Fractory Appoints Industry Veteran Klaas as CEO and Secures New Funding
Company - People | Apr 09, 2025 | Business Cloud
Fractory, a scale-up based in Manchester, has appointed Bjoern Klaas, an industry veteran with over 25 years in the manufacturing industry, as its new CEO. Klaas, who previously held a senior position at Protolabs Europe, will focus on enhancing Fractory's vision of a multi-stage sustainable manufacturing ecosystem using automation and digital workflows. This appointment is part of a strategic move by Fractory, which also includes raising an undisclosed amount of additional funding. Founder Martin Vares will transition to the role of COO. The new CEO's mandate involves leveraging Fractory’s strength in digital coordination of the manufacturing process, particularly in the cloud-based metal fabrication space. Klaas and Vares both share a vision for a connected manufacturing ecosystem aimed at revolutionizing the industry.
Sectors
- Cloud Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – Fractory is based in Manchester, UK, and its operations and leadership changes are centered here.
Industry
- Cloud Manufacturing – Fractory operates as a cloud manufacturing company, focusing on digital workflows and supplier network optimization.
- Manufacturing Technology – The focus on automating and coordinating manufacturing processes positions Fractory within the Manufacturing Technology sector.
Financials
- Undisclosed – Fractory raised an undisclosed amount of investment.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractory | Target company | Company | A Manchester-based cloud manufacturing firm. |
| Bjoern Klaas | New CEO | Person | An industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. |
| Martin Vares | Co-founder and ex-CEO | Person | Co-founder of Fractory, transitioning to COO role. |
| Protolabs Europe | Former employer of new CEO | Company | Klaas's previous employer where he served as managing director. |