The strategic importance of 3D printing technologies in traditional manufacturing sectors has been highlighted once again with the acquisition of i3DMFG by ERA Industries. This significant move took place on October 6, 2023, and has integrated i3DMFG into ERA’s existing portfolio, which already includes precision manufacturing specialists Gen El Mec (GEM).
ERA Industries, based in Chicago and with roots dating back 40 years, specializes in precision machining and assemblies for key sectors such as aerospace, military, and medical industries. The company is known for its multi-axis capabilities and has been involved in aerospace and medical contract manufacturing spaces. The acquisition of i3DMFG follows ERA’s earlier inclusion of GEM, based in Oxford, CT, adding further expertise and talent to its ranks.
Founded in 2013 in Redmond, Oregon, i3DMFG is a 3D printing service bureau focused on metal laser powder bed fusion. With 12 machines, including an EOS M300.4, the company has become known for its niche applications and materials, such as super nickel alloys and GRCOP-84 and GRCOP-42, engineered for space applications. Notably, i3DMFG boasts customers such as Ursa Major, a new space firm.
Despite the acquisition, i3DMFG will continue to operate as a separate business unit within ERA, allowing the company to take advantage of ERA and GEM’s financial and operational strengths. ERA’s financial sponsor, L Squared Capital Partners, has stated that the company’s mergers and acquisitions strategy will continue, indicating further growth for the company.
ERA’s headquarters are located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and L Squared Capital Partners is the latest private equity group to become involved in the field of digital manufacturing services. Other private equity groups, such as CORE Industrial Partners and American Industrial Partners, have also been consolidating the fragmented service bureau market in North America. MiddleGround Capital has also expressed interest in pursuing a similar strategy. Quickparts, on the other hand, has experienced recent growth backed by Trilantic North America.
L Squared acquired ERA in June of this year as part of its larger investment strategy, focusing on companies with an EBITDA ranging from $3-25 million and investing $20-$100 million. The firm has over $550 million of committed capital, emphasizing its long-term growth strategy. L Squared comprises veterans from the private equity group Chicago Growth Partners and shares a proximity with CORE, both headquartered in Chicago, though L Squared is based in Newport Beach, California.
It is intriguing to witness the consolidation of manufacturers in the U.S. The competition among private equity investors to rise to the top is intensifying. However, it remains to be seen how this strategy will impact well-established service bureaus like Materialise, Shapeways, and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. It is not surprising to consider the possibility of mergers and acquisitions between these consolidated businesses and the larger additive manufacturing service bureaus.
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“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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