UltiMaker, a leading company in the 3D printing industry, has recently announced a new CEO. Michiel Alting von Geusau has taken over from Nadav Goshen to lead the company, which was formed by the merger of Ultimaker and Makerbot in 2022. 3D Printing Industry had the opportunity to speak with the new CEO about his vision for UltiMaker, plans for new products, and what lies ahead for Thingiverse.
When asked about his transition to UltiMaker, Alting von Geusau expressed his excitement about entering a completely new market. He stated that he did not want to compete with his previous employers and saw the fresh market as an opportunity to bring in new and creative ideas. He emphasized the importance of experimentation and testing to see what works.
Regarding the future vision for UltiMaker, Alting von Geusau requested a hundred days to craft it. He emphasized a collaborative approach, seeking insights from internal teams and external stakeholders. In a surprising move, he turned the tables and asked the interviewer for their thoughts on where the company should be in three to five years.
The legacy companies that form UltiMaker were pioneers in the industry but have faced challenges from Chinese competitors and new players like Bambu Labs. Alting von Geusau acknowledged the market’s demand for speed, ease of use, and competitive pricing. He highlighted the potential for UltiMaker to offer more than just desktop printers by providing complete solutions to customers. He pointed out the limitations of Chinese production companies in offering holistic solutions and maintaining close client relationships.
When asked about UltiMaker’s stance on open source and the future direction of the 3D printing industry, Alting von Geusau confirmed the company’s commitment to keeping Cura, UltiMaker’s slicing software, open source. However, he also stated that not everything around it needs to be open source. He emphasized the importance of people and strong relationships with clients, stating that with the right team, any goal can be achieved and that the company’s success is tied to the success of its clients.
UltiMaker’s legacy of innovation was a topic of interest, and Alting von Geusau admitted that he is still evaluating the best path forward. He discussed the significance of Thingiverse, a digital design repository, as a valuable asset for the company. When it comes to company culture, he described UltiMaker as having a positive, R&D-driven environment but hinted at a potential shift towards a more client-facing approach while maintaining the innovative spirit.
The next chapter for UltiMaker is likely to focus on collaboration, innovation, and client-centricity. With a new CEO at the helm and a fresh perspective, the company is poised to continue its success in the 3D printing industry and navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Title: Driving Growth and Innovation: A Glimpse into the Future of 3D Printing
Introduction:
In a recent interview, Michiel Alting von Geusau, the new CEO of UltiMaker, shared his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the 3D printing industry. The importance of fostering a culture of innovation, market expansion, integration of legacy brands, sustainability, and the role of partnerships were all discussed. In this blog post, we will delve into these topics and explore what the future of 3D printing holds for the next ten years.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation:
Alting von Geusau emphasized the importance of recognizing and valuing innovators within the company. He believes that communication and appreciation are critical in creating a culture of innovation. By making sure that the entire company is aware of the great work done by innovators, UltiMaker can inspire and motivate others to think outside the box.
Market Expansion and Growth Strategy:
UltiMaker has a robust presence in the education sector in the US. Alting von Geusau hinted at strong ideas within the company, particularly in this sector. He sees the company’s growth strategy as threefold: moving up the supply chain, adding more than just the 3D printer, and geographic expansion. This approach will not only open new markets but also diversify UltiMaker’s offerings and strengthen its position in the industry.
Integration of Legacy Brands:
The integration of MakerBot and UltiMaker, the two legacy brands, is still a topic of ongoing consideration. While UltiMaker is currently the primary brand, Alting von Geusau acknowledges the potential synergy between the two. Finding ways to leverage the strengths of both brands and create a seamless integration will be crucial in maintaining the company’s growth momentum.
Sustainability: A Key Concern:
Alting von Geusau sees 3D printing as inherently sustainable, especially when it comes to producing only what is needed. By marketing the 3D printer as a sustainable solution, UltiMaker can highlight the environmental benefits of this technology. The ability to produce on-demand and eliminate unnecessary inventory is a significant advantage that aligns with the growing global focus on sustainability.
The Importance of Partnerships:
In today’s market, partnerships are essential for driving growth. Alting von Geusau emphasized the importance of ensuring that all partners in the chain benefit fairly. Collaborating with other companies and forming strategic alliances will enable UltiMaker to tap into new markets, access new technologies, and foster innovation.
Conclusion:
As the additive manufacturing sector continues to evolve, engineering challenges will need to be tackled in the coming decade. The future of 3D printing holds great potential, and companies like UltiMaker are at the forefront of driving growth and innovation. By fostering a culture of innovation, expanding into new markets, integrating legacy brands, prioritizing sustainability, and forming strategic partnerships, UltiMaker is poised to make a significant impact in the industry. Stay updated with the latest 3D printing news by subscribing to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or following them on social media. If you’re interested in a career in the additive manufacturing industry, check out 3D Printing Jobs for exciting opportunities.
