Javelin Technologies and Cimetrix Solutions merge to create industrial 3D printing powerhouse

The 3D printing industry continues to mature with a merger between two of the leading Canadian enterprises serving the additive manufacturing market.

Javelin Technologies is the largest Canadian reseller of SolidWorks CAD design software. Specialists in 3D design engineering, product data management, automation, and additive manufacturing, Javelin as a reseller also supplies 3D printers from Stratasys and Desktop Metal.

Cimetrix is a leader in additive manufacturing and laser scanning solutions for both industrial and education sectors. 3D printers from the Stratasys range, including MakerBot are available, with 3D scanning covered by Artec.

Javelin celebrated their 20th anniversary last year, while Cimetrix has 25 years in business.

The deal creates an enterprise with over 6,000 customers that spans the country with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Kitchener, Oakville, Oshawa, Montreal and Dartmouth. While Javelin Technologies will continue to trade as such, Cimetrix will be referred to as Cimetrix Solutions, a division of Javelin Technologies.

CAI Capital Partners becomes new investment partner

The deal was facilitated by newly announced financial partner CAI Capital Partners, a Vancouver based private equity firm. CAI has placed more than CAD $1.4 billion in equity and related investments, including deals for Douglas Machine & Tool and Canadian Heating Products Inc. The financial terms of this merger were not disclosed.

The merged enterprise will be led by Javelin executives– John Carlan and Ted Lee – and James Janeteas of Cimetrix.

Ted Lee, Managing Director at Javelin said, “We shorten the distance between idea and production. We help people and businesses execute well, and that’s never been more important. Joining Javelin and Cimetrix means we’re putting ourselves exactly where our customers will be and will need us to be.”

Rich Garrity, President, Stratasys commented, “For the past 17 years, Stratasys has had strong representation in the Canadian market with our veteran partners Cimetrix Solutions and Javelin Technologies. The additive manufacturing landscape is changing at an ever-increasing rate and we value and need strong, industry-defining partnerships to help customers navigate.”

Opportunities for 3D printing resellers

The merger means that an end-to-end solution from initial data creation, file management, analysis, prototypes, jigs & fixtures and production parts is available with 3D printing solutions ranging from desktop to industrial.

The merger follows increased activity in the 3D printer reseller market. With an increasing number of manufacturers entering the 3D printing industry, the ability to create a sales channel is becoming both a challenge and an opportunity. In late 2017, iMakr announced plans for the creation of a global 3D printing franchise scheme. While HP’s initial focus on developing their channel brought traditional 2D resellers into the market.

Larger, and well established resellers, bring experience and an often sizeable network of existing customers. However, such enterprises may be constrained in the range of 3D printing systems from different manufacturers they are able to offer. However, this is not necessarily detrimental to the end user. On several recent occasions, resellers have told me they refer business to other companies in their region if they do not carry the necessary hardware or expertise. This “rising tide” philosophy appears to be a two way street, anecdotally of course.

For smaller and newer resellers, there also appears to be substantial opportunity. Here I am again thinking of recent (and not so recent) conversations with resellers. These resellers can be invaluable to newer 3D printer manufacturers who may be unable access the established channels of potential competitors.

The value of 3D printing resellers

Casey Thivierge, Director of Engineering with A.V. Gauge & Fixture, a client of Javelin and Cimetrix, explains the value of knowledgeable resellers saying, “We appreciate every resource available to us, from knowledgeable advisers to the latest in technology, systems, and equipment. Javelin and Cimetrix have been an integral part of our growth and development through the years. Now, as a unified team, they’ll become an even stronger force with even more tools and resources to help us. Working with both of them has been and continues to be an outstanding experience. They will continue to propel us, as well as other Canadian businesses, well into the future of advanced manufacturing.”

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