Daniel D. Janka, president of Mazak Corp. and AMT’s outgoing chairman of the board, is honored with a flag previously flown over the U.S. Capitol. 

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which represents U.S.-based providers of manufacturing technology, has elected its 2025-2026 board of directors. Michael Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC Corp., was elected to serve as chairman of the board for AMT.

“I’m both honored and excited to step into my new role with AMT,” says Cicco. “Manufacturers today are facing increasing obstacles that threaten their competitiveness, and AMT is committed to providing innovative solutions that will help our members overcome and find opportunity in those challenges. Alongside a board of esteemed colleagues, I’m proud to help shape AMT’s vision for the future of manufacturing.”

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Cicco as chairman of the board,” says Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “I am eager to work alongside him and the entire board as we continue to strengthen our efforts for AMT members. This is a pivotal moment for manufacturers, with unprecedented support to strengthen the industrial base and economy through both traditional and advanced manufacturing technologies. AMT is committed to leveraging this momentum to drive advocacy for our industry and provide the resources, core products and services our members need to maintain their competitive edge in the global marketplace.”

In addition to Cicco, Gregory Volovic, president and CEO of Hurco Co. Inc., has been elected to serve as first vice chairman, and Willie Eichele, president of , has been elected to serve as secretary/treasurer. Newly elected to the AMT board for the 2025-2026 term is Markus Stolmar, president and CEO of United Grinding North America Inc.

Outgoing AMT board treasurer Gregory Buck, president of Productivity Inc., and outgoing board member Chip Storie, retired machine tool executive, are recognized for their service. 

Daniel D. Janka, president of Mazak Corp. and AMT’s outgoing chairman of the board, will serve ex-officio. In recognition and appreciation for his service to the board, AMT presented Janka with a U.S. flag; it had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in Janka’s honor at the request of Senator Mitch McConnell, who serves in Janka’s home state of Kentucky. AMT also presented plaques to outgoing board members Gregory Buck, president of Productivity Inc., for his service as AMT’s treasurer, and Chip Storie, retired machine tool executive.

Also serving on the AMT board in the 2025-2026 term are Blake Consdorf, president and CEO of Bourn & Koch Inc.; Glynn Fletcher, president of EOS North America; Jason Jones, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies; Melanie Lang, co-founder and CEO of FormAlloy; and Rajas Sukthankar, vice president motion control of Siemens Industry Inc.

announces the acquisition of , and , marking significant milestones in Mastercam’s growth strategy. Barefoot CNC has served North Carolina and South Carolina for over 30 years. CAD/CAM Solutions has been a trusted partner in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, and CamTech Engineering Services has served Florida. These acquisitions will enable Mastercam to extend its offerings into these markets.

Additionally, Sandvik has acquired the probing technology and postprocessor business, a software add-on for CAD/CAM programs that enables CNC touch probes to measure and locate workpieces before machining, helping to improve part quality and reduce setup time.

“Welcoming the resources of Barefoot CNC, CAD/CAM Solutions and CamTech Engineering Services into the Mastercam team strengthens our commitment to supporting manufacturers across the Southeastern United States with exceptional support and industry-leading CAD/CAM solutions,” says Russ Bukowski, interim president, Mastercam. “These acquisitions allow us to build even stronger relationships with our customers in this region, ensuring their success in a dynamic manufacturing landscape.”

Sandvik says the additional acquisition of CIMCO’s probing technology and postprocessor business will enhance Mastercam’s suite of manufacturing tools. The tool, which has already been used by machinists as a software add-on with Mastercam programs, will immediately be rebranded as Mastercam Probing. 

“Integrating the CIMCO probing technology and postprocessor business into our offerings and rebranding it as Mastercam Probing enhances the seamless experience we provide our customers,” Bukowski says. “This evolution ensures manufacturers have access to the most advanced, fully integrated solutions, empowering them to maintain a competitive edge.”

Rego-Fix USA will host the inaugural open house of its Center for Machining Excellence (CME) on May 14-15 in Whitestown, Indiana, to celebrate the Indianapolis 500. event will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST daily and feature the latest manufacturing technology from Rego-Fix and its CME partners from around the world.

