US-based desktop 3D printing solutions specialist MakerBot has announced its international expansion into Europe with a launch of its European subsidiary MakerBot Europe which will manage a network of its resellers across the Central and Eastern Europe.
The new entity will be led by Alexander Hafner, an owner and president of HAFNER’S BÜRO, who has been now appointed as general manger of the new division. The company has also opened its European head office in Stuttgart, in Germany.
Additionally, MakerBot bought certain assets of its long-term German reseller HAFNER’S BÜRO which has served as its major partner across Germany for a couple of years and therefore it is well established among MakerBot’s European resellers and customers.
This move to Europe will also let MakerBot focus more on sales and marketing outside the US as Europe has been traditionally a strong market, it says.
“The creation of MakerBot Europe demonstrates MakerBot’s commitment to the European market and helps align our overall business growth strategy in the region. Germany has also long been the European hub for 3D printing as overall interest in 3D printing has grown throughout Europe. We have confidence that the area will continue to grow in dominance in the 3D printing arena,” says Frank Alfano, chief revenue officer at MakerBot.
He adds: “HAFNER’S BÜRO in Stuttgart was chosen as the hub for MakerBot Europe due to their excellent performance record, enthusiasm for 3D printing and MakerBot products, and central location.”
The European subsidiary will cover Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the UK and other states across Europe.
The existing MakerBot’s partners in Europe will be assimilated into MakerBot’s Europe sales and marketing organisation within a six-month period. At the same time, MakerBot Europe will be recruiting new resellers and key retailers to grow its European presence.