3D Systems to sell its on-demand 3D printing business to a private equity firm

The services offered by the on-demand manufacturing business include rapid prototyping, functional prototyping, and low-volume and appearance-model manufacturing. 3D Systems

Trilantic North America has agreed to purchase the on-demand manufacturing business of 3D Systems, Rock Hills, S.C., for a reported $82 million. The private equity firm’s partners in the deal are Ziad Abou, who was senior vice president and general manager of 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing for nearly a decade, and other industry executives. Abou will serve as CEO of the company, which will be rebranded as QuickParts upon completion of the deal.

The on-demand manufacturer currently has an installed base of approximately 200 in-house 3D printers and a global network of manufacturing partners. The services it offers include rapid prototyping, functional prototyping, and low-volume and appearance-model manufacturing. Among the industries it targets are aerospace, automotive, consumer, entertainment, and industrial.

“We are pleased 3D Systems has chosen Trilantic North America to guide its on-demand 3D printing and custom manufacturing business through its next growth chapter,” said Trilantic North America Partner Charles Fleischmann. “The investment in QuickParts underscores Trilantic’s commitment and belief that Industry 4.0 can bring increased sustainability, decreased production time and costs, and enhanced business digitalization throughout the supply chain.”

Six days after the June 1 announcement, 3D Systems’ stock was up 4.27%. Motley Fool analyst Beth McKenna described the divestiture as a “smart” move.