ExOne Global Holdings: Uniting Industry Leaders to Advance Industrial Binder Jetting and Large-Format 3D Printing

In a move set to redefine the landscape of industrial additive manufacturing, Anzu Partners, a prominent U.S.-based investment firm known for its focus on industrial and life science technologies, has officially announced the formation of ExOne Global Holdings. This strategic launch brings together two of the most respected and innovative names in industrial 3D printing: ExOne and voxeljet. Under this unified banner, the newly formed entity combines decades of unparalleled expertise in binder jetting and large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM), setting a powerful trajectory for growth and accelerated innovation across critical sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and metal casting. This consolidation marks a significant milestone, promising to deliver more robust solutions and expanded capabilities to customers worldwide, solidifying the group’s position at the forefront of the advanced manufacturing revolution.

The leadership structure for ExOne Global Holdings reflects a blend of seasoned experience and forward-thinking vision. Eric Bader, who has distinguished himself as the Managing Director of ExOne GmbH, will ascend to the pivotal role of CEO for ExOne Global Holdings. His extensive background and deep understanding of ExOne’s operations and market position make him an ideal candidate to steer the company into this new era. Complementing this leadership, Rudolf Franz, the current CEO of voxeljet AG, will transition to the Board of Directors at the close of his tenure this year. His strategic insights and long-standing experience in the additive manufacturing space will be invaluable in guiding the company’s future. The board will be expertly chaired by Whitney Haring-Smith, a Managing Partner at Anzu Partners. Haring-Smith’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the company’s overarching strategic direction and ensuring its long-term success. These key appointments signal an exciting new chapter, not just for ExOne and voxeljet, but for the entire additive manufacturing community, heralding a period of enhanced collaboration, innovation, and market expansion.

A New Era for Industrial Binder Jetting and Large-Format Additive Manufacturing

The establishment of ExOne Global Holdings represents the latest and perhaps most transformative chapter in ExOne’s dynamic corporate history. Just a few years prior, in 2021, ExOne underwent a significant change when it was acquired by Desktop Metal in a transaction valued at approximately $561 million USD. Following this acquisition, ExOne continued to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, maintaining its distinct identity and operational focus. That merger was heralded as a powerful combination, bringing together two leaders in binder jetting technology. Desktop Metal’s ambitious drive for AM 2.0 mass production capabilities found a synergistic partner in ExOne’s decades of profound expertise in digital sand casting and a diverse array of industrial applications. Now, under the strategic guidance and ownership of Anzu Partners, ExOne embarks on yet another profound phase of transformation. This latest evolution is more than just a corporate restructuring; it signals a broader and more significant realignment within the rapidly evolving additive manufacturing landscape, poised to unlock unprecedented potential in industrial 3D printing.

Strategic Synergies and Global Reach

The merger and the formation of ExOne Global Holdings are expected to yield substantial benefits, most notably by significantly expanding the group’s global footprint and enhancing its ability to provide even stronger, more localized support to customers across the globe. With operational teams spanning key regions from Germany and the United States to Japan, China, and India, the combined entity will be exceptionally well-positioned to deliver localized service, ensure faster response times, and offer an even wider and more diverse range of industrial 3D printing solutions. This extensive global network is built upon a solid foundation, as ExOne and voxeljet have already collectively installed an impressive portfolio of over 500 industrial 3D printers worldwide. This widespread installation base underscores their proven track record and deep market penetration, promising unparalleled accessibility and efficiency for their growing customer base.

Both ExOne and voxeljet have, independently, dedicated years to pioneering and pushing the technological boundaries of sand-based 3D printing. ExOne has long been revered for its profound expertise in digital sand casting, a process that leverages advanced binder jetting technology across ceramic sands to rapidly produce intricate molds and cores without the need for traditional tooling. This capability is invaluable for foundries seeking efficiency and design freedom. voxeljet, on the other hand, brings complementary strengths to the table, particularly in large-format industrial 3D printing and sophisticated ceramic applications. Their extensive experience lies in assisting foundries in producing highly intricate sand molds, essential for high-quality metal casting processes. The synergy between these two companies means a broader, more robust offering for industries dependent on precision casting and large-scale additive manufacturing.

Driving Innovation and Market Expansion

Under the unified leadership of Anzu Partners, the newly formed ExOne Global Holdings harbors ambitious plans to significantly accelerate materials research and development. This includes expanding joint R&D programs, fostering deeper collaboration between the two entities’ expert teams, and actively pursuing new cross-selling opportunities across global markets. The partnership is strategically bolstered by voxeljet’s December 2024 agreement with Anzu Partners, which involved a foundational deal to acquire the company for approximately €20,033,000. This acquisition served as a crucial cornerstone, establishing the framework necessary for scaling voxeljet’s advanced industrial printing systems and comprehensive services alongside ExOne’s already well-established casting and tooling infrastructure. The combined resources and intellectual capital are expected to unlock new frontiers in additive manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in industrial production.

The vision for ExOne Global Holdings extends far beyond merely combining assets. As the new CEO, Eric Bader, succinctly articulated, the primary objective is to “leverage our combined strengths, preserve reliability, and drive new growth.” This strategic merger is not an isolated event; it reflects a broader, more significant trend evident across the entire additive manufacturing world. An increasing number of companies are opting for collaboration and consolidation as essential strategies to maintain competitiveness and foster sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market. This move by Anzu Partners to unite ExOne and voxeljet exemplifies how established industry players are coming together. Their collective aim is to vigorously push innovation forward, build a stronger, more resilient future for the dynamic 3D printing market, and ultimately deliver superior value and capabilities to their diverse clientele across the globe.

The Impact on Key Industries

The implications of this merger for key industrial sectors are profound. In the automotive industry, the combined expertise in binder jetting and digital sand casting will enable faster prototyping, the production of more complex parts, and shorter lead times for critical components. This directly translates to more efficient vehicle development and manufacturing processes. For the aerospace sector, where precision and material integrity are paramount, the enhanced capabilities in large-format additive manufacturing and advanced ceramic applications will support the creation of lightweight, high-performance components, contributing to fuel efficiency and structural integrity. Furthermore, the metal casting industry, a foundational user of both ExOne and voxeljet’s technologies, stands to benefit immensely from accelerated materials research and expanded R&D. Foundries will gain access to more advanced sand molds and cores, enabling them to produce more intricate designs with superior surface finishes and reduced waste, thus increasing overall production efficiency and quality.

Anzu Partners’ investment philosophy is centered on identifying and scaling companies that are at the technological forefront of their respective industrial and life science domains. Their decision to form ExOne Global Holdings underscores their belief in the transformative potential of industrial 3D printing. By integrating ExOne’s strengths in digital sand casting with voxeljet’s prowess in large-format systems and ceramic applications, Anzu Partners is creating a powerhouse capable of addressing the complex manufacturing challenges of tomorrow. This strategic move aligns perfectly with the growing demand for more agile, sustainable, and customizable manufacturing solutions that additive manufacturing uniquely offers. The emphasis on global expansion, localized support, and continuous innovation ensures that ExOne Global Holdings will not only meet current industry demands but also actively shape future manufacturing paradigms.

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*Cover photo credits: voxeljet