3D Systems Goes to China

3D Systems has acquired Chinese firm Easyway Design and Manufacture. The acquisition will help the company tap into the potentially large market for 3D printing services in the country’s manufacturing base.

Easyway and its subsidiaries in the Easyway Group will operate as 3D Systems China. The company provides 3D sales and services to industries throughout China, including clients in the automotive, medical and consumer markets. Customers include Volkswagen, Phillips, Nissan, Black & Decker, Panasonic, Honeywell and Omron.

Easyway General Manager May Zhou will lead the new company.

“We are excited to become part of 3D Systems, a leading provider of the most complete portfolio of 3D digital design and fabrication solutions available today,” Zhou said. “We plan to leverage our collective knowledge and experience for the benefit of our customers by building a stronger local presence and immediately delivering the full range of 3DS products throughout China.”

According to 3D Systems, Easyway provides an experienced sales and service team, service bureau production capabilities and long-term relationships with leading Chinese customers.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Easyway and together expand our business in China,” commented Avi Reichental, president and chief executive officer, 3DS. “With operations in key Chinese cities and well-established 3D printing sales and service bureau operations, Easyway represents the cornerstone of our expansion plans for China. We believe that the strong relationship and strategic fit between our companies, combined with Easyway’s on-the-ground infrastructure, coverage and deep customer relationships, could present significant benefits for our customers, sizeable growth opportunities for us and long term value for our shareholders.”

According to a report from Lux Research last year, sales of 3D printers are expected to quadruple to 37,800 in 2018 while revenues should triple to $109 million. There were 21,550 3D printers manufactured in China in 2013, and nearly 13,000 of those were exported.

Source: 3D Systems