Stratasys ends Arcam distribution

By Sara Ferris

Stratasys (Minneapolis, MN) plans to stop distributing Arcam additive fabrication systems in North America. Arcam and Stratasys mutually agreed to terminate the distribution agreement. Since January 2006, Stratasys has been responsible for marketing and sales for Arcam in North America. Both companies are working together to create a smooth transition of operations from Stratasys to Arcam.

Effective January 4, 2008, Arcam assumed responsibility for all its marketing and sales operations in NorthAmerica. The sales activities will be coordinated with Arcam's current direct service and support operations, Arcam CAD to Metal Inc., established in North America in 2005. As they have in the past, North American Arcam customers will continue to order consumables and request service support from Arcam CAD to Metal.

"Arcam's product was a complement to our high-end FDM product group," says Woody Frost, Stratasys vice-president of sales and marketing for high-end FDM systems. "However, with a thriving demand for our high-end FDM line and a better-than-anticipated response to our new FDM 900mc direct digital manufacturing system, we have decided to concentrate on growing our organic business."

“North America is Arcam’s largest market and also the market with the highest long term potential. After evaluating our options, we concluded that our own operation in North America provides the best overall value for our US and Canadian customer base,” said Magnus René, President and CEO of Arcam.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.