Mazak Hosts Successful Midwest Technology and Education Event, Unveils Cutting-Edge Solutions for Manufacturing!

Mazak Corp., headquartered in Florence, Kentucky, successfully hosted its Discover More With Mazak Midwest Technology and Education Event from May 6-8, 2025, at its Midwest Technology Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the event brought together industry leaders and manufacturers to explore the latest in machining technology, automation, and manufacturing solutions.

At the event, Mazak presented a wide range of cutting-edge machines, including Integrex multitask machines, Variaxis 5-axis machines, Syncrex Swiss-style turning machines, and the HCN-4000 NEO horizontal machining center featuring the Palletech modular automation system. Also on display was the VC-500A/5X 5-axis hybrid machine, which combines additive and subtractive manufacturing capabilities for innovative production processes.

These machines are designed to address the growing demands for high-precision, multi-functional machining, and complex geometries, offering manufacturers increased flexibility, speed, and productivity across a wide range of industries.

In addition to the machine demonstrations, the event featured several informative presentations, including a keynote by Dan Janka, President and CEO of Mazak Corp. Janka provided valuable insights into the state of manufacturing and technology trends for 2025 and beyond.

He highlighted several key points, including:

• Economic Outlook: Janka noted that while manufacturing experienced a recession in late 2023 and into early 2024, the industry recovered with a 9.2% increase in durable orders in March, especially driven by transportation equipment, particularly commercial aircraft. This surge in demand, especially in the aerospace sector, is expected to continue, with Boeing looking to double aircraft production to 50 planes per month.
• Industry Growth: Janka forecasted a 3% growth in manufacturing for 2025, a marked improvement compared to a 1% decline the previous year. He attributed much of this growth to the reshoring trend, which has accelerated post-pandemic, and noted that it was a good time to invest in manufacturing.
• Automation and Workforce Challenges: Janka also discussed the ongoing trend of increasing automation as a response to the skilled labor shortage. He emphasized that while collaborative robots (cobots) are becoming more common in the workplace, they are not replacing workers but rather supplementing the workforce to fill labor gaps.
• Cybersecurity: With the growing threat of cyberattacks in manufacturing, Janka pointed out that Mazak’s SmartBox technology plays a critical role in providing cybersecurity and data collection capabilities, helping manufacturers monitor and secure their systems against potential threats.

To help address the skilled worker shortage, the Greater Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP) had a display promoting efforts to create a sustainable manufacturing workforce in the Greater Chicago region. This initiative reflects the need for continued investment in workforce development as automation continues to reshape the manufacturing landscape.

Looking ahead, Janka emphasized several emerging technologies that will shape the future of manufacturing, including:

• Advanced materials, such as lightweight composites
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance production efficiency
• Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality for training and remote assistance
• Cognitive automation, where robots are capable of reasoning to perform complex tasks like circuit board assembly

These technologies, combined with Mazak’s ongoing innovations, are expected to play a pivotal role in the future of manufacturing, helping companies stay competitive in an increasingly digital and automated world.

The Discover More With Mazak Midwest Technology and Education Event was a major success, showcasing Mazak’s leadership in providing innovative machining solutions that meet the challenges of modern manufacturing. With a strong focus on automation, advanced technologies, and industry trends, Mazak continues to lead the way in helping manufacturers stay competitive and meet the growing demand for high-quality, precision machining. The event provided valuable insights into the evolving manufacturing landscape and highlighted the technologies that will drive the future of the industry.