Mazak Celebrates 50 Years of Manufacturing

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of Mazak North American manufacturing operations in Florence, Kentucky. Through its focus in manufacturing innovation and technology, engineering and customer support, the company has positioned itself as a leader of the North American manufacturing industry.

Since the facility’s opening in 1974, Mazak has continued to honor and build on the vision of its founder, the late Teruyuki (Terry) Yamazaki, former chairman of Yamazaki Mazak Corp. That vision hinged on the fact that machine tool companies must be close to the markets they serve to gain a complete understanding of the manufacturing culture and to support the industry in the best possible way.

“Mazak Kentucky was the first global facility outside of the company’s headquarters in Japan,” says Dan Janka, president of Mazak Corp. “At Mazak Kentucky, we constantly invest in the research, development and equipment to continuously evolve our manufacturing operations and the products we produce. As a result, we’ve maintained a leadership position and have brought a world of technological firsts to the industry, from our Multi-Tasking Done In One machine concept to advanced digital solutions, innovative automation systems and more.”

As a company dedicated to continuous improvement and exceeding customer expectations, Mazak has experienced 20 expansions at its Florence, Kentucky manufacturing campus and currently produces more than 70 different machining solutions at the facility. Withthe nearly 1 million-sq.-ft. facility, Mazak designs and builds machine tools and manufacturing technology that enable its customers reduce costs and maximize their productivity.

Mazak maintains its standing as a provider of turning centers, horizontal machining centers, vertical machining centers and multi-tasking machines, including five-axis models, hybrid additive systems and Swiss-style turning machines. Its Kentucky plant is also designated as a Mazak iSmart Factory that uses advanced manufacturing cells and systems together with full digital integration to achieve free-flow data sharing in terms of process control and operation monitoring, according to the company.

Beyond the technology it provides, Mazak maintains a network of regional technology centers and technical centers as part of its business model. The centers are located across North America to provide component machining demonstrations, experienced applications engineers and comprehensive training in close proximity to customers. This network is also said to play a key role in channeling customer input to Mazak manufacturing for the development of custom machine tool technology.

Mazak, along with its technology, service and support, has helped manufacturers overcome challenges for the past 50 years and aims to continue to do so well into the future. To showcase its latest innovations, the company will unveil new and expanded product lines at IMTS 2024. Mazak will feature a wide range of machines from its Ez, Syncrex, Quick Turn, Neo and Integrexseries, along with some recent advancements in automation and digital manufacturing solutions.