Business

French 3D printing giant Prodways acquires Interson-Protac

3D printer machining manufacturer and industrial solutions company Prodways Group, part of Groupe Gorgé, has announced that it will be acquiring a 75% stake in fellow French company Interson-Protac.

The small company of 47 employees based outside Montpelier, is a medical device manufacturer. Its expertise is in 3D printed hearing aid tips and made-to-measure ear protectors, made using the scans of a wearer’s ear.

Interson-Protac's Pianissimo - custom made ear protection for musicians. Photo via Interson-Protac
Interson-Protac’s Pianissimo – custom made ear protection for musicians. Photo via Interson-Protac


Successful Acquisitions

Interson-Protac is set to be incorporated into the products division of Prodways, which already produces custom made tools parts and prototypes from metals and plastic. Since May 2016, Prodways has also produced 3D printed art and jewellery under its “Les Créations” range, and in March 2017, it unveiled its MOVINGLight printer for dental applications.

More recently, the firm has been targeting the 3D printed footwear market, and announced the Rapid Additive Forging (RAF) process of metal 3D printing.

Cercle Finance suggests that the acquisition will boost the Prodways group’s turnover by four million euros in 2018.

Prodways ProMaker L5000. Photo by Michael Petch.
Prodways ProMaker L5000. Photo by Michael Petch.

Market success

In another recent deal, Prodways acquired 3D design and consultancy start-up AvenAo Industrie. The company specialises in 3D printing solutions to industrial problems, and in buying it, Prodways demonstrated commitment to Industry 4.0 developments.

At the beginning of 2017, the company also successfully listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange, following over €50 million in capital as a result of an initial public offering (IPO).

The most recent acquisition of Interson-Protac is expected to be finalised October 2017.

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Featured Image: Interson-Protac’s Pianissimo – custom made ear protection for musicians. Photo via Interson-Protac.