3D Systems Signs European Distribution Agreement with Douglas Stewart EDU

When it comes to education, there is no technology that has the promise to transform today’s educational norms as much as 3D printing does. By providing students with a hands-on tool for learning, 3D printers and the various education-oriented applications which go along with them, make learning exciting and interactive rather than dull and passive. While many of the larger players like MakerBot have been inching their way into the education space, the Rock Hill, South Carolina-based company, 3D Systems, has been among the companies leading the way in this space as well. Through their MAKE.DIGITAL initiative they have been making 3D printing both easy and impactful for students from kindergarten all the way through high school.

Today 3D Systems has announced a major distribution partnership with one of the world’s leading distributors of technology in the global education market, Douglas Stewart EDU.

“3D Systems is a leader in 3D digital design and fabrication and we are very excited to offer their full range of educational products and programs to educational institutions across Europe,” said Lori Mercier, Managing Director, Douglas Stewart EDU. “3D printing technology offers new and exciting educational opportunities for teachers and their students and we are uniquely positioned and qualified to help reach the education markets through our broad range of EDU specialist resellers.”

Douglas Stewart EDU has 65 years of experience within the education distribution space, and has a reputation of providing outstanding customer support, as well as long term relationships within a section of the education marketspace, which spans 37 countries in the UK and Europe.

“We are thrilled to work with an education provider with the passion, expertise and international footprint of Douglas Stewart EDU,” said Rajeev Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer, 3D Systems. “With over 65 years of success in promoting technology in the education market, Douglas Stewart EDU is helping to prepare students for tomorrow’s careers in science, healthcare, innovation and beyond by expanding access to our 3D technology.”

As part of this agreement, Douglas Stewart will begin immediately offering numerous 3D Systems products, including their Sense 3D scanner, Cube and CubePro lines of 3D Printers, their Touch haptic stylus used for 3D design, and intuitive CAD software. In addition, integrated curriculum will also be provided to resellers throughout Europe and the UK via Douglas Stewart. This partnership will allow Douglas Stewart to provide an extensive offering for educators who are new to 3D printing as well as those who are already very familiar with the technology in a University setting.

Certainly this is great news for educators and students in Europe, who will now have a better chance of utilizing 3D printing in incredibly valuable ways. Let us know if your thoughts on this partnership and what it may mean for the schools and universities within Europe. Discuss in the 3D Systems / Douglas Stewart EDU forum thread on 3DPB.com.