Makerbot Enters Distribution Agreement with Computers Unlimited in UK

Stratasys owned Makerbot, has announced today that they have entered an agreement with one of the UK’s leading electronics distributors, Computers Unlimited. The agreement will mean that Computers Unlimited will be responsible for managing all of the UK-based reseller activity and channel development for Makerbot’s 3D printers, scanners, and filaments.  These include, the new Makerbot Replicators, which were announced earlier this year at CES, as well as their older products.

This partnership was signed with the hopes of Makerbot expanding their reach all over the UK, as competition for consumer based 3D printers and scanners heat up.

“MakerBot is excited about our distribution partnership with Computers Unlimited to help us further expand the MakerBot 3D Ecosystem footprint in the UK. Building on our existing reseller network’s success, Computers Unlimited is expected to help accelerate MakerBot’s penetration with engineering, architectural, educational and consumer end-users. When speaking with numerous distribution partners in the UK, we were most impressed with CU’s dedication for the 3D printing space, passion for customer service and vision for where MakerBot should be in the near future,” said Mark Schulze, vice president of Sales for MakerBot.

Computers Unlimited was established in 1985, and primarily distributes electronics to both the UK and Europe. They currently work with many major brands including Apple, Wacom, Epson, Adobe, and B&O. The company has 220 employees, spanning three countries, and had an annual turnover last year of £130 million.

“Computers Unlimited is delighted to partner with MakerBot on distribution,” said James Sanson, CEO of CU. “We have been watching MakerBot’s status as a leader in the rapidly developing desktop 3D printing industry for a while and are thrilled to be part of the team to bring 3D printing to more industries, creative individuals, and educational users in the UK. MakerBot’s entire 3D Printing Ecosystem provides not just 3D printers, but a broad range of leading edge technology and services that includes content and tools to make the 3D printing process easier for their customers.”

This deal is just one of many that we have seen in the last few months from the major 3D printing manufacturers. Discuss this story at the Makerbot forum.