Irish business lands 3D printer contract

An Irish company has landed a contract to supply 3D printers to one of the world’s biggest office supply chains.

Mcor has signed a deal with Staples, that will offer instore 3D printing for customers in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The deal puts Mcor to the forefront of one of the most hyped areas in technology. It means Staples customers will be able to order any object they like and the printer will create it for them as they wait.

Mcor Technologies chief executive Conor MacCormack said: “Staples is uniquely positioned to become the pre-eminent service bureau to the world and we will help them deliver highest quality and value. Staples Easy 3D is a breakthrough service in innovation and access for consumers and businesses alike.”

Mr MacCormack said he expected Staples to bring 3D printing to other countries within months.

Mcor has benefited from investment through the Irish Technology and Leadership Group in San Jose, California. It has been operating in the US and growing a client base there for the past three years.

Mr MacCormack set up Mcor with his brother Fintan, a former aircraft mechanic with the Irish Air Corps, over 10 years ago. In 2003 it became one of the world’s leading innovators in that sector when it developed a method of using layers of paper and a water-based adhesive that massively reduced the cost of running the machine

Unlike many of its competitors, Mcor does not use plastic- or solvent-based adhesives.

The major benefit of its new Iris printer is that it is the first of its kind to provide colour printouts. 3-D printing is a growing area and the deal with Staples will be the first time a major high street retailer has offered this service.

Mcor has also secured investment within Ireland and from Enterprise Ireland.