More than two dozen global Rego-Fix CME partners are slated to attend the event with state-of-the-art technology exhibits, machine demonstrations and best practices guidance designed to help customers improve their processes and meet their manufacturing challenges. There will also be a live simulcast of NTT IndyCar Series practice for the 109^th running of the Indianapolis 500.

As a special guest, Indianapolis-based IndyCar Series ECR racing team will exhibit at the event. Rego-Fix partnered with with ECR — helmed by owner/driver Ed Carpenter — last May as the premium toolholding solutions provider for the team’s machine shop. ECR uses Rego-Fix’s ER collets and other related accessories, the PowRgrip toolholding system and Multi Line products to boost the accuracy of traditional-style tooling for its precision parts machining.

Located adjacent to the company’s U.S. headquarters at 4420 Anson Blvd. in Whitestown, just 30 minutes north of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis International Airport, the CME opened in October 2024 and lies at the heart of North America’s manufacturing corridor. The 12,000-square-foot manufacturing innovation and educational facility provides specialists in cutting tools, clamping systems, software, automation and metrology with an opportunity to engage with customers, distribution partners and thought leaders who will be among the thousands of race fans who visit Central Indiana during the month of May.

Roger N. Amrol, Jr., president and CEO (left), and Barry D. Laughlin, COO (right). Source: The L.S. Starrett Co.

The L.S. Starrett Co. has appointed four new executives to its global organization, including Roger N. Amrol, Jr. as president and chief executive officer (CEO), Barry D. Laughlin as chief operating officer (COO), Allen E. Look as global chief information officer (CIO) and Jon-Michael Raymond as chief revenue officer (CRO). The new executives will be based out of Starrett’s corporate headquarters in Athol, Massachusetts. The appointees will bring a wealth of manufacturing industry experience, leadership and skills to drive focus on continuous improvement, growth and innovation, the company says. 

• Roger N. Amrol, Jr. succeeds Douglas A. Starrett, whose career with Starrett spanned 48 years, as president and CEO. Amrol is poised to lead Starrett forward to a new level, joining the organization after 12 years with Robert Bosch Tool Corp. North America where he was president and CEO for approximately five years. Also, within the Bosch organization, Amrol was president for the SKIL North America brand for four years and led the North America accessories business unit as president for three years. Prior to Bosch, he was with Techtronics Industries as vice president in procurement, operations and product divisions.
• Barry D. Laughlin brings his extensive manufacturing operations experience and says he looks forward to meeting the company’s initiatives by implementing day-to-day business strategies and plans. He was most recently COO with Group DEKKO for nine years after being promoted from executive vice president of operations, a position he held for almost two years. Prior to that, Laughlin was in an operations contract role at Caterpillar Inc. for six months. Before that, he was with Navistar for 26 years in various positions increasing in responsibility, with his last position being director of global manufacturing and custom products for Navistar Inc.
• Allen E. Look, global CIO (left), and Jon-Michael Raymond, CRO (right). Source: The L.S. Starrett Co.

  Allen E. Look brings over 25 years of information technology experience as global CIO, with skills ranging from business leadership, operational excellence, data analysis and cybersecurity proficiency. Before joining Starrett, Look held global CIO roles for six years at privately and publicly held companies including FBG and Hayward Holdings Inc., and provided interim CIO and executive advisory services in the private equity sector. 
• Jon-Michael Raymond brings vast experience in the industrial market space where he has held sales and finance roles for over 17 years, most recently as global sales and marketing senior vice president at FyterTech Nonwovens. Prior to that he was sales and marketing general manager at Mahr after approximately four years with Starrett as its North American sales and marketing director for industrial products. For three years before that, he served as vice president of sales for PFERD Inc. and preceding that he held various sales and finance positions including with Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives.

MC Machinery announces the addition of Michelle Moody as its new marketing manager. In this role, Moody will lead marketing strategy, brand development and digital initiatives to enhance the company’s presence in the manufacturing industry.

Moody brings experience in industrial marketing, having previously worked in the manufacturing technology sector. MC Machinery says her background in digital campaigns, brand development and customer engagement — along with expertise in social media management and content strategy — will help drive the company’s marketing efforts and strengthen its industry presence.

