Mazak To Export Kentucky-Built Machines

Mazak Corporation today announced that it has begun exporting machines designed and built at the company’s Florence, Kentucky plant to Japan and other countries in Asia, as well as to Brazil and other South American countries.  Initially, Mazak Corporation will export a range of Kentucky-built models to these countries beginning in October with the QUICK TURN SMART Series. Exports to Europe will begin with the QUICK TURN NEXUS 450-II MY Multi-Tasking machines and the ORBITEC 20 machining centers, both of which are being featured at EMO in Hannover, Germany, September 19-24.

The decision to export machines from Kentucky comes as a natural progression for Mazak Corporation, reflecting the company’s continued growth in the North American market, the ongoing commitment to the highest quality standards, and incorporating new product designs from the U.S.

“Exporting Kentucky-designed and built machines reaffirms the fact that the United States remains a very competitive manufacturing environment for advanced technology products,” said Brian Papke, president of Mazak Corporation. “In fact, we see the exporting of Kentucky-built machines as a catalyst that lays the groundwork for future expansion of our North American manufacturing operations.” Papke further advised with regard to the manufacturing industry, “The fundamentals of our North American manufacturing sector are solid. To ensure its continued strength and viability as the global economic climate changes, the U.S. together with industry leaders must support investment in new technology that accelerates productivity, as well as improving workforce education and training.  But if done correctly, there are significant opportunities for manufacturing in North America.”

ISO 9001:2008 certified, Mazak Corporation opened its North American Headquarters in Florence, Kentucky in 1974, and since then, has continued to expand and invest in its manufacturing operations.  Over the last three decades, Mazak has expanded its manufacturing operations in the U.S. 15 times, growing the facility to over 600,000 sq. ft. Mazak currently manufactures over 28 series of machines and over 100 models at its Kentucky plant, including vertical 3-, 4- and 5-axis machining centers, NEXUS turning centers and NEXUS Multi-Tasking machines.

Most recently, Mazak has invested $13 million in expanding the Kentucky facility’s manufacturing capabilities through additional floor space and significant technology upgrades. These investments will continue through 2011, with the installation of an additional 5-axis 10-meter double-column Mazak VERSATECH machining center for increasing large-size part production capabilities and three Mazak Optonics OPTIPLEX 3015 laser fabrication centers in an FMS system that improve the processing of sheet metal machine components.  A characteristic of the plant is that Mazak uses its own multitasking INTEGREX technology and PALLETECH systems to provide the same attractive levels of productivity offered to customers.

Mazak applies their unique Production-On-Demand approach to manufacturing in its Kentucky plant, which incorporates modular assembly operations to reduce inventory and streamline production, allowing the company to quickly introduce new, innovative products into the market.

Manufacturers will have the opportunity to experience the QUICK TURN NEXUS and ORBITEC machines first hand, along with over 30 other models of new machines at T3 – Tomorrow’s Technology Today, a Discover Mazak 2011 event. The largest event of its kind, T3 is scheduled for October 18-20 and 25-27, and will host large numbers of manufacturers from across North America. In addition to featured machine technology, attendees will have the opportunity to tour Mazak’s manufacturing plant and learn about the latest in complementary technologies from Mazak’s VIP technology partners including Sandvik Coromant, Renishaw, Inc., Parlec, Seco Tools, LNS America and Royal Products. Live cutting demonstrations on all 30 machines will provide a broad spectrum of capability for manufacturers of different industries. For more information on T3 and to register, please visit MazakT3.com.