Proto Labs announced a significant expansion of its U.S. metal additive‑manufacturing footprint, adding four large‑format dual‑laser Colibrium Additive M2 printers to its Raleigh, North Carolina facility. The 120,000‑square‑foot plant, which opened in May 2024, already houses nearly 40 DMLS machines and can produce more than 8,000 parts per month; the new printers will increase that capacity by an estimated 30% and enable the company to handle larger, more complex parts for aerospace, defense, and medical‑device customers.
The expansion is complemented by the company’s recent attainment of ISO 13485 and AS9100D certifications for its DMLS production line. These quality‑management standards are mandatory for medical‑device and aerospace manufacturers, allowing Proto Labs to serve regulated end‑use customers that require traceability, documentation, and compliance with stringent safety and performance requirements. The certifications also reinforce Proto Labs’ reputation as a trusted partner for high‑value, end‑use production.
Suresh Krishna, who became President and CEO in May 2025, said the move “reinforces our commitment to listening to customers and investing in technologies that drive innovation.” He added that the new capacity will allow the company to scale production of complex metal parts while maintaining the speed and quality that have defined its prototyping business. The statement signals a strategic shift from a primarily prototyping focus toward full‑service production, a transition that aligns with the company’s broader goal of capturing a larger share of the U.S. market for end‑use metal parts.
Proto Labs’ financial performance provides context for the expansion. In the third quarter of 2025, the company reported record revenue of $135.4 million, up 7.8% year‑over‑year, and a non‑GAAP EPS of $0.47. The growth was driven by strong demand in the medical‑device and aerospace segments, offsetting a modest decline in the prototyping business. Management guided for Q4 2025 revenue between $125.0 million and $133.0 million, a slight moderation that reflects a cautious outlook for the near term while still anticipating continued demand for high‑margin, regulated parts. The expansion is positioned to support that outlook by increasing capacity for the segments that are growing faster than prototyping.
The additional capacity and certifications give Proto Labs a competitive advantage in high‑margin, regulated sectors. By expanding its metal‑printing capabilities, the company can capture more of the growing market for end‑use parts that require rapid lead times and complex geometries—areas where additive manufacturing offers a clear advantage. The move also strengthens Proto Labs’ ability to serve customers who need ISO 13485 and AS9100D compliance, potentially opening new revenue streams and deepening relationships with existing clients in the medical and aerospace industries.
Overall, the expansion represents a strategic investment in the company’s core growth areas. It aligns with Proto Labs’ shift toward full‑service production, leverages its existing manufacturing network, and positions the firm to capitalize on the increasing adoption of additive manufacturing for regulated, end‑use parts. The move is expected to drive future revenue growth and reinforce Proto Labs’ competitive advantage in high‑margin, regulated sectors.
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