Motion Industries Inc. has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the net operating assets of The transaction is expected to close at the end of February 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

Family-owned and operated in California since its beginnings in 1969, Thompson is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga with a second location in South El Monte. Focusing on both large and small customer companies, the distributor provides bearings, gear reducers, motors, hydraulics, industrial automation and pneumatics, plus in-house fabrications and belt shop services. The Rancho Cucamonga location’s enhanced fabrication capabilities feature multiple mills, lathes, a key seater machine, a CNC lathe, a CNC milling machine center, robotic welders, a gearbox modification shop and a custom hydraulic hose shop.

Majority owner Gary Thompson will transition the business while other family members will continue in their roles post-close.

Thompson says, “This partnership unlocks significant growth opportunities as we introduce a new era of customer service with an expanded range of offerings and resources. Moreover, our strong strategic and cultural alignment completes the perfect fit.”

“Thompson Industrial Supply is a highly reputable business, and we are thrilled to have their incredibly talented employees join the Motion team,” says James Howe, president of Motion. “We also look forward to further bolstering our leadership position and impact to the Southern California market.”

The company employs 45 between the two locations.

C.R. Onsrud USA is hosting its on March 19, 2025, at its newly completed, 80,000-square-foot addition on its campus in Troutman, North Carolina.

This annual event is a networking opportunity to keep manufacturers connected as they share ideas and discover new opportunities. “It’s always been well attended,” says Jeff Onsrud, director of sales and business development. “Watching the machines in action and learning about ways to overcome manufacturing challenges have historically been a big draw. But we’ve had to limit attendance and the number of vendors due to space constraints. Now, with the additional capacity, we are really excited to expand our program and increase participation this year.”

Following the Welcome Event and ribbon-cutting ceremony, manufacturers will get a chance to tour the factory, watch live demonstrations of both three- and five-axis machines, talk to CNC automation, software and tooling vendors, and attend educational seminars. In addition, the company’s CNC experts will be accessible throughout the day to field any questions.

This event is free, but attendees must register in advance. Visit to register and for more details.

Mastercam announces it has acquired MCAM Northwest, and the CAD/CAM solutions business line from OptiPro Systems.

MCAM Northwest has been serving customers in Oregon, Southern Washington, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii for more than 30 years. ShopWare has served customers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and Wisconsin, while the CAD/CAM solutions business line from OptiPro Systems, along with its holding company Brightside 09 Inc., has served manufacturers in New York. By integrating the expertise and regional insights of these partners, Mastercam says it will bolster its ecosystem with new talent, advanced technology and diverse skill sets. 

As part of the Sandvik portfolio, Mastercam provides manufacturers with advanced solutions, connected processes and specialized support. According to the company, these strategic acquisitions reflect its dedication to investing in its channel partners and customers, providing continued service and access to enhanced training and support resources.

“Welcoming MCAM Northwest, ShopWare and OptiPro Systems into the Mastercam team strengthens our commitment to providing manufacturers with top-tier support and industry-leading CAD/CAM solutions,” says Russ Bukowski, interim president, Mastercam. “These acquisitions enable us to forge even closer relationships with our customers across these regions, ensuring their success in a dynamic manufacturing landscape.”

Mazak will highlight its range of machine tool technology and automation designed to boosts job shop production and profitability during its three-day “Discover More With Mazak” event from May 6-8, at its Midwest Technology Center in Schaumburg, Ill.

Attendees will experience live cutting demonstrations, multiple forms of automation, technology and application displays, along with educational seminars and panel discussions. Mazak will feature most categories of its machine tool portfolio for job shop production, including full five-axis machines, CNC horizontal and vertical machines and turning centers, “Done in One” multitasking machines, Swiss-style production, friction stir welding (FSW) and additive manufacturing (AM).

For five-axis multisided machining of complex 3D curved surfaces, the event will feature Mazak’s Variaxis i-700 Neo with a two-pallet changer, VC-Ez 16X, Variaxis C-600 with 12-station Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP) automation and the UD 400/5X Ultra Precise five-axis machining center. The Variaxis i-700 Neo is a full five-axis VMC designed to provide advanced multisurface machining for parts with complex profiled surfaces.

