PostNet Launches 3-D Printing for Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs
DENVER—April 9, 2014—PostNet will offer 3-D printing services at its new Minneapolis center, which opens April today, as part of a pilot program to evaluate the emerging technology's applications for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
"For more than 20 years, PostNet has continuously evolved as new technology emerged so we could better serve our customers and power small businesses," said Brian Spindel, co-founder of PostNet. "We are eager to evaluate 3-D printing at our new Minneapolis center to understand how the technology can boost the bottom line of not only our franchise partners, but also small businesses across the country."
Minneapolis resident and franchise owner Dave Thorsen spearheaded the initiative to bring 3-D printing to PostNet. Thorsen, an architect, was introduced to the technology while managing the design and construction for the renovation of a local high school. Impressed by its far-reaching applications, Thorsen became a proponent of the technology when he observed how students designed and produced 3-D objects in a Fab Lab, a MIT-affiliated laboratory, which was part of the high school renovation.
At the new Minneapolis PostNet center, Thorsen intends to provide entrepreneurs, small business owners, manufacturers, designers, and university students the ability to print prototypes quickly and inexpensively. Targeted initial applications include designing new technology, developing working prototypes, building architectural models, creating customized products, medical devices and more.
"I am thrilled to offer convenient access to this incredible technology that represents the future of prototype development and manufacturing, and to help explore this revolutionary technology's potential for PostNet," noted Thorsen.
PostNet Neighborhood Business Centers strive to be the "business behind small businesses," essentially serving as the marketing arm of local companies with four to 40 employees. PostNet provides digital printing, graphic design, shipping services, direct mail campaigns, Web services, e-mail marketing, mobile payment processing solutions at select locations, and more.
The new PostNet in Minneapolis is located at 701 N. Washington Avenue in the North Loop warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis.
About PostNet
PostNet Neighborhood Business Centers provide marketing services and specialize in meeting the design, printing and shipping needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs. Founded in 1993, PostNet has more than 700 locations worldwide, including several hundred locations in South Africa. Select PostNet locations in the United States and Canada, now offer Website Design and Solutions, which includes website and mobile design, hosting and e-mail marketing. Each PostNet franchise is locally owned and operated. PostNet has won numerous awards and recognitions including: Entrepreneur 2013 Franchise 500, Entrepreneur 2013 America's Top Global Franchise, 2013 Top 10 Best Franchise for Veterans by Military Times, 2013 Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review and 2013 Mail Innovations Award from the U.S. Postal Service.
Source: PostNet.
