Production Machining's December 2024 News Highlights

Source: United Grinding

United Grinding North America has been recognized as an apprenticeship ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Apprenticeship ambassadors are helping to modernize registered apprenticeships by committing to sponsor promotional and training activities, conducting outreach to people from underrepresented populations, launching registered apprenticeship programs and hiring apprentices.

As an apprenticeship ambassador, United Grinding North America, as well as other ambassadors in the program, benefit in several ways. The company will grow its network of industry, workforce, education, equity and labor apprenticeship champions where the organization can share best practices in its industry. Also, United Grinding North America now has the opportunity to partner with the DOL to shape apprenticeship expansion and diversification in the industry. Read more about the apprenticeship program.

Tormach Expands Education Initiatives With Programs, CNC Tools

Source: Tormach

Tormach aims to equip the next generation of professionals by investing heavily in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Tormach is addressing the skilled labor gap through the development of a comprehensive CNC metal milling curriculum and the introduction of a new fourth axis for its xsTECH Tabletop CNC Router, which the company says will equip students with essential hands-on skills.

Tormach is collaborating with the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) to develop a comprehensive CNC metal milling curriculum that certifies students and equips them with industry-recognized credentials for positions in manufacturing and production.

Mazak Recognized for 50 Years of Manufacturing Innovation

Kenton County Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann presents Dan Janka, president of Mazak Corp., with the proclamation that declares October 31 as Mazak Corp.’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration Day.
Source: Mazak Corp.

The Kenton County Fiscal Court of Kentucky recently declared October 31, 2024, as Mazak Corp.’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration Day in recognition of the advanced machine tool manufacturer’s half century of influence and innovation in Northern Kentucky. During those years in Florence, Kentucky, the Mazak iSmart Factory has reportedly expanded to 20 times its original size. The facility currently produces more than 70 machining solutions with a local workforce that exceeds 600 employees.

“We're honored to make our corporate home here in Kentucky and to participate in the economic vitality of the state,” says Dan Janka, president of Mazak Corp. “This proclamation reinforces our enduring commitment to the manufacturing industry and our focus on sustained growth.”

Sodick Opens Canadian Headquarters

Sodick has opened a new facility in Toronto, Canada, which will serve as its Canadian headquarters. Until now Sodick has been represented in Canada through a dealer network including High Speed Machinery Technologies (HSM), SparQuetec and Ultra Machine Sales. allowing the company to directly support sales and service in the Canadian manufacturing market.

With Sodick transitioning to direct sales in Canada, the company will now cover the entire Canadian Market while supporting HSM and SparQuetec in their respective territories. As authorized dealers, HSM will continue to represent Sodick in the Windsor market, while SparQuetec will uphold its role in serving the Quebec and Maritime markets.

Sodick says its decision to establish direct operations in Canada will enhance support for existing users by enabling domestic sales and service, as well as providing stocked parts and consumables.

Renishaw Announces Passing of Co-Founder, Sir David McMurtry

Source: Renishaw

Renishaw has announced the passing of Sir David McMurtry, the company’s co-founder and non-executive director.

Sir David founded Renishaw in 1973 with John Deer, a fellow Rolls-Royce engineer, to commercialize the 3D touch-trigger probe for coordinate measuring machines. He had invented the probe the previous year to solve measurement problems faced in the manufacture of the Olympus engines that powered the Concorde supersonic aircraft. According to Renishaw, McMurtry was responsible for 47 patents at Rolls-Royce and went on to be named on over 200 patents for Renishaw innovations.