What began in 2014 as a typical start-up in a garage has grown rapidly over the last few years. Driven by the idea of realizing their own ideas with 3D printing, the company was founded by Marco Depaoli and Johannes Früh. Today, countless customers realize their own ideas with Extrudr filaments. We asked Johannes and Marco, the founders and managing directors of Extrudr, a few questions.
How did Extrudr come about?
It all started in 2014. Boredom, booze and our first contact with 3D printing during our studies led to the founding of Extrudr while we were still students.
We made our first production attempts with an extrusion blow molding machine and a rain gutter from the DIY store for cooling the filament. As we were not satisfied with the price-performance ratio of the extrusion machines on the market, we decided to design and build the machine ourselves.
What has changed since the company was founded?
We started with an extrusion line that we built ourselves. We now have 12 extrusion lines in operation. When we move into our new building, we will have 18 lines. In 2016, we received support from our first employee. Today, the team consists of 30 people who contribute to our success. The product portfolio has also constantly expanded. We started with the production of ABS and PLA. Today, the product portfolio includes 22 different materials. More than half of the quantity produced consists of bio-based plastics.
What has remained the same?
What we have always attached great importance to is the development and construction of our own extrusion lines. Our knowledge of the technology enables us to respond to the various specifications of the materials and meet our high quality requirements.
Which product development are you particularly proud of?
With GreenTEC's bio-based product range, we have created something unique. This includes performance materials on the one hand and products in the design range on the other. The plastics are made from renewable raw materials. This is the special feature of these products, because materials for performance applications in particular are usually based on fossil raw materials.
What challenges have you faced in recent years?
We have developed from a start-up into an established filament producer. Thanks to the high demand, our premises quickly became too small, which is why we have already moved to larger buildings four times in the last 10 years. With the new building in Lustenau and the expansion possibilities, we have now found a long-term location.
The activities and requirements for employees have also become more specific. In the beginning, all employees were true all-rounders. As we grew, it became necessary to establish processes and structures. We are proud that some of the first employees are still part of our team today.
What experience will always be remembered?
Right at the beginning, Johannes ordered 10 tons of ABS granulate. It was clear that production and sales had to get going in order to sell the quantity. Otherwise, there are many stories that cannot be published here 😉. We could write a book about the best stories over the years.