Mazak, which has produced advanced machine tools in North America since 1974, now celebrates the completion of its 40,000th machine built in the company's Mazak iSmart Factory in Florence, KY. The 518,320 sq. ft. facility on Mazak's nearly one-million sq. ft. manufacturing campus produces many of Mazak's most popular machine models, including its QUICK TURN Series machines, VTC Series machines and Ez Series of turning and milling centers, and is home to the company's U.S. manufacturing technology R&D efforts.
Mazak designated the facility as a Mazak iSmart Factory because it fuses advanced manufacturing cells and systems together with full digital integration to achieve free-flow data sharing in terms of process control and operation monitoring. At the facility, the company manufactures Multi-Tasking machines, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis vertical machining centers, 2- and 3-axis turning centers and Swiss-style machines along with hot wire deposition and friction stir welding enabled machines.
The year 2024 marked another significant production milestone for Mazak, the company celebrated its 50th Anniversary of North American manufacturing operations in Florence.
"Since the start of operations, Mazak has expanded the facility 20 times, and as the facility has grown, it continually contributed to the economic vitality of both the state of Kentucky and the local area while reinforcing the fact that world-class machine tools are still being produced in America," said a company spokesperson. "Manufacturing close to its customers allows Mazak to provide immediate, tangible benefits in terms of productivity and performance. As a manufacturer itself, Mazak is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges those in manufacturing face on a daily basis and, as a result, can quickly develop and produce high-quality machine tools that effectively meet current industry needs."
The spokesperson added: "Mazak has brought a variety of technological firsts to the industry, from the company's Multi-Tasking DONE IN ONE machine concept to advanced digital solutions, innovative automation systems and more."
Mazak's CNC control evolution started with the Mazak MAZATROL T1 control back in 1981, then the first conversational CNC for turning machines, according to the company. The MAZATROL CNC evolution has progressed with Mazak's recent development of SMOOTH Technology that encompasses a range of CNCs, some of which incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) along with machine monitoring and learning capabilities.
The Kentucky manufacturing campus is also home to the company's Spindle Repair & Rebuild Department that keeps existing Mazak machines in the field up and running and extends their operational lifespans. According to the department's head Matt Whissel, Mazak's spindle service provides shops with quick three- to five-day turnaround times, and the department can rebuild/remanufacture any spindle the company produces, even those manufactured as far back as the 1970s.
"Today, Mazak continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to U.S. manufacturing not only through the consistent development and production of highly advanced machine tool technology, but by its investments in the company's manufacturing plant," said the spokesperson. "With each investment, Mazak increases its capacity for product development and production as well as its responsiveness to customers in industries ranging from contract manufacturing, energy, aerospace and defense to construction and agriculture equipment, automotive and medical."
For more information contact:
Mazak Corporation
P.O. Box 970
Florence, KY 41022-0970
859-342-1700
www.mazakusa.com