Makelab Expands Its Brooklyn Production Space: Why Are 3D Printing Workshops Scaling Up?

Makelab’s move to a new production space in Brooklyn shows that scaling up 3D printing services is about more than simply adding more machines. According to a report published by VoxelMatters on October 5, 2026, on-demand manufacturing studio MADE is expanding its capacity to serve large corporate clients by leasing a 357-square-meter space at the Bush Terminal campus.

What the new space signals about production needs

The new facility is located in an approximately 13,000-square-meter industrial campus in New York’s Sunset Park neighborhood. The size of the space alone does not mean a record in production capacity; what matters is that the workshop can meet the logistical requirements of larger-scale supply chains. Makelab co-founder Christina Perla says that access limitations at the previous location restricted the types of companies they could work with, while the new space can accommodate orders collected by a 53-foot truck sent by a customer.

This example also highlights the role of 3D printing between product development and short-run production. Making a part from a digital file is valuable, but physical requirements such as delivery space, loading access, storage, and workflow layout are also part of a growing production operation. A customer’s ability to collect a large order using its own vehicle shows that the operational requirements of manufacturing services are changing.

What changes as a 3D printing service grows?

Makelab was founded about a decade ago by two industrial designers. Rather than simply printing and delivering parts, the founders’ approach is based on understanding how a part will be used and what comes next in the production process. This distinction matters: additive manufacturing does not automatically make every design producible or cost-effective. Design, material, part size, quantity, end use, and delivery should all be considered together.

For businesses moving from prototyping to repeat orders, printing the first sample is only the beginning. How the part performs during assembly, how often the same geometry is needed, and what logistics arrangement will support production all affect the decisions. For enclosure, tool, fixture, or spare-part projects that can be produced with FDM, sharing the file and intended use from the outset makes it easier to discuss material and design options before printing. When looking for a 3D printing service, it is worth asking about not only the number of machines, but also the technical assessment and customer communication processes.

Lessons from the Brooklyn example

This development does not mean every manufacturer needs a large facility. Instead, it is a reminder that capacity expansion decisions should address the actual bottleneck: for some businesses, that is printing time; for others, it is job preparation, packaging, or loading access. An investment in production space only makes sense when it aligns with the customer profile and volume of work.

• Measure the part-size and quantity expectations of your new customer segment.
• Plan file revision and quality-control steps for repeat orders.
• When assessing production capacity, account for logistics beyond printing.

When assessing whether your part is suitable for FDM production, it is helpful to review the design and use case together with a consultant. You can explore the general approach to affordable 3D printing prices, then upload your file to see an estimated cost through the online 3D printing process. The printing materials page can also help you understand the general uses of different filaments.