In the course of its new focus on plastic components, Prototal (Jönköping / Sweden; www.prototal.se) has strengthened its 3D printing business division with the acquisition of GT Prototyper (GTP, Ystad / Sweden; www.gtp.se). With the purchase, the specialist for prototypes and small series production gains a location with 15 employees in Ystad in southern Sweden. Prototal’s managing director Henrik Lundell said there had already been strong ties with GTP for several years. The acquisition will add GTP’s expertise in 3D printing to Prototal’s own know-how. The joint portfolio now encompasses stereo lithography, selective laser sintering (SLS) and multi-jet printing (MJP).

Prototal looks back on an eventful 2017. In the past year, the company saw a shareholder change and is now a part of investment company WilRon Holding (Jönköping / Sweden; www.wilron.se). At the end of 2017, Prototal then sold its business unit Jobro, a specialist in sheet metal parts with approximately 100 employees and an annual turnover of roughly SEK 160m (EUR 16.6m). By these steps, Prototal has reoriented itself on plastics activities, which, in addition to 3D printing, includes the areas of toolmaking and injection moulding. The company has 130 employees at four plants and an annual turnover of SEK 200m. “The transformation of Prototal has begun,” says David Mork, CEO of WilRon Holding. Further investments and acquisitions are being planned.