3D printing companies suspend business in Russia

By Bruce Geiselman 

A group of 3D printer OEMs and other companies involved in additive manufacturing has released a statement in support of Ukraine and calling for a quick end to Russia’s war in the country.  

They pledged not to do business in Russia until further notice. 

Executives of the companies posted comments on social media late Friday and over the weekend supporting Ukraine and containing the statement, which listed the names of the top executives of 20 companies. 

In the letter, titled “Together We are Strong,” 3D printer makers and related companies pledged support for “the security and foreign policy course of the German Federal Government, European Union, and NATO against the military actions of Putin and his followers in Ukraine.” 

Part of the statement read: “Business and politics must stand side-by-side in defense of freedom, peace and democracy.” 

The companies called for a quick end to the war, and said “we have decided to suspend all business activities in the Russian Federation until further notice.” 

“In addition, our association of companies offers full support and participation for all necessary humanitarian aid and solution approaches,” the statement continued. “We stand behind the Ukrainian people and all those committed to freedom, peace, and democracy.” 

“Over a week has passed since Putin decided to attack a peaceful democratic country and because of this, many innocent people are killed,” Marie Langer, CEO at EOS GmbH, a German-based maker of 3D printers, wrote in a LinkedIn post. The same statement also appeared on the LinkedIn accounts of several other companies and executives. “That’s why we as the Additive Manufacturing Community — an association of various industrial 3D printing companies — want to show a clear sign and stand up for our beliefs with this statement below.” 

Aleksander Ciszek, CEO at software supplier 3YourMind GmbH, based in Berlin, talked of additional support being lent to Ukrainians. 

“It is painful to see Russian soldiers attacking their fellow Slavs in Ukraine,” Ciszek wrote. “Our thoughts are with the people in need. We are supporting Ukraine by producing medical and protective equipment!” 

3D Systems Corp., headquartered in Rock Hill, S.C., posted on LinkedIn that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is tragic and a defining moment of our time. 

“We have suspended all business activities in Russia at this time,” 3D Systems wrote. “We are also joining key companies within the Additive Manufacturing Community to show our collective support for the Ukrainian people. We are hopeful this situation will be resolved peacefully, and that the Ukrainian people can move forward with their independence.” 

Yoav Zeif, CEO at Stratasys Ltd., with headquarters in the U.S. and Israel, wrote that “we have offered our support to our community in the region and will continue to do so.” 

Others signing the statement are: Michael Petch, editor-in-chief of 3D Printing Industry; Arno Held, managing partner, AM Ventures Management GmbH; Mohsen Seifi, director of Global Additive Manufacturing Programs at ASTM International; Andre Wegner, CEO of Authentise; Robert Gmeiner and Jürgen Stampfl, managing director of Cubicure GmbH; Ric Fulop, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Desktop Metal Inc.; Felix Ewald, co-founder and CEO of DyeMansion GmbH; Oliver Cynamon, managing director of FIT Production GmbH; Christian Staudigel, managing director of Headmade Materials GmbH; Gerald Mitteramskogler, CEO of Incus GmbH; Fried Vancraen, CEO of Materialise NV; Stefanie Brickwede, managing director of Mobility Goes Additive e.V; Yoav Stern, chairman and CEO of Nano Dimension; Manuel Schaffner, CEO of Spectroplast AG; Katharina Kreitz, CEO of Vectoflow GmbH; and Terry Wohlers, head of advisory services and market intelligence for Wohlers Associates.