The Kentucky-built VC-Ez 16X, featured with FSW capability, provides cost-effective, long-term part processing reliability, and the Variaxis C-600 high-speed, simultaneous five-axis VMC features high-rigidity structure and Mazatrol SmoothAi control for processing stability. The high-speed UD 400/5X is designed for microprecision and is well suited for mold machining.

Mazak will also showcase its HCN-4000 Neo HMC paired with the Palletech modular, scalable automation system for multipart production. The machine is said to enable high productivity in a diverse range of applications, from high-volume to mixed-part processing.

From its Kentucky-built Ez Series of VMCs, Mazak will spotlight the VC-Ez 20 2PC with two-pallet changing and the three-axis VC-Ez 26. Both machines are said to provide easy programming, machining and setup for virtually any size shop. During the event, the VC-Ez 26 will demonstrate its Thermal Displacement Control for stable and reliable part processing.

The vertical machine lineup on display will also include the FJV-35/60, which features a double-column design to accommodate large workpieces.

Additionally, Mazak will highlight its Integrex i-150, which is well suited for shops processing small, square workpieces. For expanded processing capability, the Integrex i-450H ST AG multitasking machine features a second turning spindle and Hybrid Auto Gear (AG) package that enables three types of gear machining: gear skiving, hobbing and end milling.

To round out the multitasking machine lineup, Mazak will also demonstrate its HQR-150MSY, QTE-100MSY SG, Quick Turn 250MY and QT-Ez 10MY. The high-production HQR-150MSY is a two-turret/two-spindle CNC turning center with upper and lower turrets. With its MSY configuration, the machine features milling and Y-axis functionality that give shops high-efficiency machining and increased production with significantly reduced cycle times. The compact QTE-100MSY SG features a second turning spindle along with the fast Mazak GL-30 gantry loader, enabling shops to go from raw material to finished parts in a single setup.

Outfitted with a Mazak Ez Loader 20, the Quick Turn 250MY demonstration will feature the machine processing differential pinion carriers for an agriculture application. From the Ez Series, the QT-Ez 10MY featuring milling and Y-axis off-centerline capability will showcase Mazak’s cobot automation for added performance and value in a compact design.

For machining of small, precise parts, Mazak will feature three models of its Syncrex Swiss-type turning machines. The largest machine in Mazak’s Syncrex portfolio, the Syncrex 38/9 outfitted with an Edge Technologies Patriot bar feeder, will be live cutting an automotive guide plug, and the eight-axis Syncrex 12/8 paired with an Edge Technologies Minuteman 12' bar feeder will turn a medical Luer lock in a live demonstration.

Completing the Swiss-style machine display for job shops will be the Syncrex 25/9X together with an LNS GT 326 bar feeder. The nine-axis machine provides full five-axis contouring using its B-axis tool post and will be cutting hydraulic spool valves for an agricultural application.

Lastly, Mazak’s VC-500A/5X AM HWD five-axis machine features hot-wire deposition (HWD) capability for combining both subtractive and additive operations. With HWD, the machine precisely melts metal wire directly onto a base material for generating parts and part features that are then machined to size on the same machine platform.

In addition to live machine demonstrations, attendees can gain insights from a variety of industry and applications experts.

Index Corp. has announced that Michael Huggett will succeed Cris Taylor as the company’s president and CEO. Huggett will assume leadership of the company during a transition period in April 2025, concluding with Taylor’s retirement at the end of that month.

Huggett brings with him over 30 years of industry experience. He started his career as a machinist, followed by roles of increasing responsibility at multiple prominent machine tool builders. Most recently, he has served as the director of sales for Index Corp. since early 2017.

Reiner Hammerl, managing director – sales of Index Werke, the German parent company of Index Corp., says, “Michael has played a vital role in [the company’s] growth and in the transformation of our subsidiary. He possesses the perfect combination of experience and expertise to ensure that we continue to grow our customer base and evolve to meet their changing needs.”

Taylor took the helm of Index Corp. in January 2021 and has overseen much of the company’s growth. His retirement caps a 40-year career that began as a machine building apprentice and culminated in serving as CEO of multiple machine tool organizations over the past two decades. In retirement, he plans to use his newfound free time to restore and work on his motorcycle collection and travel extensively.