Protolabs Expands European 3D Printing Capacity with German Facility Acquisition

Protolabs announced the acquisition of a 120,000 square foot additive manufacturing facility in Munich, Germany, significantly expanding its European production capacity. The new facility will focus on SLA (Stereolithography) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) services, with 40 new production systems scheduled for installation by Q3 2026.

European Market Expansion

The Munich facility will serve growing demand from European automotive OEMs and medical device companies seeking local additive manufacturing partners. Protolabs reports that European revenue has grown 27% year-over-year, driven from shorter lead times and quality certification requirements from EU-based customers.

Technology Portfolio

Initial installations at the Munich site will include high-speed SLA systems capable of producing 200+ parts per day and industrial SLS machines for functional nylon parts. The facility is ISO 13485 certified for medical device production and AS9100 certified for aerospace applications.

Strategic Rationale

"European manufacturers increasingly require domestically produced 3D printed parts for regulatory and supply chain resilience reasons," said Protolabs CEO. The acquisition follows the company's strategy of positioning quick-turn additive manufacturing within rapid logistics networks serving major industrial markets.