From Humble Beginnings in a Back Corner to Front and Center at IMTS

Mazak’s first U.S. machine tool show was the National Machine Tool Builders' Association’s (NMTBA) Machine Tool Exposition in Chicago, Illinois in 1962, which eventually became the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS). The company exhibited only two engine lathe models displayed in a booth at the back corner and lower level of the show hall. 

Yamazaki Machinery established its U.S. manufacturing and headquarters operations in Florence, Kentucky, in 1974, and by then, IMTS was already the premier machine tool exhibition in the U.S. By the 1980s, Mazak was already a major and well-established IMTS exhibitor.

IMTS 1986 was the first year Mazak was permitted to move up from the basement to the main floor of the East Building. Twenty years and 10 shows later in 2006, Mazak became the first international machine tool builder to secure IMTS's coveted “front row” position in the South Building. The location marked a defining moment in Mazak's North American growth and signaled the industry’s recognition of Mazak's leadership and commitment to the U.S. market.

For Mazak, 2026 marks not only the company’s 64 years of commitment and 32 exhibitions at IMTS but also its 20th year in that front and center booth location. Over the years, the company’s participation in IMTS has been a direct reflection of the evolution of the machine tool industry,  the growing importance of automation, Multi-Tasking machining, digital manufacturing, and turnkey production systems in North American manufacturing.

Also, as the company strengthened its presence at IMTS, it redefined what a machine tool exhibit could be. Rather than simply displaying machines statically, Mazak became known for large-scale live cutting demonstrations, integrated automation cells, and complete manufacturing systems operating on the show floor.

Mazak’s move to the U.S. was the vision of Mr. Terry Yamazaki (former Chairman of Yamazaki Mazak Corp.) He held the philosophy that if a company is going to be successful in a region, it needed to produce machines there and offer exceptional customer service. He was truly committed to the North America and its manufacturers.

This is why Mazak chose to build its North American headquarters in Kentucky in 1974. The centrally located facility enables the company to deliver precision manufacturing solutions and reliable customer service across the continent.

Now, North America is home to eight Mazak Technology Centers and six Technical Centers and holds the coveted front and center spot in the South Building at IMTS. Join us at the show and find out how we drive results with innovation.