POSTED ON 8/3/2020 – At Mazak, we’re proud to manufacture some of the best machine tools in the world at our North American Headquarters in Florence, Kentucky, from cost-effective turning machines to the most advanced HYBRID Multi-Tasking systems. A big part of this is our Fabrication Department, which leverages powerful laser processing equipment, an experienced team of welders and an automated powder-painting process to create the enclosures for all our machines.
When COVID-19 first showed up in the U.S., however, our fabricators soon found themselves faced with a new challenge thanks to a chance meeting in March between Mazak Corporation President Dan Janka and Oliver Lawal, who leads AquiSense Technologies, in nearby Erlanger, Kentucky. AquiSense produces UV-C LED light systems designed for chemical-free air, water and surface disinfection. With the critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) across the U.S., AquiSense was interested in manufacturing a new product to help medical professionals and other essential workers get the most out of their limited supply of N95 masks.
Unfortunately, AquiSense was having difficulty finding a manufacturer able to take on the challenge of rapidly producing prototypes for the accelerated testing schedule necessary to respond to a crisis. In an effort to be a good neighbor – and help address a growing problem in the healthcare industry – Mazak stepped in to help. AquiSense sent over its initial designs, and in less than 24 hours, we confirmed it could be done, and got to work.