Estonian startup Fractory, a cloud-based manufacturing platform that connects engineering companies with a network of audited manufacturing partners for on-demand production, has announced the appointment of Bjoern Klaas as its new CEO. The company has also shared that it raised an additional funding round to support its next phase of growth.

About Fractory

Founded in 2017, Fractory offers engineering businesses streamlined access to a range of manufacturing services, including metal cutting, CNC machining, bending, finishing, and assembly. Its cloud-based platform automates the processes of quoting and order management, operating through a network of rigorously audited suppliers located throughout Europe.

Fractory serves diverse sectors such as energy, aerospace, and robotics, facilitating both rapid prototyping and large-scale production.

“Fractory offers the most advanced and intelligent approach to cloud-based metal fabrication. By automating and digitally coordinating every step of the manufacturing process—from quoting to production to delivery—we create value for both customers and manufacturing partners. Fractory’s model doesn’t only solve today’s challenges, it’ll shape the future of the manufacturing industry. I’m excited to scale it further and build on the incredible work already done by Fractory’s team,” Bjoern Klaas commented on his appointment as the new CEO.

Deal Details

  • Co-founder Martin Vares, who has been leading Fractory since its inception seven years ago, will continue to play a vital role in the company’s future by transitioning to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will focus on executing the company’s scaling strategy, leveraging the platform’s strengths in automation, digital workflows such as aggregation pooling and sequencing, and supplier network optimization.
  • Incoming CEO Bjoern Klaas brings a wealth of experience from the digital manufacturing industry, having held senior leadership positions at companies such as PolyOne, Color Matrix, Colorant Chromatics, and Clariant International prior to his tenure at Protolabs Europe.

"This is an incredibly exciting moment, both for me personally and for Fractory as a business. The fact that we managed to attract a top player in our field is a testament to what we have built. Bjoern brings valuable expertise, fresh ideas, and also challenges us. This union of entrepreneurial spirit and incredibly fitting experience means Fractory’s DNA remains not only intact but is also enhanced,” Martin Vares, ex-co-founder of Fractory, commented.

  • In addition to the leadership change, Fractory has also confirmed a new funding round to support the company’s next phase of growth and international expansion. The funding amount has not been disclosed.

According to the company, this next phase is about executing at scale, leveraging Fractory’s strengths in automation, digital workflows, and supplier network optimisation.