Canadian start-up Tinkerine Studios (TSXV: TTD, FSE: WKN WB6B and OTC:TKSTF) is growing immensely, along with the larger 3D printing industry. No longer the small firm they once were, the company has already begun sales in the Asian South Pacific and launched a sleek-looking educational platform and 3D printables community. Now, Tinkerine Studios is planning to expand sales to 100 locations through a partnership with the UAE’s PRECISE Group.
President of PRECISE, Lothar Hohmann, said of the deal, “Our goal is to be the one stop for 3D printing and services in the Middle East region, as we cater to different segments of the market, I strongly believe that our partnership will allow us to grow into the educational sector with Tinkerine – their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) based Tinkerine U platform and the award winning Ditto™Pro 3D printer. Additionally, we will be providing technical support and service in our region to complement Tinkerine’s offerings through our dedicated online platform specializing in 3D printing and solutions – The3DBee.com.”
PRECISE began as a crystal engraving company in 2002, becoming a leading merchandising, event, and retail company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. And, with the launch of the3DBee, PRECISE began selling 3D printing products online, including the 3Doodler 2.0, XYZprinting machines, and Ultimaker brand 3D printers. Beginning with 60 locations this year, PRECISE will begin selling Tinkerine’s own line of Ditto Pro 3D printers, throughout the GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council), Middle East, Levant, and North African markets. In addition to the Ditto Pro, PRECISE will also sell Tinkerine’s filament, while providing customer support and promoting the Tinkerine U educational platform.
Eugene Suyu, CEO of Tinkerine, commented, “We continue to penetrate strategic markets and win new customers by offering a higher quality 3D printing experience than our competitors. PRECISE Group provides the retail outlets and professional services to support Tinkerine in the region. Educators globally are demanding STEAM based educational content to support the next generation of learners, engineers, and designers. Tinkerine U is the global platform to deliver this content to virtually anyone in the world.”
While MakerBot, according to 3D Hubs’ Trend Reports, tends to dominate North America and Ultimaker has a strong foothold in Europe, I’m beginning to wonder where Tinkerine Studios will fit in, as it continues to make strong partners across the world. Perhaps, in teaming with SoftBank in Asia and PRECISE in MENA, the firm hopes to establish its leading sales base in parts of the world that may be untapped by their competitors. Either way, I’m continuing to keep my eye on the company, as they see to have some strong potential. PRECISE, too, looks to be an interesting one to follow. I should add that I don’t own any stock or have any ties to Tinkerine; it’s just that their news always intrigues me!
