Zeda, a prominent name in advanced manufacturing, has announced a significant downsizing of its industrial operations. On January 15th, the company will auction off $20 million worth of 3D printing and manufacturing equipment from its Ohio facility. This decision marks a pivotal moment for Zeda, which had previously scaled up operations with substantial investments.
Details of the Auction
The equipment up for auction is an impressive collection that includes some of the most advanced 3D printing systems in the industry. This is some of the AM machinery that will become available:
Four Velo3D Sapphire Systems, including two large-format XC machines.
Four Addup FormUp 350 Systems, part of a larger fleet of eight owned by Zeda.
One Arcam Q10 EBM System, a key component in medical-grade production.
In addition to these highlighted systems, the auction will feature CNC machines and other secondary manufacturing tools. According to New Mill Capital, the company that will be managing the auction, the replacement cost of the equipment aligns with the $20 million valuation.
Go to for the full auction overview:
Why Zeda is Scaling Down
Zeda, formerly PrinterPrezz, Inc., emerged from a merger with Vertex Manufacturing, a company founded by additive manufacturing pioneer Greg Morris. Supported by over $50 million in Series B funding from investors like Michelin, Fives Group, and Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation, the rebranded entity experienced rapid growth and established a global presence spanning 140,000 square feet across facilities in Silicon Valley, New Jersey, Ohio, and Singapore. While the Ohio facility became a hub for advanced metal 3D printing and secondary processes, leveraging technologies like liquid metal jetting (ElemX) and laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), Zeda has now decided to scale down its industrial operations there. This strategic shift allows the company to concentrate on its core competencies in the medical sector, led by its Silicon Valley headquarters.
Focus on Medical Applications
Zeda has consistently prioritized the medical industry, leveraging its expertise in regulatory compliance, clinician-driven design, and additive manufacturing. The company’s Fremont, California facility is ISO 13485:2016 certified and maintains stringent standards for medical device production.
While the Ohio facility had initially been envisioned as a cornerstone for meeting growing medical demand, the upcoming auction signals a reallocation of resources. By consolidating efforts in Silicon Valley, Zeda aims to strengthen its leadership in medical device manufacturing while refining its broader strategy.
Zeda’s Pivot Raises Questions About Growth
Zeda’s decision to auction off $20 million in equipment raises questions about the company’s ability to sustain its ambitious growth in the competitive additive manufacturing sector. While the auction signals a shift in focus toward the medical sector, it also reflects the challenges of scaling large-scale industrial operations, particularly in a market that demands both innovation and financial resilience. The January 15th auction may mark the end of an expansive growth phase, but whether this pivot will stabilize the company or indicate deeper structural issues remains to be seen. Zeda’s next moves will be critical in determining whether it can retain its position as a key player or risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving industry.
