One of the original online 3D printing services, Shapeways is returning to the global market following its decline and ultimate bankruptcy in July 2024.
Buoyed by a new management team, a sustainable business model and a renewed customer-centred approach, Shapeways says it will refocus on its profitable factory in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and has joined forces with two of the original founders — Marleen Vogelaar and Robert Schouwenburg – both of whom have been out of the business for over a decade — to reset the company’s trajectory.
The new management team has completed the purchase of all available assets from both the Dutch and American trustees handling the bankruptcy of Shapeways Inc., and Shapeways BV, and now owns the Shapeways name, website and original Eindhoven production facility. Shapeways will leverage its software, hardware, design and engineering capabilities to be a digital manufacturing engine for its customers.
Vogelaar will take on the role as CEO, and explains that the company’s original goal in 2008 it was about democratising access to digital manufacturing. “The new management team believes there is a ‘next chapter’ to be written in the Shapeways story, one that includes learning from the past and building a pragmatic, financially sustainable and operationally stable company that continues to provide exceptional service to our users.”
New COO Jules Witte commented: “Our belief in Shapeways has driven us to continue this journey. The acquisition of the Shapeways brand marks a significant milestone on that journey, but doesn’t signal the end. In fact we are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead for Shapeways, our customers and their customers. We have a long way to go, but retain our core ability to produce high-quality parts to meet the needs of our varied customer base.”
From its Eindhoven factory, the company will continue to offer a wide range of 12 3D printing technologies and a large suite of materials and post-processing options, with standard and custom quality control options. While the marketplace and shops are not able to be restarted because of data lost during the bankruptcy and unusable infrastructure, solutions for the community are actively being sought.
