Protomold

In 1999, Larry Lukis founded the Protomold Company, Inc., that specialized in the quick-turn manufacture of custom plastic injection molded parts.^[2][5] Protomold was recognized for its small batch molded parts and rush orders.^[10] He previously ran ColorSpan, an original equipment manufacturer that produces printers and desktop publishing systems.^[2] He was the chief technology officer of Protomold.^[2] Later, in 2001, Brad Cleveland joined Protomold as CEO and president.^{[1][2][9][11]}

In 2005, Protomold opened up its first UK plant in Telford, England.^[12] Two years later, Protomold introduced the Firstcut quick-turn CNC machining service.^[13]

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.^[3]

In 2009, Protolabs opened a location in Japan to serve Japanese design engineers.^[3] 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.^[14]

In February 2012, Protolabs completed its initial public offering of common stock.^[15][16]

An aerial view of Protolabs manufacturing facility in Plymouth, Minnesota.

In 2013, Protolabs reached $150 million in revenue.^[17] 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.^{[18][19][20][21]}

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.^[10]

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.^[22]

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.^[23] The company also collaborated with the University of Minnesota to produce parts for a low-cost ventilator.^[23]

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.^[24]

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.^[25]