PostNet in Minneapolis to Become First Franchise to Offer New Technology as Part of Pilot Program 

Denver – PostNet, the nation’s first Neighborhood Business Center, announces it will offer 3D printing services at its new Minneapolis center, which opens April 9, as part of a pilot program to evaluate the emerging technology’s applications for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

“For more than 20 years, PostNet has continuously evolved as new technology emerged so we could better serve our customers and power small businesses,” said Brian Spindel, co-founder of PostNet. “We are eager to evaluate 3D printing at our new Minneapolis center to understand how the technology can boost the bottom line of not only our franchise partners, but also small businesses across the country.”

Minneapolis resident and franchise owner Dave Thorsen spearheaded the initiative to bring 3D printing to PostNet. Thorsen, an architect, was introduced to the technology while managing the design and construction for the renovation of a local high school. Impressed by its far-reaching applications, Thorsen became a proponent of the technology when he observed how students designed and produced 3D objects in a Fab Lab, a MIT-affiliated laboratory, which was part of the high school renovation.

At the new Minneapolis PostNet center, Thorsen intends to provide entrepreneurs, small business owners, manufacturers, designers, and university students the ability to print prototypes quickly and inexpensively. Targeted initial applications include designing new technology, developing working prototypes, building architectural models, creating customized products, medical devices and more.

“I am thrilled to offer convenient access to this incredible technology that represents the future of prototype development and manufacturing, and to help explore this revolutionary technology’s potential for PostNet” said Thorsen.

PostNet Neighborhood Business Centers strive to be the “business behind small businesses,” essentially serving as the marketing arm of local companies with four to 40 employees. PostNet provides digital printing, graphic design, shipping services, direct mail campaigns, Web services, email marketing, mobile payment processing solutions at select locations, and more.

The new PostNet in Minneapolis is located at 701 N. Washington Avenue in the North Loop warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis. For more information about PostNet, visit www.PostNet.com.