Groupe Gorgé Acquires INITIAL & NORGE Systems

While already a major player in the 3D printing industry, especially in areas of high innovation as well as specializing in the dental arena, Prodways announced today that they are stepping it up even further with their Groupe Gorgé subsidiary’s recent acquisitions of two major companies — INITIAL, and NORGE Systems — that will add substantially more to their offerings for customers in the future by way of components manufacturing and SLS 3D printers.

INITIAL, known for specialization in and leadership as the top producer of 3D printed parts and components in France, will broaden horizons and widen the range in terms of 3D printing for Prodways, already in the top echelons when it comes to worldwide 3D printing companies, and working their way into the top five, if not better. INITIAL will not only help expand Groupe Gorgé’s exposure into other sectors like aerospace, biomedical, and the luxury industries, but they come to the table with:

• More than 1,200 existing customers
• A solid base of 65 individuals currently working at the company
• Revenue of €8.6 million in 2014

Not only do they add to Prodways’ and Groupe Gorgé’s portfolio, but this new merging will allow INITIAL the chance to expand and develop in ways not previously considered. Mass production of 3D products will be not only more possible, but accelerated. Management at the company will stay in place, according to Prodways, as they begin their new ‘development phase.’

As INITIAL begins to further their potential, it allows Groupe Gorgé to offer even more comprehensive packages for their clientele, without being limited only to making prototypes and parts for them, but also developing complete 3D printing studio solutions that could be operated by client or Prodways teams.

Next, the acquisition of NORGE is another feather in Groupe Gorgé’s 3D printing cap, as they take over the existing manufacturer of SLS 3D printers. Based in England, NORGE is a startup that offers a range of high-quality 3D printers and new concepts in SLS 3D printing. With cost being a previous major factor in SLS 3D printing, the original goal for NORGE has been to bring affordability to the marketplace while offering machines that have versatility, durability, and sleek design.

Catering to industrial companies as a whole, along with architectural firms and those also in the robotics and aerospace sectors, they currently offer the Ice1 and Ice9 SLS 3D printers. These contemporary SLS machines are meant to be budget-oriented, while offering features like an Arduino 2 controller, versatility with materials, 40W laser tube, and multi-function display.

Founders of the company have been working with the Prodways team already for several months at Les Mureaux for full product development and marketing of their 3D printers, and their first SLS 3D printer via the merger should be available by year’s end.

“The operational, technical and business success of Prodways’ teams have helped our Group to gain greater perspective of a market with huge potential. We aim to rapidly establish ourselves as a leading global player capable of providing 3D printing solutions covering all available technologies, from polymer printing to metal printing,” said Raphael Gorgé, Chairman and CEO of Groupe Gorgé. “The acquisitions of INITIAL and NORGE Systems represent a major step forward in our development and we are proud to welcome their teams, renowned in the 3D printing industry for their exceptional expertise, within our group.”

As the European Prodways and Groupe Gorgé teams continue to branch out, they fulfill their strategy in become not only a global leader, but offering customers in a number of industries ways to add productivity, better quality, and a better bottom line in their operations.

Do you think these recent acquisitions will indeed help the Prodways Group reach one of the very top leadership spots in 3D printing? Tell us your thoughts in the Groupe Gorgé’s INITIAL & NORGE Acquisitions forum thread over at 3DPB.com.