The company pumped £250,000 in to the launch of Hobs Studio in Manchester, which offers a one-stop-shop for 3D scanning, drawing and printing, laser cutting, physical model production and reprographics for architects, engineers, medical product developers and media designers. 

“This is the first 3D hub of its kind in the UK,” said Hobs Reprographics' chief executive Kieran O’Brien. “Until now 3D printing services were offered from a number of different locations but Hobs Studio has brought them all together under one roof to save time and increase efficiency.” 

The Manchester Studio has 25 staff and runs a powder-based ProJet 660 Pro 3D printer. The division is also installing an iPro 8000 stereo-lithography machine. Director Dave Gordon heads up the division of Hobs Reprographics, which is targeted to make £1.5m turnover. 

Hobs Studio, which will also offer augmented and virtual reality, operates a 557sqm facility and staff include leading model maker Andrew Conley, who worked on Wembley Stadium. 

“We completed our first commission last week, which was a model showing the NOMA new neighbourhood project in Manchester,” said Conley. “The model was made using 3D printing and traditional model making techniques.” 

Hobs Reprographics is one of the largest privately owned reprographics organisations in Europe with a £30m turnover and 23 offices with 330 staff across the country. Hobs was awarded its Royal Warrant in 2003 for providing printing services to the Royal Household.