3D Systems Corp. has established its China operation by acquiring Chinese 3-D printing sales and service provider Easyway Design and Manufacture Co.
Easyway is based in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong and Chongqing.
3D Systems said the deal provides a strong platform to scale its in-country Quickparts custom manufacturing operations and multiplexes its 3-D printing reseller coverage.
Easyway brings extensive and experienced greater China sales and service coverage, substantial service bureau production capabilities and long-term, key relationships with leading Chinese automotive, medical and consumer goods companies, including VW, Nissan, Philips, Omron, Black & Decker, Panasonic and Honeywell, 3DS said in a statement.
May Zhou, Easyway's founder, will lead 3D Systems China.
“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 3D products throughout China,” she said.
3D President and CEO Avi Reichental referred to Easyway as the cornerstone of its expansion plans in 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,” he added.
According to Easyway's Chinese corporate site, it was formed as a joint venture between Chinese scholars who returned from France and the Wuxi Productivity Promotion Center. The company currently has a technical staff of 30 and a range of equipment, including six laser stereolithography machines, one Objet Eden350V printer, one Stratasys FDM 900mc, two 400mc prototyping machines, one Z-Corp Spectrum 510, one selective laser sintering machine, and many more.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.