Prodways Group, a leading player in industrial 3D printing, announced it has acquired Solidscapt Inc., from Stratasys.
Prodways offers 3D printing systems (machines, materials and software) as well as 3D-printed parts. The technologies include:
–stereolithography, with MOVINGLight series for 3D printing with resins and ceramics;
–laser sintering for plastics;
–Rapid Additive Forging for the 3D printing of large metal parts.
Solidscape has been in the 3D printing industry since 1994 when it was founded. The company has been developing 3D printing technology for investment casting applications, particularly for the jewelry market.
Drawing on its patent portfolio, Solidscape offers machines and materials that enable users to print wax models with precision. Since its inception, Solidscape has sold more than 5,000 machines used in manufacturing, mainly in the jewelry and investment casting sectors. These sales are spread over Europe, America and the rest of the world through a large distribution network. Solidscape was acquired by Stratasys in 2011.
The MOVINGLight technology and Solidscape’s proprietary technologies complement one another and will give the new Group a comprehensive, global and unmatched offer on the investment casting market, from mass manufacturing to high-precision manufacturing. This new offer is expected to spur Solidscape’s business growth.
This acquisition solidifies the positioning of Prodways Group, which bases its strategy on 3D printing manufacturing applications. These markets are experiencing the gradual supplanting of traditional manufacturing techniques by 3D printing processes. The investment casting application, particularly for jewelry, is an example. The added value offered by the technology enables the sale not only of machines but also of materials and supplies.
Consolidated over 12 months, Solidscape should generate revenue greater than $10 million in 2019, of which nearly 50% from sales of materials and supplies. The expected synergies, and particularly the marketing of small MOVINGLight machines through the Solidscape network, should help the new subsidiary post a double-digit EBITDA by 2020. The brand name, management, and 66-person staff based in Merrimack, New Hampshire, United States, will be retained. This transaction will substantially expand Prodways Group’s presence in North America and increase its global geographic coverage through an international distribution network.
“Since 2011, Stratasys proudly promoted Solidscape and its proprietary technology as part of its product portfolio. As Stratasys moves strategically to more focus on specific vertical markets, we believe that this acquisition is beneficial for all parties and we wish Prodways the best of luck in accelerating the growth of Solidscape and maintaining its position as a market leader in its core markets” said Rich Garrity, President of Stratasys Americas. The transaction, whose amount is not being disclosed, will be paid for entirely in cash.
