Zortrax Announces 350% Increase in 3D Printer Material Sales, Adds a Second US Distributor

Polish manufacturer Zortrax seems to be getting more and more popular by the second. In December they announced that sales of their flagship M200 3D printer had tripled from 2014 to 2015, with estimates suggesting that sales would continue to rise. The M200, which has been given top ratings by several major industry organizations such as 3D Hubs and Make: Magazine, is Zortrax’s pride and joy; the cost-effective plug-and-play printer has not only been well-reviewed and well-received by consumers, but it’s been the primary tool in Zortrax’s aggressive campaign to spread 3D printing education throughout Poland.

While the M200 has been soaking up all the attention and adulation, it’s not the only product making Zortrax rich. Materials tend to fade into the background next to popular printers, but Zortrax’s printing materials have been quietly raking in piles of cash alongside the M200. According to the company, their materials sales increased by an impressive 350% between 2014 and 2015. During the first three quarters of 2015, materials accounted for 17% of Zortrax’s total revenue, as opposed to 10% in 2014.

Of course, that’s the perk of proprietary materials. If a printer is selling well, it naturally follows that sales of its printer-specific filament is going to pick up pretty dramatically as well. One of the most common complaints aimed at many printer manufacturers is their use of proprietary filament; it’s limiting when you can only use a company-specific brand in your printer, but those loyal to certain printers will put up with it. Those complaints greatly decrease if the company is offering quality and variety in their materials, and Zortrax has a pretty decent selection.

“This trend has progressed in line with our expectations. Widespread use of our Zortrax M200 printer directly results in an increase in demand for our printing materials,” said Zortrax CEO Rafal Tomasik. “Furthermore, thanks to our constant research and development into new printing substances, we have been able to significantly expand our range of offered materials. This has also positively impacted our sales figures.

“The geographical distribution for this segment generally coincides with our printer sales figures. Europe, Asia and North America lead our charts. Our sales have shown dynamic growth in the US, France, Germany and Korea. We do, however, continue to gain new customers from around the entire world.”

Zortrax’s presence in the United States has just gotten a little bit stronger thanks to a just-announced partnership with Media Supply Inc. The Pennsylvania-based retailer will be Zortrax’s second US distributor, and will cover the eastern states – the West is currently covered by 3D Proshare. Media Supply Inc. has been in business since 1986. In addition to providing printing services and supplies for individuals, corporations and government agencies, the company also shares Zortrax’s focus on education, providing specialized packages for schools.

“By cooperating with this new distributor, we are executing our plan of increasing Zortrax’s presence in the US,” said Tomasik. “Apart from expanding our distribution network, we gain numerous opportunities to work together with smaller companies; helping people develop their businesses together with Zortrax.”

This partnership, combined with the recent release of Zortrax’s second printer, the multi-material Inventure, points to an even more successful 2016. Zortrax reports that reseller interest in the Inventure, based on pre-orders, is at nearly half of the M200’s monthly sales in 2015. The company is planning to make its debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange sometime this year, although the exact date will depend on market conditions. Happy New Year, Zortrax. Are you surprised at how their sales have accelerated? Discuss in the Zortrax Announces Great Sales for Filament and 3D Printers forum over at 3DPB.com.