The Bossard Group is continuing its expansion in additive manufacturing with the acquisition of a 30% share of Ecoparts AG based in Hinwil, Switzerland.
Bossard's stake in the company intends to secure a leading position in the future market of additive manufacturing, while the investment broadens the firm's expertise and enables it to help customers in the early planning phase of new projects.
Ecoparts has years of experience in 3D printing services for the metal segment, and is the leading company in this sector in Switzerland.
Since 2006, Ecoparts has offered services in the generative design of metal components as well as customer and series parts, such as prototypes, tool-making, lightweight components, hybrid construction and additive manufacturing engineering.
Bossard acquired its 30% stake from Ecoparts' two founders, who until now jointly controlled a 50% share of the capital. The vonRoll infratec-Group owns the other 50% and plans on retaining it long term. As a development partner and contract manufacturer, Bossard gains further expertise in additive manufacturing through its investment.
In Autumn last year, Bossard acquired 49% of 3d-prototyp GmbH, an expert in the additive manufacturing of complex plastic parts and models. Additionally, at the start of 2018 the firm announced partnerships with three 3D printer manufacturers after handling representation and sales of their products for the Swiss market.
The firm believes that 3D printing will shape the future of a number of manufacturing areas, specifically the production of prototypes, complex tools and lightweight industrial components.
