Brooklyn, N.Y. — MakerBot , the desktop 3D printing manufacturer, has signed an agreement with Tech Data to expand North American distribution of its 3D printing and scanning products for the next 12 months.
“Partnering with Tech Data is an exciting opportunity for MakerBot to expand the reach of our 3D printing, scanning and software solutions,” noted Mark Schulze, sales VP for MakerBot. “With a solid understanding of how quickly the desktop 3D printing market is growing and their commitment to supporting top-tier resellers targeting the professional, educational and consumer markets, signing on with Tech Data was an easy decision to make.”
Under the agreement, Tech Data will distribute MakerBot 3D printers, including the Replicator desktop and the Replicator Mini compact models, as well as the soon-to-be-released Replicator Z18.
The new fifth-generation Replicator printers are all powered by the new, MakerBot Replicator 3D printing platform, which includes an onboard camera, plug-and-play features, app- and Cloud-enabled workflow, and available Wi-Fi connectivity.
Tech Data will also distribute the Replicator 2 desktop, the Replicator 2X Experimental, the DigitizerDesktop 3D scanner and MakerBot PLA filament.
“Due to the rise in market demand and rapid adoption of 3D printing and scanning we have observed, Tech Data is partnering with MakerBot to offer solution providers the best-in-class products they seek to meet the needs of their end-user customers,” said Wendy Maurer-Linsky, product marketing, systems and peripherals VP at Tech Data.
MakerBot offers an entire MakerBot 3D ecosystem that intends to set the standard in making user-friendly 3D printing and scanning accessible for everyone. “MakerBot is an innovation company; we innovate so others may innovate,” noted Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot. “In providing the tools for others to be creative and productive in their careers and lives, we empower manufacturers, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, students and creative individuals to jump in and help lead the Next Industrial Revolution.”
MakerBot currently distributes its desktop 3D printers and scanners throughout the world, but in North America has traditionally sold its products directly to customers through its own e-commerce site, makerbot.com, its own MakerBot retail stores in New York, Boston and Greenwich, Conn., and a limited number of select resellers. In 2013, the company expanded its distribution by selling its products in Microsoft retail stores throughout the United States, online through Amazon, and through a growing number of channel partners.
