Konica Minolta Australia backs 3D printing with new hire

Konica Minolta Australia is upping its investment into the 3D printing market with the appointment of Ben Darling to the role of 3D printing and wide format sales specialist for the Southern Australian region.

According to the vendor, Darling's appointment will help drive the expansion of its rapidly-growing 3D printing business in the local market.

Konica Minolta says Darling has a background in 3D printing and will bring knowledge and expertise to his new role, where he'll focus primarily on Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

Darling says, "As the additive manufacturing industry continues to use 3D printing for production of end use parts, especially in the areas of medical and low volume high value manufacturing, 3D printers are increasingly becoming a mission critical part of organisations that have invested in the technology.

"This means that service response times have never been more important to the success of our customers. With a national footprint of service technicians Konica Minolta is able to maintain a minimum response to have a technician onsite. There is currently not another 3D Printer supplier in Australia that can match Konica Minolta service."

"The second reason I have joined Konica Minolta was due to the partnership with 3D Systems - a world leader in 3D Printing technology.  Because Konica Minolta has six major technologies we are able to better fit our customers with the best solution for their 3D printing needs. We can provide the best fit for individual customer needs, not just another product off the shelf," he says.

Darling's appointment comes as Konica Minolta builds out its 3D printing footprint in Australia, with the company adding more staff and resources to meet growing demand in the local market.

Matthew Hunter, Konica Minolta national manager 3D Printing, says, "Having Ben on board will help Konica Minolta in its goal to provide Australian businesses with unsurpassed levels of service and an unmatched range of 3D printing technology options. His experience will provide Konica Minolta with the additional know-how to help drive our continued growth in the region."