Mazak Corp. was one of the first Japanese companies to move to Northern Kentucky, setting up shop in 1974. The Florence site is the North American headquarters of Yamazaki Mazak Corp. of Oguchi, Japan, running its sales and support, overseeing its advanced manufacturing facilities and operating a National Technology Center.
Mazak is a leader in the machine tool industry, making the machines that are used for the precision manufacturing of metal parts. The high-end components made by Mazak machines are used on everything from NASCAR race cars to aircraft to oil rigs. For example, Wisconsin-based S&S Cycle, one of the country's top makers of parts for high-performance motorcycle engines, uses Mazak machines to meet exacting specfications of its customers and of regulatory agencies demanding fewer engine emissions. Mazak's machines can help manufacturers create leaner, more efficient production systems.
Mazak's National Technology Center, the hub of its North American technology network, is located at its Florence campus. The center is set up to find solutions to its customers' manufacturing challenges, and is equipped with advanced machine tools, staffed with engineers, and is available free to Mazak customers.
Mazak has become comfortable in its Northern Kentucky home, expanding 13 times over the years, with a total capital investment of $170 million. It employs more than 500 at its Northern Kentucky site.