Proto Labs Inc., the Maple Plain, Minn.-based rapid prototyping specialist, has bought a number of assets and operations of Alphaform AG to extends its additive manufacturing capabilities across Europe.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition added selective laser sintering, direct metal lasering and additional stereolithography to Proto Labs' existing European operations.
Proto Labs, which recently added a stereolithography operation to its Telford, United Kingdom, facility, said the Alphaform deal would expand its presence in Germany.
Alphaform, based near Munich in Feldkirchen, brings with it divisions operating in Germany, Finland and the U.K. The acquisition will "significantly expand" Proto Labs' offerings in prototyping and also include the injection molding service currently part of Alphaform Claho in Eschenlohe, Germany.
The deal does not include a medical subsidiary, MediMet Precision Casting and Implants Technology GmbH.
Vicki Holt, Proto Labs' president and chief executive, said Germany was a renowned center for quality manufacturing and high demand for quick turn prototypes and production parts made the market a key one for the firm.
“Our expansion in the region will greatly benefit from the level of expertise and local knowledge that Alphaform's highly skilled employees bring with them,” she added.