Rectron Signs Agreement to Distribute Entire MakerBot Line of 3D Printers in South Africa

While South Africa may be a part of the world and the African continent that most of us know little about, here’s one fact you know now: 3D printing is arriving in style.

Rectron has just inked a deal with MakerBot to distribute their entire line of 3D printers in South Africa, including every product from the award-winning MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer to the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner, and MakerBot Filaments and accessories.

“We are excited to partner with Rectron SA to add to MakerBot’s growing network of authorized international distributors and resellers,” said Mark Schulze, vice-president of sales for MakerBot. “Expanding our global footprint and accessibility to our products is a very important step toward the goal of providing access to MakerBot 3D printing products throughout the world.”

With a population of 52 million people, South Africa is home to a wide array of innovators, artists, manufacturers, scientists, and hobbyists. MakerBot 3D desktop printers will provide access to an exciting and inspiring new world of technology — and fun. Powerful products that used to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars will now be available and affordable to individuals who want to try their hand at creating, prototyping, and manufacturing.

For obvious socioeconomic reasons, as well as wanting to create a global presence in science and technology sectors, the South African government is working to encourage and promote interest in contributions in the areas of science, mathematics, innovation and technology.

Rectron, founded in 1995, serves South Africa’s IT needs and has carved out a niche as South Africa’s largest IT supplier and consumer electronics distributor. Opening up the market in South Africa means MakerBot 3D printers will find their way into the homes of a multitude of ‘makers,’ inspiring hobbyists, teachers and students, and professionals. The company prides itself on being a market leader and introducing new technology and opportunities to its IT clientele.

“We are excited to work with a global leader in the desktop 3Dprinter category. Our partnership with MakerBot is the perfect example of our commitment to providing our customers with products that embrace the spirit of innovation and creative thinking,” says Bruce Bradford, group business unit manager: printer category at Rectron.

MakerBot products to be sold in South Africa will include:

• Award-winning MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printers
• Replicator Mini Compact 3D Printers
• Replicator Z18 3D Printers
• Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printers
• MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanners
• MakerBot Filaments and accessories

“The popularity and usefulness of 3D printing has been growing tremendously over the past several years. The possibilities that 3D printing offers the local education, engineering, architecture, and healthcare industries are enormous. We look forward to sharing this journey with MakerBot and exploring endless opportunities together in South Africa,” said Bradford.

From the arts to architecture, the technology and ensuing enthusiasm that comes with MakerBot 3D printers and the exposure to Thingiverse is contagious. MakerBot professes to set the standard for 3D desktop printing, and now both they and Rectron will be setting one halfway around the world.

What do you think of this 3D printing technology heading to South Africa? Tell us about it in the Rectron to Distribute MakerBot 3D Printers forum at 3DPB.com.