Protolabs delivered its strongest revenue quarter ever in its fiscal Q3, signaling a new phase of growth and digital reinvention under president and CEO Suresh Krishna.
Minneapolis-based digital manufacturer Protolabs reported record Q3 revenue of $135.4 million. That’s up 7.8% year over year. It attributed that growth to surging demand for computer mumerical control (CNC) machining and sheet-metal services across aerospace, defense and industrial markets.
Krishna, who took the helm five months ago, said the results validate Protolabs’ focus on speed, precision and customer centricity.
“We delivered record quarterly revenues and exceeded earnings expectations, highlighting the strength of our model and the power of focused execution,” he said during the company’s earnings call.
The company’s digital manufacturing platform spans prototyping through production. It continues to attract enterprise customers seeking rapid turnaround on complex parts.
Protolabs revenue in Q3
Protolabs U.S. revenue climbed 10% from a year ago, fueled by double-digit growth in CNC machining, which jumped 18% globally and 24% domestically in Q3. Sheet-metal fabrication also rose 14%, supported by activity in robotics and semiconductors.
Krishna highlighted continued traction with major technology and aerospace firms, including Amazon and Blue Origin. Protolabs supplies precision parts for drones, robotics and space exploration projects. Krishna said customers like Blue Origin have cited the company’s “impeccable customer service and levels of detail and accountability” as reasons for continued partnership.
Beyond sector gains, the company’s “Protolabs Network” grew 16% year over year to $30 million. The network connects customers with vetted manufacturing partners. Its higher margins and scale helped lift overall profitability and reduce operational friction amid tariff and supply chain challenges.
Average revenue per customer rose 15% as Protolabs deepened relationships with large enterprise accounts. The number of customers using both its in-house factories and partner network jumped 35%, underscoring the success of its hybrid fulfillment model.
Protolabs expanding CNC capacity
To meet growing demand, Protolabs is expanding its factory CNC capacity. It recently launched advanced machining capabilities that allow for tighter tolerance, specialized finishes and comprehensive quality documentation. It said those are all available through its online ordering platform.
“We listened to our customers and heard loud and clear that they require advanced manufacturing capabilities,” Krishna said. “These improvements remove friction and drive demand.”
While North America led the charge, European results lagged, with regional revenue down 5% amid ongoing manufacturing weakness. Demand for 3D printing also declined 6%, offsetting modest gains in injection molding.
Krishna said the company has begun a comprehensive strategic planning process to accelerate growth and refine execution, with details expected in 2026.
“We are focused on reaccelerating revenue growth and positioning Protolabs for long-term value creation,” he said.
As part of that effort, Protolabs appointed Marc Kermisch as chief technology and AI officer in October to lead its next phase of digital transformation. The company is already an early adopter of AI and machine learning in manufacturing. Still, it plans to expand automation and predictive analytics across operations.
Krishna said those investments, combined with a strong balance sheet and disciplined execution, will sustain momentum into 2026.
“We have accelerated revenue growth and exceeded expectations on earnings,” he said. “I could not be more confident in Protolabs’ ability to execute with speed, discipline and innovation as we deliver long-term value to our customers and shareholders.”
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