Mazak announced on March 31 that due to a steady increasing demand over the past none moths, it will increase production levels at its facility in Florence, Kentucky.

The company projects monthly output of its Florence plant to reach 130 machine tools per month by the close of Q2 2011 and growing throughout the remainder of 2011. This represents the largest output ever produced at the plant. It is due largely to market demand shifting the production mix to favor larger and more complex Multi-Tasking models of machines, the company said.
 
"Over the past two years, Mazak continued to invest heavily in the ongoing productivity of our U.S. production facility, despite the poor economic conditions of 2009," says Brian Papke, president of Mazak. "We have further refined and improved our Production on Demand system to become extremely responsive to real time customer needs. Additionally, a high level of vertical integration allows us tremendous control in reacting to market conditions. With the present value of the dollar, we will be exporting more machines in future months from our Florence plant, in addition to building for domestic manufacturers."
 
Mazak produces over 100 models of machines tools at its Florence plant. During the economic downturn, the company invested $13 million in expanding the facility’s capabilities through additional floor space and technology upgrades. Similar investment will continue into 2011, with the installation of another VERSATECH V-140N 5-axis double-column machining center for large part production.

Mazak will also be adding a Mazak Optonics cell with three laser fabrication centers in 2011 to improve productivity of sheet metal parts.