A growing Norfolk company which received £56,500 in funding from New Anglia LEP has struck up a partnership with a Swedish firm to set up a new print operation.

Plastech Industries is launching a 3D printing distribution and print service business Plastech Additive Manufacturing after securing a partnership with BLB Industries.

The Norwich-based company will distribute BLB’s The Box portfolio of Small, Medium and Large 3D printing systems throughout the UK and Ireland, while installing a Box Medium purchased with the support of a £56,500 grant from the LEP’s Growing Business Fund.

Our Growing Business Fund offers grants up to £500,000 for local businesses which want to grow and create new jobs.

Plastech Moulding is a high-volume manufacturing service specialising in injection moulding, also operating under the Plastech Industries umbrella.

The aim of the new operation is to help companies which require parts in lower volumes, while also giving them the chance to bring the technology in-house.

By providing a machine distribution and parts service will enable clients to order printed parts as required and give them the opportunity to buy the same additive manufacturing technology to oversee production themselves.

Stephen Rundle, Plastech Industries Managing Director, said: “We’re hoping to offer a turnkey solution to companies looking to benefit from large scale additive manufacturing. We have set ourselves up with the capability to have our own machines, both as a demonstration models and to take our customers on a journey.

“The idea is that we are able to work with them on the development and testing with materials and their new product and then take them through short run manufacture. When they get to the position where they need more product, then we can assist them with the supply and service of their own machine.”