Mazak Demonstrates Lean Initiatives During AME Kentucky 2009

Florence, Kentucky, January 12, 2010 – Mazak Corporation helped manufacturers improve their knowledge of lean manufacturing by opening its doors for a best practices plant tour during the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) Kentucky 2009 Conference. Titled "Journey to Greatness," the five-day flagship event was held in Covington, Kentucky from October 19 – 23.

The tour of Mazak's manufacturing plant in Florence, Kentucky featured the use of multitasking manufacturing capabilities to eliminate setups and reduce cycle times, as well as a Production On Demand system that has greatly reduced production lead time even with increased product models.

"Mazak has continuously invested in manufacturing technology and developed proven, practical solutions to lean manufacturing that has allowed us to boost productivity by more than 45%," said Ben Schawe, Vice President of Manufacturing, Mazak Corporation. "By sharing our innovative approach, we hope visitors were able to gain new insights into lean that will help them survive and thrive in the new economic climate."

About Mazak Optonics Corporation

Mazak Optonics Corporation is a major supplier of laser-cutting systems, offering 50 laser models and leading the industry in the implementation of emerging laser technologies. The company’s 50,000 sq. ft. North American Headquarters are located in Elgin, Illinois, and feature a 30,000 sq. ft. laser technology center housing up to 18 machines for demonstrations and training. Mazak Optonics is part of Yamazaki Mazak Corporation (Oguchi, Japan), the global leader for the manufacture of machine tools and systems for the precision machining of metal parts, including CNC turning centers, horizontal and vertical machining centers, Multi-Tasking machining centers, turnkey cells and software solutions. The North American Headquarters for Yamazaki Mazak are located in Florence, Kentucky. For more information on Mazak Optonics’ products and solutions, visit www.mazakoptonics.com, email sales@mazaklaser.com or call 847.252.4500.