3D Systems Announces Alliance with Konica Minolta Australia

The international 3D printing market is rapidly growing, and today’s news about a new partnership between two influential companies is further testament to this fact. In an extension of an already established year-old agreement with its United States division, 3D printing giant 3D Systems--which provides comprehensive 3D digital design and fabrication services including 3D printers, materials, and cloud-sourced custom parts–has just announced a distribution agreement with Konica Minolta Australia. Konica Minolta Australia is a leading market provider of integrated management hardware and software solutions. The two companies will collaborate on bringing high-quality 3D printing services to Australia’s business, medical, manufacturing, print bureau, and architecture sectors.

Sydney-based Konica Minolta Australia has already established itself in the office products (copiers, fax machines, scanners, and printers) arena, as well as offering Optimized Print Services to help customers manage print hardware effectively. It also offers other services such as cloud storage, cost accounting, productivity solutions, and scanning/document management. This agreement with 3D Systems gives the company access to its established network of direct sales offices and authorized dealers. For Konica Minolta, this means entrance into the 3D printing market through an industry leader, giving its customers access to advanced manufacturing solutions, which will also complement and expand its services and product portfolio.

Konica Minolta Australia plans to focus on education, manufacturing, architecture, and print bureau sectors, and as George Fryer, Konica Minolta’s General Manager of Production Sales, explains, this is a natural alliance between two technology leaders that will greatly benefit Australia’s competitive edge globally.

“We are excited to be able to work with a recognized industry leader, offering the most comprehensive suite of 3D printers and services in Australia,” Fryer said. “Our goal is to arm our nationwide, exceptional sales organization with cutting-edge products, solutions and services that help our customers grow their business and gain a competitive edge.”

This alliance is also an extension of a June 2014 announcement between 3D Systems and Konica Minolta U.S.A.  In both agreements, 3D Systems has focused its sales and marketing strategy around its ProJet 3500 and 660 Professional 3D printers.  The ProJet 3500 Series services engineering, manufacturing, and mechanical environments, while the ProJet 660 Series focuses on printing full-color consumer, healthcare, and education products.

“We are excited to work with a partner like Konica Minolta Australia and expand our coverage through their established network to accelerate 3D printing adoption. Konica Minolta brings strong customer relationships, service and support, and provides us an opportunity to extend our advanced 3D printing technology to a wider range of customers and applications,” 3DS’ Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, Michele Marchesan, explained.

So far it appears that the two companies have had great success in their collaboration, and this announcement promises to further extend 3D Systems’ international reach using established industry leaders such as Konica Minolta Australia. Looks like we are about to see a lot more 3D printing Down Under!

Let us know how you think this agreement will expand 3D printing in Australia in the Konica Minolta Australia and 3D Systems forum thread over at 3DPB.com.