Mazak Hosts Discover 2025: Innovation and Automation Take Center Stage in Florence, Kentucky!

Mazak Corporation welcomed manufacturers from across North America to its Discover 2025 technology and education event, held October 6–10 at its headquarters in Florence, Kentucky. With the theme “Drive Results With Innovation,” the event focused on how machine tool technology, automation, and smart manufacturing solutions can help shops boost productivity, cut costs, and stay globally competitive.

Speaking at the press breakfast on October 7, Mazak President Dan Janka shared his optimistic outlook for U.S. manufacturing. Citing stable inflation, steady employment, increased reshoring and foreign investment, and supportive tax policies, Janka said he expects the sector to remain strong well into 2026. “To prepare and be competitive, shops of all sizes need to reduce overall production costs while also increasing output,” he emphasized.

Janka highlighted four action areas showcased at the event — advanced machining, high-volume production, multitasking technology, and shop solutions.

Under advanced machining, Mazak presented the HCN-5000 NEO horizontal machining center, customizable with two- or six-pallet changer options, the High-Rise Palletech system, or an expandable multiple-pallet pool system. It features a standard 18,000-rpm spindle and optional configurations for specific machining needs.

For high-volume production, Mazak introduced the Syncrex Swiss-type series, including the Syncrex 12/8. These machines feature a high damping composite casting (HDCC) for exceptional stability, precision, and thermal control — delivering longer tool life and superior surface finishes.

In multitasking, attendees saw the HQR-250/3 NEO turning center and the newly unveiled Integrex i-350S NEO, which for the first time integrates grinding capabilities alongside turning and milling — all supported by Mazak’s Mazatrol Smooth G3 control.

Mazak also showcased new additions to its Ez series under the shop solutions category. The debut of the VTC-Ez 25, a vertical traveling column machine, demonstrated enhanced ergonomics, easy setup, and rapid traverse rates, making it ideal for shops looking to boost efficiency without complexity.

Janka underscored Mazak’s commitment to helping manufacturers address workforce challenges through automation and training. “We continue to develop and offer new technologies that strengthen your business and your bottom line,” he said.

Adding to the event’s insights, Mike Cicco, President and CEO of FANUC America, delivered a keynote titled “Driving Results With Automation.” He urged manufacturers to embrace automation as a key competitive advantage and to collaborate with educational institutions to develop skilled labor. FANUC, he noted, now partners with over 1,600 education providers to equip the next generation with robotics and CNC skills.

Attendees also toured Mazak’s iSmart Factory, currently undergoing its 21st expansion since opening in 1974. The facility, which uses Mazak machines to produce parts for other Mazak equipment, recently celebrated a major milestone — the production of its 40,000th machine in Kentucky.

Janka closed his remarks with a message of focus and resilience: “In today’s everchanging political and economic landscape, it’s important for manufacturers to move past distractions, block out the noise, and stay the course.”