Prototal Industries, the leading company for polymer additive manufacturing in the Nordics, expands into Austria, Switzerland and Germany through the acquisition of 1zu1.
The Austrian based company is the market leader within the areas of Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Tools, Injection Molding and Vacuum Casting.
Today Prototal Industries announced the acquisition of 1zu1, one of Europe’s leading players in prototype and low-volume manufacturing in polymers. The company offers an impressive array of products and services supported by most innovative technologies and comprehensive expertise, all hosted in state-of-the-art facilities in the city of Dornbirn.
1zu1 have been working successfully in the DACH region since 1996 and brings twenty-five years of industry expertise into the Prototal group. They will contribute to an increase of capacity and technical leadership.
The company is on the forefront in additive manufacturing with groundbreaking laser sintering processes that offers superior finish, accuracy, quality control as well as productivity which will enable new applications.
“A great fit for our family of brands”
Commenting on the deal, Jan Löfving, CEO of Prototal, said: “We are very happy and excited to welcome 1zu1 to our group. Additive manufacturing and rapid production of injection molding tools has been a market constantly growing and innovating, and Prototal has made several acquisitions to consolidate its position and expand its offering. 1zu1 offers a wide range of technologies, very similar to the ones available in Jönköping, that will strengthen the competence within the group. 1zu1 has been at the forefront of this market for twenty-five years, is a great fit for our family of brands, and will benefit all customers. The acquisition should be seen as a clear signal to the market of Prototal’s intention to actively develop the polymer market, both in the region and globally.”
1zu1 and its strong and dedicated team will continue to be led by the two current Managing Directors Wolfgang Humml and Hannes Hämmerle.
Managing Director Hannes Hämmerle says: “It’s with great pride that we join the Prototal family. This is an exciting opportunity for both 1zu1 and our customers. Working in an industry that is constantly experimenting with new materials and production techniques calls for true pioneering spirit. This is something that’s very important for 1zu1, and we know that Prototal share that view. We strongly believe in the vision and highly appreciate their skills in the world of manufacturing of polymeric parts.”
About 1zu1
Wolfgang Humml and Hannes Hämmerle founded the company in 1996, renaming it 1zu1 Prototypes in 2002. At the outset, the company comprised a 250 square-meter production area, two employees and two vacuum-casting machines. By 2017, a team of around 140 skilled workers plus 30 apprentices generated sales of approximately 18 million euros. Today, 1zu1 occupies a total area of 6000 square meters, have a state of the art factory and 160 employees. The Austrian company have customers both national and international.
