Anzu Partners, investment firm specialising in advanced manufacturing and materials technology companies, has officially consolidated two pioneering industrial 3D printing companies under a single parent organisation called ExOne Global Holdings. The strategic combination brings ExOne and voxeljet together following court approval, uniting decades of expertise in binder jetting and large-format sand printing to create a significant force in industrial additive manufacturing.
The merger positions the combined entity to serve global markets with an expanded product portfolio and strengthened support infrastructure across automotive, aerospace, foundry, and research sectors.
Bringing ExOne and voxeljet Together
The combined organisation operates over 500 industrial printers installed worldwide, delivering solutions across multiple manufacturing sectors. ExOne, founded in 1995 as part of Extrude Hone, established itself as a pioneer in binder jet 3D printing with expertise in sand and metal casting applications. The company was acquired by Desktop Metal in 2021 for approximately $575 million before transitioning to Anzu Partners’ ownership following Desktop Metal’s 2025 bankruptcy and restructuring under Arc Impact Acquisition Corporation.
Voxeljet, founded in 1999, built a global reputation for large-format sand and investment casting systems. The German company faced financial challenges in recent years, delisting from Nasdaq in 2024 and subsequently attempting a sale to Anzu Partners in early 2025. When shareholders rejected the initial proposal, voxeljet utilised Germany’s corporate rescue law (StaRUG) to restructure operations. The restructuring included €2.5 million in capital injection, €3.5 million in debt forgiveness, and loan extensions until 2030-2031. A Munich court approved the restructuring plan in July 2025, transferring ownership to Anzu Ventures II, an Anzu Partners affiliate.
Another Major Consolidation in 3D Printing
Under the new structure, ExOne Global Holdings will oversee operations in Germany, the United States, Japan, China, and India. Eric Bader, Managing Director of ExOne GmbH, assumes the role of CEO for the combined holding company, whilst Rudolf Franz, voxeljet’s long-time CEO, will transition to the board at year-end. Whitney Haring-Smith, Managing Partner at Anzu Partners, will serve as Chair of the board. The organisation maintains local leadership continuity, with managing directors of each country operation remaining in their current positions.
The merger represents significant consolidation within the industrial additive manufacturing sector, combining complementary technological capabilities under unified management. ExOne’s binder jet expertise merges with voxeljet’s large-format sand printing systems to offer customers broader product options, enhanced service capabilities, and deeper technical integration across global markets.
“Our customers and partners will experience ongoing stability and consistency as we move forward. In bringing together ExOne’s leadership in digital sand casting and voxeljet’s capabilities in large-format industrial printing supporting sand and investment casting, our focus is to leverage our joined strengths, preserve reliability, and deliver new growth.”
– Eric Bader, CEO, ExOne Global Holdings
Rudolf Franz noted the historical significance of uniting the companies: “The merger reunites the founders and pioneers of 3D sand printing, bringing the technology full circle.” This consolidation reconnects industry veterans who helped establish binder jetting and sand printing technologies decades ago.
Expanded Portfolio will strengthen Binder Jetting
The combined entity aims to leverage shared research and development capabilities whilst maintaining the technical strengths that established both companies as industry leaders. ExOne’s binder jet technology complements voxeljet’s large-format printing systems, creating comprehensive solutions for customers requiring varied scale and application requirements.
The merger preserves ExOne’s workforce and facilities whilst integrating voxeljet’s operations under stable financial backing. Anzu Partners’ acquisition strategy maintained operational continuity at both companies, ensuring minimal disruption to existing customer relationships and ongoing projects.
For customers across automotive, aerospace, and foundry sectors, the combination promises access to an expanded technology portfolio spanning metal and sand printing applications. The unified organisation maintains manufacturing and service locations across five countries, supporting regional customer requirements whilst benefiting from centralised strategic direction.
The consolidation reflects broader industry trends towards scale and integration as additive manufacturing transitions from emerging technology to established manufacturing methodology. The combined organisation positions itself to pursue growth opportunities whilst leveraging decades of accumulated expertise in industrial-scale binder jetting and sand printing applications.
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