Trimble Sketch out major 3D deal

Trimble has announced a ‘definitive agreement’ to acquire SketchUp, one of the most popular 3D modelling tools in the world, from Google. The major deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. SketchUp is currently used by millions of users annually—ranging from architects to engineering and construction firms to building and design professionals—for designing, mo
April 30, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
2122 Trimble has announced a ‘definitive agreement’ to acquire SketchUp, one of the most popular 3D modelling tools in the world, from 1224 Google.

The major deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

SketchUp is currently used by millions of users annually—ranging from architects to engineering and construction firms to building and design professionals—for designing, modelling and visualising projects.

As part of the SketchUp platform, Trimble will also partner with Google on running and further developing SketchUp's 3D Warehouse, an online repository where users can find, share, store and collaborate on 3D models. The site enables users to create collections of models, including 3D Buildings, and share them with fellow modellers around the world. Individual models can be loaded, saved and viewed in 3D from within SketchUp or a web browser.

A Trimble spokesperson said that, for the foreseeable future, Google will host and operate the 3D Warehouse for Trimble, and the companies will continue to offer the same capabilities, functions and services that are currently available.

The ability for users to submit 3D Buildings for potential acceptance and viewing in Google Earth will be maintained. Currently the 3D Warehouse has almost two million user-generated models.

“SketchUp and the corresponding 3D Warehouse provide an important element of our long term strategy by enhancing the integration of our field presence with the wider enterprise,” said Bryn Fosburgh, Trimble vice president.

 “Trimble has already created the de-facto standard for field data models and project management tools for our key markets. SketchUp, together with these existing capabilities, will provide a stand-alone and enterprise solution that will enable an integrated and seamless workflow to reduce rework and improve productivity for the customer.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Sandvik Construction is to reintroduce the Rammer-branded hydraulic hammers and attachments
    April 19, 2012
    Rammer, which has remained a recognised name in hydraulic hammers and attachments although it was withdrawn in 2007, is set to make a return as Sandvik Construction announces a multi-brand strategy. Through the reintroduction of Sandvik-owned Rammer-branded products, the company says it will be able to serve a wider customer base by using differing breaker-focused distribution channels. The Rammer brand was withdrawn when the entire Breakers Lahti product line came under the Sandvik Mining and Construction
    Read More
  • Traffic control solution manufacturers win key project works
    September 26, 2013
    Traffic control system manufacturers have recently supplied some of their cutting-edge technology to major projects in Europe. Meanwhile, in southern Asia, another leading firm in the sector is helping reduce chronic traffic congestion in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. Guy Woodford reports Solutions supplied by Siemens Mobility & Logistics (M&L) are helping the Rijkswaterstaat improve traffic conditions at the Coentunnel in Amsterdam, one of the most heavily used traffic arteries in the Netherlands, used
    Read More
  • Yanmar acquires 6.26% of Manitou capital and voting rights
    October 30, 2013
    Yanmar has acquired 6.26% of the capital and voting rights of Manitou. The move, through shares acquired from the French bank Société Générale, comes as the two construction equipment manufacturing groups are enhancing their strategic alliance by expanding cross distribution into Mexico and Latin America. Takehito Yamaoka, president of Yanmar, said, “Manitou is well-respected as the market leader in telescopic handlers, so it is exciting for Yanmar to have a closer relationship with them through this capi
    Read More
  • AFRY Helps Scania Drive Toward Sustainable Transport with New Autonomous Vehicle Test Track
    March 10, 2023
    With the rapid development of autonomous and electrified vehicles, Swedish heavy truck and bus manufacturer Scania is developing a new test track in Södertälje, 40 kilometers southwest of Stockholm. To design the track to simulate multiple scenarios, Scania hired AFRY for their design and engineering expertise. The test track includes 19 kilometers of roads with more than 60 intersections and junctions, though complex, hilly ground conditions that will make layout difficult. Since changing any single element would impact numerous others, AFRY needed a flexible, accessible design environment.
    Read More

Highlighted Content