Protolabs to Acquire 3D Hubs

Protolabs Inc., a global digital manufacturer, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 3D Hubs Inc., an online manufacturing platform that provides engineers with on-demand access to a global network of approximately 240 premium manufacturing partners. The transaction creates one of the world’s most comprehensive digital manufacturing offerings for custom parts. It provides Protolabs with a network of manufacturing partners to fulfill a breadth of capabilities outside of its current portfolio, as well as a broader offering of pricing and lead time options.

“The addition of 3D Hubs provides Protolabs a platform to evolve our service model to provide unprecedented manufacturing flexibility to our customers,” says Rob Bodor, Protolabs’ current vice president and general manager of the Americas, and incoming president and chief executive officer. “Our combined organizations will provide the market an industry-leading digital manufacturing solution to serve their needs from idea to prototype to full end-use part production. Together we can fulfill nearly every custom manufacturing need across the product life cycle.”

Founded in 2013, 3D Hubs has facilitated the production of over 6 million custom parts and products through its digital platform. It provides customers with instant pricing and design feedback, and orders are fulfilled through thoroughly vetted premium manufacturing partners in over 20 countries worldwide, offering vast manufacturing capacity and a broad range of manufacturing capabilities at a variety of competitive pricing levels, the company says.

“The entire 3D Hubs team is thrilled to join Protolabs and continue to revolutionize the manufacturing industry through innovation,” says Bram de Zwart, co-founder and chief executive officer at 3D Hubs. “At 3D Hubs, our goal is to empower companies to create revolutionary products through supply chain efficiency and reliability. We are confident that partnering with Protolabs will help us advance that mission.”