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.
Mastercam Announces Acquisitions of Software Companies
Mastercam announces it has acquired MCAM Northwest, ShopWare 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.
Fastems Appoints President of Americas Region
Fastems has appointed Greg Haley to the role of president of its Americas Region operations. Haley is said to bring over a decade of automation and long-term strategy experience to this role. He plans to focus on growing the sales and service teams throughout the U.S. to provide more localized support of Fastems partners and customers. This also includes increasing Fastems’ footprint and services in Canada and Mexico. Haley says he is excited about the increased interest in automation and Fastems’ ability to meet the needs of manufacturers with a broad range of high-end systems that can create solutions for CNC machine tool cells of many sizes.
Automation has played a big part in Haley’s career journey, taking him from applications engineer to sales and marketing leadership roles and, eventually, heading up businesses within several companies. He has taken part in and led sales transformations, go-to-market initiatives and launched new product offerings.
Phillips Precision Announces Leadership Transition
Cathy and Steven Phillips (left) and Samson Kay (right).
Source: Phillips Precision Inc.
Phillips Precision Inc. has announced that after almost 30 years of business, founders Cathy and Steven Phillips are passing the baton to Samson Kay, managing partner of the Weyland Group, who assumes the role of majority owner and operator.
Phillips Precision says, as it enters a new chapter, it remains dedicated to advancing the manufacturing industry through innovation and exceptional service. While founders Cathy and Steven Phillips will step down from their day-to-day operational roles, they will continue to leverage their expertise as retained owners and strategic advisors within the Weyland Group. In this capacity, they will continue to help guide the company’s growth and future direction.
Kay is said to bring nearly 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, with master’s degrees in both mechanical engineering and business administration that position him to lead the company through its next phase of growth.
Mazak Event Targets Job Shop Production
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).
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