Like many people, my heart is overwhelmed with sadness in regard to the current « conflict/war » between Russia and Ukraine. I have been wondering what 3D printing companies could do to support Ukrainians just as they supported healthcare professionals and populations across the world during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. And 3D printing leader EOS just announced one example of action that can be taken in this situation.
The company which coined the term « responsible manufacturing » decided to stop any business with Russian customers. The announcement has been made by the company’s CEO Marie Langer on her LinkedIn page :
« This past weekend has left me in deep concern regarding the tragic situation in the Ukraine and the world. Putin and his supporters are invading a democratic country and are killing people who stand up for their democratic rights. That’s why we at EOS decided on Friday to stop any business with Russian customers and will make only exceptions in clear cases of humanitarian or medical applications. While this will have consequences for our business, this does not matter now! What matters is standing up for our democratic beliefs and acting consequently. I am convinced that many Russian citizens also do not want this war. For us, it was essential to draw a clear line and show Putin that we are not supporting his politics. I am sending my deepest sympathies to those of you who have friends and family directly affected by this war. Let’s all raise our voice towards political and business decision makers to do what is right. Let’s fight together for peace and a prosperous future for all! »
Needless to say such a decision cannot be easily made by all 3D printing companies in the industry but I believe that every step toward protecting people, democracy and what’s right counts, and somehow at the end of the line, that’s also what the concept of « responsible manufacturing » embodies.
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