By signing a distribution agreement with Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia, 3D Systems expands its footprint in Australia.
May 11th 2015 – Konica Minolta will provide 3D Systems’ complete portfolio to its network of dealers and authorised resellers as well as direct sales channels throughout the continent. This cooperations builds on 3D Systems’ successful partnership with Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA.
“We are excited to be able to work with a recognized industry leader, offering the most comprehensive suite of 3D printers and services in Australia. Our goal is to arm our nationwide, exceptional sales organization with cutting-edge products, solutions and services that help our customers grow their business and gain a competitive edge,” said George Fryer, General Manager Production Sales at Konica Minolta Australia.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions is a provider of integrated solutions and managed services, transforming business environments by integrating print and content management solutions and services.
“We are excited to work with a partner like Konica Minolta Australia and expand our coverage through their established network to accelerate 3D printing adoption,” said Michele Marchesan, Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, 3DS. “Konica Minolta brings strong customer relationships, service and support, and provides us an opportunity to extend our advanced 3D printing technology to a wider range of customers and applications.”
The announcement follows 3D Systems recent cooperation with US retailer Best Buy, who is offering the consumer 3D printer Cube and their Sense 3D scanner in 100 stores in the US as well as online.
April 14th 2016 – Update: Konica Minolta Australia expands 3D printing business
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia is expanding its 3D printing business in the local market, adding more staff and resources to meet growing demand.
Since signing a local distribution agreement in May 2015 with 3D Systems, a global leader in 3D printing technology, Konica Minolta has now appointed additional regional sales specialists to the 3D printing business, along with extra warehousing, logistics, and product servicing capabilities.
Matthew Hunter, National Manager 3D Printing, Konica Minolta, said, “With the demand for, and interest in, 3D printing exploding at the moment, Konica Minolta expects to see strong growth over the coming year. Naturally, we expect to be putting even more resources into our 3D printing business as this demand occurs.”
There have been some challenges in the local 3D market, most notably a lack of nation-wide market support from suppliers, which Konica Minolta is addressing through its expertise and national coverage.
Matthew Hunter said, “Industries, such as manufacturing that have been using 3D printing since its introduction, have matured to a point where they are able to receive the desired output from these machines.
“However, 3D printing is no longer limited to just these markets. Other sectors looking to leverage the technology need to ensure that what is designed on a screen is equally impressive when printed in three dimensions. This can be a challenge as many 3D files do not always translate well to a 3D rendered object. Konica Minolta, along with 3D Systems have the technical resources, workflows, and printers to help organisations overcome this challenge.”
Two of the main local challenges for the 3D printing industry that Konica Minolta is addressing are the service response and finance offerings that support these critical pieces of infrastructure. These two areas are often critical, yet easily overlooked by organisations who seek to innovate and transform.
Matthew Hunter said, “What Konica Minolta brings to the market is industry leading and guaranteed same-day service response nation-wide, along with rental and operating lease options, which negates the need for our customers to outlay capital expenditure.
“Konica Minolta has for years built up its support infrastructure for the printing industry. Now the Australian 3D printing market will also have access to the same level of assurance the printing industry has.
“With Konica Minolta’s service, support and logistics capabilities, consumables replenishment infrastructure, and expertise, we hope to help drive the already rapid uptake of 3D printing in the local market.”
Konica Minolta’s expansion reflects the company’s growing capabilities in partnering with organisations, helping them transform with the confidence they need in today’s ever changing world, and leveraging ground-breaking technologies of the future.
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