With a key focus on accelerating the world’s transition to local digital manufacturing, Ultimaker has developed a large and loyal customer base, including multinational companies like BMW, Volkswagen, and Airbus. In order to fully serve and further grow its portfolio of clients, Ultimaker recently opened new offices in Singapore.
Benjamin Tan, the newly appointed Vice President Asia Pacific at Ultimaker, says: “There is a greater understanding of additive manufacturing in the region. According to the 2018 Wohlers Report, Asia Pacific is poised to take a 30% share of the global 3D printing space. By 2021 IDC predicts that the market for 3D printing in the region will be worth $3.6 billion”.
Ultimaker plans for future growth
Benjamin has big ideas for the company’s expansion into Asia. “We will leverage our business development efforts to target multinationals in the region, and work closely with them to improve the supply chain. We place a lot of value on the practical applications of 3D printing, specifically how this can help businesses. We work closely with our network of sales partners to determine the best applications of our solutions.”
“We are also working with some of the region’s leading higher learning institutes and universities. We aim to work with students at these institutions on research projects, prototype development, and building proof of concepts, as they are the ones who will become champions of 3D printing in fields like manufacturing, engineering, and biomedicine.”
The opening of the new offices coincided with Ultimaker’s Asia Pacific sales partner meeting, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to a network of dedicated resellers. “It is not only the perfect alignment between accessible and reliable hardware, software, and materials that distinguishes Ultimaker from all of its competitors,” says Benjamin. “The open, innovative spirit of its employees and strong sales partner network has also contributed in bringing the company to its global leading position. I am very happy to be part of this team.”
Benjamin Tan takes the reins
Benjamin’s role will be to provide leadership across the channel network and drive growth within the region. He already has a stellar record in the software business. With a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Glasgow, and a graduate diploma in entrepreneurship from the University of Washington, he is not only qualified but also has extensive industry experience.
Prior to joining Ultimaker, he held engineering, business development, and sales leadership roles in multinational and regional corporations in Asia, such as Dassault Systèmes, Hewlett Packard, UGS, and Moduslink. In addition to his sales experience, Benjamin is a Dassault Systèmes certified Sales Trainer and has developed and delivered multiple channel training programs throughout the region.
