After acquiring IBM in 2005, Chinese multinational Lenovo became an even bigger player in the world of electronics and eventually grew to be the largest smartphone vendor in China. As a Taiwanese company that has put its XYZprinting 3D printer brand into serious growth mode, Kinpo Group might be the ideal partner for Lenovo to take advantage of the booming 3D printing industry. And, through a deal with Lenovo subsidiary FM365, XYZprinting will now be exposed to an even greater number of customers.
According to XYZprinting, the deal will see their 3D printers sold online via FM365, promoted through their social media and e-marketing channels, to take advantage of Lenovo’s established brand name. XYZ’s head of sales tells me, “FM365 is a new concept in China’s retail space: The plan is to sell the product through an online platform, managing forums, social media platforms, and e-marketing to increase followers and boost active interactions between FM365 and fans. XYZprinting believes this concept of selling in China is the right direction – and by leveraging Lenovo’s customers base, as well as brand influences, they are able to garner additional attention from the retail market.”
XYZ sees both Lenovo and Kinpo, as well as XYZprinting and FM365, as a great match, with their head of sales explaining, “Both Lenovo group and Kinpo group have had a strong partnership in the OEM/EMS businesses for quite some time. As is such when Lenovo was looking for a company to partner with FM365, seeking one of Kinpo’s companies was a natural and logical choice. FM365’s usual goal when developing new products is to aim for partners that hit several market segments – including smart home, smart mobile devices and industry 4.0 – fortunately these goals match very well with XYZ’s printing technology and philosophy. Additionally, both FM365 and XYZprinting operate very much like tech start-ups do, only with the added benefit of having strong parent companies backing them up.”
Beginning with the da Vinci Jr. 3D printer, XYZprinting hopes to grow their relationship with FM365, benefiting both companies and fueling future deals. If the plan works, the Taiwanese printer manufacturer would be able to associate itself with a strong electronics brand, while Lenovo would be able to make small steps into the 3D printing space.
