Mazak Corp., a global leader in advanced machine tool manufacturing, has achieved a major milestone with the completion of its 40,000th machine at the company’s Mazak iSmart Factory in Florence, Kentucky. The landmark achievement underscores Mazak’s long-standing commitment to U.S. manufacturing and highlights the pivotal role that the Kentucky plant plays in the company’s global operations.
The Florence facility spans 518,320 square feet and is part of a nearly one-million-square-foot campus that has become synonymous with innovation and advanced manufacturing. It produces many of Mazak’s most popular machine models, including the QUICK TURN series of CNC turning centers, the VTC line of vertical machining centers, and the Ez Series of turning and milling machines. Beyond production, the site also serves as Mazak’s U.S. hub for manufacturing technology research and development, making it a cornerstone of the company’s North American strategy.
This production milestone comes on the heels of another significant achievement: Mazak’s 50th anniversary of North American manufacturing, celebrated in 2024. Since first opening its doors in 1974, the Kentucky plant has undergone 20 expansions, a testament to the company’s ongoing investment in U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Over the decades, the facility has evolved into a model of advanced production, integrating digital technologies, automation systems, and lean manufacturing practices to improve both efficiency and product quality.
Mazak designated the Kentucky plant as an “iSmart Factory” to reflect its integration of digital manufacturing technologies and interconnected systems. This approach allows for real-time process monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and optimized resource management. By embedding smart technologies into its operations, Mazak has been able to streamline workflows, enhance flexibility, and set new benchmarks for efficiency in machine tool production.
The facility’s contributions extend beyond just output. It has been instrumental in the development of Mazak’s flagship multitasking machine concepts, including the company’s “Done-in-One” approach, which enables manufacturers to complete complex parts in a single setup. The Kentucky plant has also played a central role in the development of Mazak’s CNC control systems, beginning with the Mazatrol T1 control in 1981 and continuing through the company’s latest Smooth Technology platforms, which incorporate artificial intelligence, monitoring, and learning capabilities.
Mazak’s Florence operations also house a spindle repair and rebuild department, which provides critical support to customers across North America. This division ensures that Mazak machines in the field remain productive for decades, with the capability to rebuild or remanufacture spindles dating back to the company’s earliest U.S.-produced machines. The department’s quick turnaround times and expertise are central to helping customers maximize the lifespan of their equipment.
The Kentucky facility’s milestone reinforces Mazak’s commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing at a time when global supply chains are under increasing scrutiny. By maintaining and expanding its domestic production footprint, Mazak is not only supporting local job creation but also ensuring that its customers have access to reliable, high-quality machine tools delivered with shorter lead times.
As Mazak looks ahead, the Kentucky plant will continue to be a hub of innovation, combining decades of manufacturing expertise with next-generation technologies. The completion of the 40,000th machine stands as a symbol of Mazak’s enduring legacy in North America and its ongoing dedication to advancing manufacturing for the future.
