Community maker space chain TechShop has announced the closure of its 10 US outposts, filling for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, citing profitability as the dooming factor despite efforts to restructure in recent months.
Best known for its gym-style membership plans and partnerships with large automotive firms like Ford and BMW, TechShop offered a place where people could work on projects and learn new skills on the latest technologies.
“The essence of the TechShop vision was to develop a network of makerspaces, members, curriculum, standards, instructors, and learning that would fuel the birth of new technologies, products, jobs, and companies,” said TechShop CEO Dan Woods in a statement.
“TechShop has accomplished much of this vision. We have inspired thousands of youth to view themselves as inventors, problem solvers, creators, and makers. As a veteran myself, I’m proud to say that TechShop also provided membership and training to over 3,000 returning veterans.”
DEVELOP3D first visited TechShop in Detroit back in 2013 and loved its attitude towards encouraging people of all backgrounds to explore their ideas, take on new projects, and even influence design and engineering on a much bigger scale in their day jobs as a result. We wish all its staff and former members well.
All international locations – including Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, Paris and Lille – are operated by overseas entities under license by TechShop and will continue to operate.
