AUCKLAND, New Zealand, July 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratasys Asia Pacific, subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS), the 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions company, announced today it has expanded its partnership with Ricoh New Zealand Ltd. (Ricoh New Zealand), a subsidiary of Ricoh Company, Ltd. Japan. Ricoh will be representing the entire Stratasys product line, in addition to the existing MakerBot line. The move is aimed to improve the availability of [Stratasys'] 3D printing products and help drive adoption in New Zealand, as well as help local organizations accelerate their transformation to digital manufacturing and maximize business potential.
Ricoh New Zealand offers added value to the Stratasys partner network with its long-standing experience in offering office imaging, production printing, IT services and document solutions to organizations ranging from government departments and education to enterprise and small-to-medium businesses. Combined with Stratasys' expertise in the 3D printing domain and comprehensive suite of professional 3D printing solutions and materials, the partnership will aid Stratasys' commitment to demonstrate to organizations and local businesses, the versatile applications of 3D printing solutions -- from multi-material and multi-functional prototypes -- to customized tools and end-use production parts.
"We believe that additive manufacturing is one of the technologies integral for companies to realize industry 4.0, and we are committed to equipping customers with the most suitable 3D printing solution, from a desktop printer up to production system, helping them innovate and maximize efficiency with the support of trusted local partners," commented Shiry Saar, ANZ Manager for Stratasys. "We are confident that this partnership will help us to better understand the local information technology and industrial automation landscape in New Zealand, thereby helping more companies optimize production capabilities and expand business opportunities."
"Partnering with an industry leader like Stratasys allows us to offer the latest 3D printing technologies for professional and industrial users; thus fulfilling our commitment to continue to empower companies and individuals with services and technologies that inspire innovation, enhance sustainability and boost business growth," said Mike Pollok, Managing Director of Ricoh New Zealand. "Ricoh New Zealand views this partnership as a meeting of minds, as both companies are committed to making our clients' businesses smarter, simpler, faster, leaner and more sustainable."
Stratasys and channel partners will continue to offer comprehensive 3D printing solutions and vertical applications to companies across key sectors, including automotive, education, medical, consumer goods and electronics, facilitating businesses to expedite their design and manufacturing processes.
For nearly 30 years, Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) has been a defining force in 3D printing and additive manufacturing, shaping the way things are made. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Rehovot, Israel, the company empowers customers across vertical markets, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, education, and consumer products, by enabling new approaches for design and manufacturing. Stratasys solutions offer design freedom and manufacturing flexibility, reducing time-to-market and lowering development costs, while improving products and communication. Subsidiaries include MakerBot and Solidscape, as well as Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, which offers 3D printed parts on demand. Stratasys also offers Expert Services in North America and over 4 million free, 3D printable design files through its Thingiverse and GrabCAD communities. Stratasys has 1,200 granted or pending additive manufacturing patents and has received more than 30 technology and leadership awards. Online at: www.stratasys.com or http://blog.stratasys.com/. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release relating to Stratasys' expectations of the benefits that it will receive from its partnership with Ricoh New Zealand Ltd are forward-looking statements reflecting management's current expectations and beliefs. These forward-looking statements are based on current information that is, by its nature, subject to rapid and even abrupt change. Due to risks and uncertainties associated with Stratasys' business, actual results could differ materially from those projected or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk that the benefits that Stratasys expects from the partnership will not materialize, or could be less, than Stratasys currently expects, due to technical or other unforeseen reasons; and other risk factors more fully explained under the caption "Risk Factors" in Stratasys' most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 3, 2017. Stratasys is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.
