Mazak Broadens Management Team
Over the past few years, Mazak Corporation (Florence, KY) has aggressively mapped out long-term structural changes for its Kentucky-based operations to ensure continued business stability and future company growth. Among the various forward-thinking strategies the machine tool builder has already put into place are the complete digital integration of its factory and, most recently, adding a new executive vice president to its leadership team.
Since opening its factory doors in 1974, the company has continuously evolved and grown its Kentucky operations to be able to quickly adapt to market changes as well as push the envelope in developing new products and services that advance beyond the competition. As a result, the firm has remained successful and continues to provide its customers with a competitive advantage in an ever-evolving marketplace. As today’s manufacturing landscape evolves at a faster, more dynamic pace than ever before, Mazak continues to lead the way by, once again, aligning its business strategy with the modern landscape.
To help the company continue down its successful path, company president Brian Papke expanded his leadership team with the appointment of Daniel Janka to the position of executive vice president. Following a thorough search, Papke hand selected Janka, who will officially begin his new post on January 1, 2016. Under Papke’s direction, Janka will be responsible for the company’s North American operations, which includes providing strategic leadership and performance management of the company’s short and long-term goals.
According to Papke, Janka is a perfect fit for the role in that his experience as an accomplished, results-driven leader perfectly aligns with the company’s aggressive growth strategy. Overall, he has more than 30 years of machine tool experience, working with companies across a variety of manufacturing segments, including aerospace, oil and gas, automotive and mining equipment. He also comes to Mazak with extensive international business development experience as well as merger, acquisition and joint venture expertise.
Papke noted that as smart machines, software analytics and the Industrial Internet of Things give rise to a new generation of innovative technologies and advanced manufacturing practices, Janka’s extensive experience in product development and technology platform enhancements will add a new perspective to the company. “As we ramp up for the next Industrial Revolution, where big data drives unconventional business growth, Dan will play an important role in ensuring our company and customers are on the right track for increased growth and stability,” said Papke. “His previous involvement in machine tool utilization software, for instance, dovetails precisely with our commitment to MTConnect and our new SmartBox technology platform that provides an easy, secure entrance into IIoT. We are confident in his leadership capabilities and trust his experience will help us expand these and other technologies intended for data-driven manufacturing and plant wide connectivity.”
Most recently, Janka served as the president and chief executive officer of Fives Machining Systems (Hebron, KY), an industrial engineering group. Prior to that, he spent eight years at MAG Industrial Systems serving in a presidential capacity. Throughout his tenure with MAG, he led four different areas of the company to success. Janka has also been involved with several manufacturing-related associations and committees. Currently, he is an active member of the National Association for Manufacturing, as well as the National Tooling and Manufacturing Association. He also served as chairman for the Association for Manufacturing Technology from 2009 to 2010, and was involved with the U.S. Manufacturing Revitalization Task Force Board in 2010.
Janka holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and technology from Southern Illinois University, an associate’s degree in mechanical technology from Illinois Community College and has completed post-graduate coursework in finance and economics at the University of Cincinnati.
