Asia

Although the United States has registered more patents in 3-D printing technology than any other region or country, Europe is fast approaching parity with the States in terms of market value, with Asia also close behind and rising.

According to Alan Meckler, chief executive of Mediabistro, there will be anywhere between six and 10 IPOs of 3-D printing companies in Asia in the coming years, as the technology begins to resemble to growth of the internet. "It sparks the creative juices of entrepreneurs," said Meckler.

BIC Advertising & Promotional Products (BIC APP), the promotional products division of BIC Group that operates under the BIC Graphic and Norwood trade names, on November 30 announced that CEO Nicolas Paillot will leave the company to pursue external business interests, effective Dec. 31, 2012.

Chicago-based InnerWorkings, a leading global provider of print management and promotional solutions, announced a print management agreement with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest conservation organization. The multi-year agreement is intended to achieve meaningful cost savings for NWF and foster innovation across the organization’s marketing supply chain.

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve probably noticed the same thing I have—U.S. manufacturing is on the rise. Like the latest Katy Perry song, The Avengers and any news involving the Jolie-Pitt family, “Made in America” is hot. Large American companies are either bringing manufacturing back home or they are deciding not to move overseas in the first place. Case in point: General Electric recently decided against building a “green” refrigerator plant in Asia. Switching gears entirely, the company invested nearly $100 million to refurbish an existing plant in Indiana.

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