PENNINGTON GAP, VA – JANUARY 24, 2025 – When Kevin Frantz thinks about 3D printing, he sees it as an emerging field. He first entered the world of 3D printing as a hobbyist, but soon found out there were applications for its use in many arenas — including toy making — which led to his decision to start MT.3D Printing as a new business in Pennington Gap, VA.
MT.3D Printing is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“MT.3D Printing is a unique manufacturing business in its use of technology to create products for retail sale,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects five full-time employees within five years.”
Frantz manufactures 3D novelty toys, many of which are jointed and able to be posed as they are played with.
“I started out making toys and items for family and friends and began taking what I created to craft shows and markets and quickly sold out there,” Frantz recalled. “It was then I realized I could create a business from this and as a result, I started MT.3D Printing.”
Frantz said he has a plan to sell not only in the venues at which he has already been selling, but to expand to selling the products he makes locally and through e-commerce.
“My main goal is to sell the toys I am making to retail stores – Mom and Pop and specialty stores to begin with and later to sell them on Amazon, Etsy and EBay,” Frantz said. “There is plenty of room for growth.”
Currently, Frantz is designing and building inventory and making plans to purchase an additional 3D printer, utilizing the VCEDA seed capital grant his new business received, to keep up with demand.
Frantz noted the VCEDA support for his new 3D printing business has been significant, adding that the decision to open MT.3D Printing has given him a purpose.
“This has given me a purpose to do something meaningful and it’s been a long time coming,” Frantz said. “It’s given me something to work toward.”
The equipment Franz now has is capable of printing something as small as something that fits in the palm of one’s hand to something as large as three and a half feet tall.
The machines are what determine the size capabilities, Franz explained. Currently, he has six 3D printers.
Frantz worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Lee County Economic Development Authority.
“Mountain Empire Community College’s Small Business Development Center thoroughly enjoyed working with MT.3D on their VCEDA grant application,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “Partnering with such a fun and innovative business was a rewarding experience. Mr. Frantz’s vision, creativity and passion for designing unique products will undoubtedly elevate his company to new heights. We’re excited to see MT.3D launch, bringing cutting-edge designs and products to the market while contributing to the success of our local economy.”
“The Lee County Economic Development Authority is pleased MT.3D Printing has been awarded a Seed Capital Grant through VCEDA,” said Leslie Litton, Lee County community development director. “The grant aligns with The EDA’s mission to promote sustainable economic development and advancement by supporting small businesses and fostering growth. The EDA is excited to see the funds used to upgrade equipment and create new jobs. We look forward to a bright future for a fresh, new, original business which will add revenue to the local economy for many years to come.”
MT.3D Printing may be reached by calling 540-975-3264. The business also has a website at www.mt3dprinting.com and a page on Facebook.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.