Manufacturing-technology company Yamazaki Mazak Corp, which has a UK subsidiary and European Technology Centre in Worcester, has announced that president Tomohisa Yamazaki has become the company’s chairman, while vice-president Takashi Yamazaki is its new president.

The transition, which took effect on 24 June to coincide with the company’s 100th anniversary, is the result of a “long-planned leadership evolution designed to position the company for continued growth, while cementing its ability to provide support to manufacturers around the world”.

Tomohisa Yamazaki’s appointment as chairman is the culmination of his career and being a long-time leader of one of the world’s largest machine tool companies.

He said: “I will stay involved in the decision-making process for medium- and long-term plans and will support the new leadership from a broader perspective.”

He will also continue to act as vice-chairman of the Japanese Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA).


Before joining Yamazaki Mazak Corp in 1990, Takashi Yamazaki was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in business by Xavier University. After amassing experience in numerous departments throughout the company, he became a managing director in 1999 and a vice-president in 2013.

He says his key objectives will be to reinforce Mazak’s position in the increasingly globalised manufacturing market and to promote new technologies and products.

Richard Smith, European group managing director (www.mazakeu.com), said: “Yamazaki Mazak is remarkable for its consistent dedication to customers and — importantly — the stability of its operations and leadership.

"This stability has enabled both sustained developments in technology and a proven track record of customer service."

“We look forward to working with both executives in continuing to deliver the highest levels of support to our customers in the future.”