3D Systems Corp. of Rock Hill, S.C., has acquired Village Plastics Co. of Norton, which makes filaments — small diameter plastic rods — used in 3-D printing.
3D Systems [NYSE: DDD] said it plans to use Village Plastics’ manufacturing technology and materials to speed up development of materials for Cube and CubeX 3-D printers.
3-D printing, in its relative infancy, allows for printing in three dimensions.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Village Plastics, with its entire operations on Barber Road in Norton, has been in business since 2004.
Electrical contractor Kevin Gerstenslager and his wife, Lily, founded the company in 2004.
Village Plastics, which also manufactures thermoplastic rods used in welding, began making the 3-D printing filaments in 2008.
There are no plans to move the Norton operation.
“We are thrilled to join 3D Systems,” Lily Gerstenslager said, “combining our know-how and expertise with [3D Systems’] innovation, skill and industry leadership.
“We believe we can accelerate advanced materials development and fast-track the delivery of new filaments for the benefits of our customers worldwide.”
She declined to disclose the number of employees at the Norton facility.
3D Systems has annual sales of more than $350 million.
The company makes small consumer 3-D printing machines — the Cube — which sell for $1,299 at stores such as Staples, as well as larger machines used in a variety of industries, according to a report from the Charlotte Observer.
Katie Byard can be reached at 330-996-3781 or kbyard@thebeaconjournal.com.