Local Manufacturing Leader Featured on Aerospace and Defense Panel Discussion

FLORENCE, Ky., September 28, 2026 – Dan Janka, president of Mazak Corporation, was a featured panelist at the recently held 2026 Kentucky Defense and Aerospace Forum in Louisville. At the event hosted by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Janka contributed his expert industry knowledge and extensive experience to the panel discussion on Next-Gen Manufacturing in Defense and Aerospace: Additive, AI, and Automation.

In addition to Mazak, an advanced manufacturing equipment company headquartered in Florence, Kentucky, the KAM event brought together other business leaders from across the Commonwealth and beyond. It was developed for companies currently in the defense and aerospace sectors, as well as those interested in exploring opportunities in these growing industries. Industry leaders from across the defense and aerospace market segments also shared their insights and perspectives on the future of the sector.

According to Janka, there has never been a better time to be part of the manufacturing industry. Besides favorable economic policy, global investments, and new burgeoning technologies, the fact that the United States has made rebuilding its manufacturing base a strategic priority is further driving the industry.

“As a result, we’ve seen demand accelerate across several key industries, including aerospace, defense, and munitions manufacturing,” said Janka. “However, to expand output capacity while overcoming skilled labor shortages, today’s manufacturers serving those industries and others must invest in advanced machine tools, automation, digital manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.”

Based in Florence for more than 50 years, Mazak is a KAM member and active supporter of the organization’s mission to strengthen Kentucky by promoting and growing manufacturing across the Commonwealth. The association champions America’s free-enterprise system, encourages partnerships and collaboration, advances Kentucky’s prosperity in the global economy, promotes inclusive practices that support better outcomes, and advocates for sustainable manufacturing.