3D Hubs Chooses Chicago for North American HQ

International expansions in 3D printing continue as 3D Hubs announces Chicago as the soon-to-be site of its new North American headquarters.

It’s a very busy time for the 3D printing industry. The technology is quickly developing, which also means the businesses behind the tech need themselves to develop. Opening offices and production facilities abroad is a major step forward in company operations, and is one we’re seeing many take lately.

In the last few month alone, Aleph Objects has announced an expansion to the Netherlands and Markforged has opened operations in Dublin, seeing the US businesses broaden into Europe, while Germany-based GKN Powder Metallurgy has opened its new North American HQ in Michigan. Global production partnerships are also on the rise, as HP introduced its new Digital Manufacturing Network and 3Diligent announced that its Digital Manufacturing Network now spans six continents.

So it’s not necessarily a surprise to hear of another move expanding operations overseas.

Netherlands-based 3D Hubs has long operated a global network including 3D printing and, increasingly, other manufacturing services through partner relationships. It’s been no secret that the company is increasingly business-minded in operations and has had its sights set on establishing formal operations in the US.

Recently, an $18 million investment boosted 3D Hubs’ business plans.

This week, 3D Hubs announced that after careful consideration of locations, it has decided that its North American HQ will be in CHicago, which it sees as a “central hub of American manufacturing with a thriving tech and innovation ecosystem.”

Setting up shop in the US makes great sense for 3D hubs, which has seen its revenues from North America triple over the last year, making it the company’s fastest-growing market. Having a larger team local to these customers will enable better support and service, as well as deeper understanding of local business environments and dynamics.

Set to open in June, the new offices will see the 3D Hubs US team double (job listings here). Operations will be housed at mHUB, a 63,000-square-foot innovation center that opened in 2016.

“During our visits to the US, it became clear that Chicago is set to be the center of innovation for digital manufacturing, with strategic initiatives such as MxD and mHUB,” said Filemon Schoffer, CCO and Co-Founder of 3D Hubs. “3D Hubs can help accelerate this transition to digital manufacturing, bringing new business to local factories. So our decision to base ourselves in Chicago was a relatively easy one and we are looking forward to working together with the local community.”

Via 3D Hubs