Proto Labs (NYSE:PRLB) is a digital manufacturing company specializing in rapid prototyping and low-volume production of custom parts. Through an automated online platform, Proto Labs offers on-demand services that streamline traditional manufacturing processes, enabling engineers and designers to receive quotes, validate designs and order parts within days. The company’s focus on speed and flexibility makes it a preferred partner for product development teams, start-ups and large manufacturers looking to accelerate time-to-market.
The company’s core services include injection molding, CNC machining, 3D printing and sheet metal fabrication. Its proprietary software combines automated quoting, manufacturability analysis and production scheduling to reduce lead times and lower costs. Proto Labs also provides design for manufacturability feedback, material selection guidance and post-processing options, supporting applications in industries such as medical devices, aerospace, automotive, electronics and consumer products.
Founded in 1999 by Larry Lukis, Proto Labs established itself as an innovator in online manufacturing. The company went public in 2012 and is headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota. In recent years, under the leadership of President and CEO Vicki Holt, Proto Labs has expanded its global footprint and enhanced its digital platforms. The executive team combines expertise in software development, manufacturing operations and customer service, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of digital industrial technologies.
Proto Labs serves a worldwide customer base with production facilities and sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia. Its global network includes manufacturing centers in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, supported by regional teams that offer local language support and expertise in regional design standards. By leveraging digital processes and a distributed manufacturing model, Proto Labs enables customers around the world to scale from prototyping to small-batch production with transparency and speed.