Protolabs

Protomold

In 1999, Larry Lukis founded the Protomold Company, Inc., that specialized in the quick-turn manufacture of custom plastic injection molded parts. Protomold was recognized for its small batch molded parts and rush orders. He previously ran ColorSpan, an original equipment manufacturer that produces printers and desktop publishing systems. He was the chief technology officer of Protomold. Later, in 2001, Brad Cleveland joined Protomold as CEO and president.In 2005, Protomold opened up its first UK plant in Telford, England. Two years later, Protomold introduced the Firstcut quick-turn CNC machining service.

Protolabs

In 2009, the company combined its Protomold and Firstcut services under its corporate name, Proto Labs Inc., known colloquially and in official messaging as Protolabs.In 2009, Protolabs opened a location in Japan to serve Japanese design engineers. In the same year, Firstcut, a service from Protolabs, made available CNC-machined prototype parts made of aluminum, as well as ABS, nylon, and PEEK.

In February 2012, Protolabs completed its initial public offering of common stock.

In 2013, Protolabs reached $150 million in revenue. In 2014, Protolabs acquired the North Carolina-based 3-D printing company, FineLine Prototyping Inc. In fall 2016, Protolabs' 3D printing services moved to a new 77,000 sq. ft. facility in Cary, North Carolina. The company also opened a plant in Plymouth, Minnesota.In February 2014, Vicki Holt was named CEO. She was hired to help Protolabs become a billion dollar manufacturing company. Holt is expanding Protolabs into the medical equipment markets and the lighting industry.In November 2017, Protolabs acquired RAPID Manufacturing in Nashua, New Hampshire for an aggregate purchase price of $120 million to expand into sheet metal fabrication capabilities.

COVID-19 Pandemic

During the 2019–2020 coronavirus pandemic, Protolabs began producing face shields, plastic clips, and components for coronavirus test kits for use in Minnesota hospitals. The company also collaborated with the University of Minnesota to produce parts for a low-cost ventilator.

2021

In January 2021, Protolabs announced an agreement to acquire Amsterdam-based manufacturing platform 3D Hubs for $280 million in cash and stock plus incentives.In March 2021, Holt plans to retire and will be succeeded as CEO by VP and GM of Americas, Robert Bodor, according to a company announcement.