Manufacturing Expert Takes Leadership Role at Innovative Cloud Manufacturing Enterprise
Fractory has appointed Bjoern Klaas as its new Chief Executive Officer alongside securing additional investment funding, marking a significant evolution in the company’s growth trajectory. The strategic leadership change comes at a pivotal moment as Fractory continues to expand its technological capabilities and market presence.
With extensive industry credentials, Bjoern previously served as Managing Director at Protolabs Europe for 7 years, where he successfully guided the company through substantial market expansion and technological advancement. His professional background spans over 25 years in process and discrete manufacturing, including executive positions at PolyOne, Color Matrix, Colorant Chromatics, and Clariant International. This comprehensive leadership experience positions him ideally to navigate Fractory’s next phase of development in an increasingly competitive market landscape.
In his new role, Bjoern will concentrate on reinforcing Fractory’s vision for an integrated and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem by:
- Creating a comprehensive, interconnected manufacturing network
- Providing superior international production services
- Advancing data-driven and collaborative business practices
- Generating both financial and environmental value
- Expanding technological capabilities to enhance manufacturing precision and efficiency
- Developing new market opportunities across diverse industrial sectors
Fractory now enters a phase focused on implementing at scale—capitalizing on its established capabilities in automation, digital process management (including aggregation, pooling, and sequencing), and supply chain optimization. Strengthening relationships with existing clients and manufacturing partners remains a priority, with former CEO Martin Vares transitioning to Chief Operating Officer to spearhead these initiatives.
Martin Vares, COO and Co-Founder, Fractory:
‘This moment marks a tremendous milestone, both in my personal journey and Fractory’s evolution. As founders—myself, Rein Torm, and Joosep Merelaht—we’ve poured our complete dedication into this venture for 7 years. Successfully recruiting a leading industry figure validates the strength of what we’ve created. Bjoern contributes essential expertise, innovative perspectives, and productive challenges to our organization. This powerful combination of entrepreneurial drive and perfectly matched experience preserves Fractory’s essential character while simultaneously elevating it.
I naturally experience some emotional complexity after steering Fractory throughout these seven years. Nevertheless, optimism dominates my outlook. Bjoern and I fundamentally align on our vision for how an interconnected manufacturing ecosystem can transform the entire industry, making him the perfect candidate to assume leadership. I’m enthusiastic about concentrating my efforts on manufacturing operations—the essential foundation of our enterprise.’
Bjoern Klaas, CEO, Fractory:
‘Fractory represents the most sophisticated approach to cloud-based metal fabrication available today. Through digital coordination and automation across the entire manufacturing journey—from initial quotes through production to final delivery—we deliver significant benefits to both customers and production partners. Our model addresses current industry challenges while shaping manufacturing’s future landscape. I’m thrilled to expand upon the remarkable foundation established by the Fractory team.’
About Fractory
Fractory delivers scalable production capabilities for engineering companies through its cloud-manufacturing platform and verified network of local and international production partners. The company offers immediate manufacturing options — encompassing metal cutting and bending solutions, CNC machining services, finishing services, assembly, and high-volume production across sectors from industrial applications to robotics development.
Established in 2017 by mechanical engineer and entrepreneur Martin Vares, Fractory has collaborated on projects across rail, energy, defense, aerospace, marine, and machinery sectors. The company has supplied components and expertise for major multinational initiatives, advanced prototypes, and complete production systems.
The company employs more than 50 staff members across three locations: a Manchester office supporting UK operations, and two Nordic facilities serving Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and broader European markets. With this leadership transition, Fractory is poised to accelerate its technological innovation roadmap while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and manufacturing excellence.
