RAPID, A Nashua Manufacturer, Acquired For $120M

NASHUA, NH — RAPID, a sheet metal manufacturer based in Nashua, was recently acquired for $120 million, the company announced Tuesday. The buyer is Minnesota-based Proto Labs. RAPID operates a 140,000-square-foot facility on Charron Avenue in Nashua and employs about 325 workers.

“This exciting acquisition is a natural fit, providing both growth and opportunity for all aspects of our business and for our employees," said RAPID founder Jay Jacobs in a statement. “Culturally, Proto Labs and RAPID have a very similar purpose and mission, which is to help our customers get their ideas to market faster through rapid services. We are excited to be joining forces with a leader in digital manufacturing.”

Proto Labs specializes in 3D printing, among other services.

"RAPID not only adds quick-turn and e-commerce-enabled sheet metal services to our portfolio, it also expands our machining capabilities to support larger and more complex projects," Proto Labs CEO Vicki Holt said in a statement.

Photo: RAPID founder Jay Jacobs (left) and employee Corey Stairs next to a sculpture at the company's Nashua headquarters. The company was acquired in November 2017 by Minnesota-based Proto Labs for $120 million. (Credit: RAPID)