Mazak Corporation recently named Kevin Bates the new general manager for its Midwest operations. Bates will use his 15 years of management and technical sales experience within the machine tool industry to further support the continuous upswing of manufacturing business throughout the region.

According to Brian Papke, president of Mazak Corporation, the Midwest has quickly evolved into a key strategic market for Mazak, and Batesʼ appointment coincides with the expansion of the companyʼs Midwest Regional Headquarters and Technology Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. Slated for a June unveiling, the 18,000-square-foot facility expansion, which includes a new 124-seat auditorium, two state-of-the-art training rooms and additional demonstration facilities, will provide Mazak customers with much more advanced technology, support and training for increasing their competitiveness. The expansion also encourages more collaboration between Mazak and local manufacturers regarding the development of new technologies and process improvements.

In his new role, Bates is responsible for driving Mazakʼs sales and profitability within the Midwest region, as well as ensuring Mazak customers and distribution partners throughout the area have the guidance, technology and training they need to succeed. He also serves as an important communication link between local operations and Mazak North America headquarters in Florence, Kentucky.

Prior to joining Mazak, Bates served as the vice president of Iverson and Company, a sales and service organization that supports the metalworking industry. Furthermore, he holds a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology from Illinois State University.

"We are thrilled to have Kevin at Mazak," said Papke. "With his proven experience and solid grasp of the manufacturing industry, I am confident he will be a valuable asset to our Midwest sales, applications and service teams as well as our customers and distributors."