecedented manufacturing flexibility to our customers,” said Rob Bodor, Protolabs’ current VP and GM of the Americas and incoming president and chief executive officer. “Our combined organisations will provide the market with an industry-leading digital manufacturing solution to serve their needs from idea to prototype to full end-use part production. Together we can fulfill nearly every custom manufacturing need across the product lifecycle.”

Founded in 2013, 3D Hubs has facilitated the production of over six million custom parts and products through its digital platform. 3D Hubs provides customers with instant pricing and design feedback, and orders are fulfilled through thoroughly vetted premium manufacturing partners in over 20 countries worldwide.

“The entire 3D Hubs team is thrilled to join Protolabs and continue to revolutionise the manufacturing industry through innovation. At 3D Hubs, our goal is to empower companies to create revolutionary products through supply chain efficiency and reliability. We are confident that partnering with Protolabs will help us advance that mission,” said Bram de Zwart, Co-founder and chief executive officer at 3D Hubs.

Protolabs anticipates the acquisition of 3D Hubs will accelerate its revenue growth rate.