Firms to launch, operate ‘solution centers’ to educate, train executive teams in this ‘disruptive technology’
3D Systems (3DS) said Thursday it struck a multi-year partnership with global consulting giant Deloitte Consulting LLP to “jointly assist companies and industries” in adopting 3D printing technology and integrating it into their business model.
Calling it a “disruptive technology,” Deloitte said in a statement that “3D printing has the potential to radically transform the relationship between design, mass customization, and manufacturing across multiple industries.”
Under the terms of this exclusive partnership, the two firms will launch and operate “solution centers” in various locations where clients will be exposed to the “future of design and manufacturing” through education and training in 3D printing.
“In a fiercely competitive environment that is fueled by exponential technologies, companies require an integrated set of advanced design to manufacturing solutions to extend their competitive advantage and business model relevance,” said 3DS CEO Avi Reichental. “Our teams, through this alliance, bring to bear the expertise, technologies and processes required to provide our mutual clients with the right set of end-to-end solutions, and implementation know-how to manufacture the future.”
Rock Hill, S.C.-based 3DS is a publicly traded (NYSE: DDD) manufacturer and marketer of commercial and consumer 3D printers, printing materials and software services as well as CAD modeling, reverse engineering and inspection software tools.
Alyssa Reichental, media relations manager for 3DS, told SPAR there is no financial component to the collaboration, which is intended to “generate new customer demand and bring our technology to businesses in a new way.”
She also said announcements on locations and opening dates of the education and design centers will come “at a later point in time.”
“The exponential rate of change around 3D printing innovation is providing an opportunity for companies and industries to capture benefit as early adopters,” said Marcus Shingles, principal at Deloitte. “Together Deloitte and 3D Systems aim to jointly assist clients, champion change and ultimately pull industries into this new era of opportunity.”
