Okuma America CEO Jim King appointed to AMT Board of Directors to help guide U.S. manufacturing technology strategy!

Okuma America Corp. has announced that its President, CEO and COO, Jim King, has been appointed to the board of directors of AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology. His term will officially begin on April 8, 2026, following confirmation at the association’s annual business meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This appointment places King among key industry leaders responsible for shaping the direction of one of the most influential manufacturing technology associations in the United States. AMT plays a central role in representing and promoting U.S.-based manufacturers, builders and distributors of advanced manufacturing equipment and solutions. Through advocacy, industry collaboration and global engagement, the organization works to strengthen the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

As a member of the board, King will contribute to providing strategic direction and guidance to AMT’s executive leadership team. His role will involve helping the association navigate a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape shaped by digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence and reshoring initiatives. With manufacturing in the U.S. experiencing renewed momentum, leadership at the association level is increasingly important for aligning industry priorities and policy support.

Expressing his thoughts on the appointment, King said he is honored to join the AMT board and emphasized the importance of the association’s advocacy efforts at a time of significant opportunity for the manufacturing industry. He noted that collaboration between industry stakeholders is critical to advancing innovation, workforce development and global competitiveness.

King brings extensive industry experience to the role, with a strong background in machine tools, industrial automation and strategic leadership. He joined Okuma America in 2010 as Senior Vice President of Sales and was promoted to President and COO in 2011. In 2024, he was appointed CEO and also became a senior officer at Okuma Corporation, further strengthening his global leadership responsibilities.

Before joining Okuma, King held leadership roles at Siemens Industry, Nematron and Source Alliance, where he focused on sales strategy, marketing and channel development. He began his career at Rockwell Automation, gaining foundational experience in automation technologies and industrial systems.

King holds a degree in Applied Engineering Sciences from Michigan State University, equipping him with a strong technical and engineering background that complements his executive leadership experience.

His appointment to the AMT board comes at a time when the manufacturing industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by advanced technologies, supply chain realignment and increasing demand for high-precision production capabilities. With his combined experience in machine tools and automation, King is expected to contribute valuable insights to help guide AMT’s mission and support the continued growth and innovation of the manufacturing technology sector.