Competition is really heating up within the manufacturing sector for 3D printing. With 3D Systems and Stratasys leading the way as suppliers, massive investments are underway and planned by a number of worldwide
This change is happening on a global scale, not just in the United States. In fact, China, Australia, South Korea, and the UK have all made substantial investments into the technology. As interest expands throughout the globe, business opportunities expand as well. For the smaller, younger 3D printer manufacturers to compete, they need a plan for global expansion as well.
ExOne, a global leader in 3D printer manufacturing for industrial purposes, although not as well-known or expansive as a Stratasys or 3D Systems, certainly isn’t playing around when it comes to their own global expansion. Today, the company announced that they will be teaming up with METOS, an independent sales representative headquartered in the Czech Republic. As part of the deal METOS will sell and support ExOne’s 3D printers, and 3D printing components to customers within the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland.
“One of our principal goals is to expand our business on a global level while still maintaining a close, localized connection with our customers,” explained Dr. Stefan Tudyka, Head of Sales for ExOne GmbH. “We believe our relationship with METOS embodies that philosophy and allows ExOne to have a strong connection in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, which is why we are confident in establishing a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship with METOS.”
The partnership will provide ExOne with a strong presence within the Eastern European market, a market which has been the center of significant growth over the last couple of years, when it comes to new manufacturing techniques. METOS’ specialty lies in their ability to offer years of experience within the support and rapid response areas of customer service for the products they sell. METOS will now be taking ExOne’s products and expanding their reach well into Eastern Europe.
As the market expands rapidly, those companies with the capabilities to expand in conjunction with the market, both in scope and scale, will be the ones who succeed. Let’s hear your thoughts on this partnership within the ExOne/METOS forum thread on 3DPB.com.