HP Inc. is teaming up with the U.K.-based consultancy firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. in order to promote the use of its 3D printing technology in manufacturing.

The PC maker will work with Deloitte to foster relationships with companies that are interested in using its 3D printers to manufacture their products. Deloitte promised to use its “global client reach” to further the alliance.

HP is moving fast in the 3D printing space. It only began selling its first machines last December, having unveiled them back in May 2016. HP Chief Executive Dion Weisler (pictured, left) said in a statement that although the market for 3D printers is currently a small one, he believes it could one day win a big slice of the $12 trillion global manufacturing market.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us,” he said. “No sector of the global economy is undergoing more radical transformation than the US$12 trillion manufacturing market.”

The companies said the partnership will aim to “accelerate the digital transformation of the global manufacturing industry,” beginning with the implementation of HP’s 3D printers in large-scale manufacturing environments. This transformation will enable manufacturers to accelerate product design and production, thereby creating more flexible manufacturing and supply chains, the companies added.

Weisler argues that 3D printing is central to this transformation, citing its lower costs, increased production speeds, greater flexibility and ability to erase distribution borders.

Although Deloitte is best known for its work in the financial industry, the consultancy has worked with New York City-based 3D Systems Inc., which sells 3D printers, print materials and on-demand manufacturing service, since 2013.

The alliance with HP is a much bigger deal however, and its success will depend on how well Deloitte can leverage its “global client reach and deep manufacturing relationships, unrivaled digital operations experience, and proven excellence in supply chain transformation.”

Still, Deloitte’s global chief executive officer Punit Renjen (pictured, right) believes that the rise of 3D printing’s prominence in manufacturing is inevitable. “The digitalization of global manufacturing operations and practices will impact companies and consumers around the world, and 3D printing will play an important role in fundamentally changing manufacturing as we know it,” he said.

The alliance will go a lot further than just selling 3D printers, as the two companies said they will combine Deloitte’s “business transformation” know-how with HP’s expertise in managed printing, device as a service, commercial mobility and cybersecurity.

For now the two partners are focused on the U.S., but plan to expand the effort globally.

Image: HP/Deloitte