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EDM Today is pleased to welcome Mark Sanhamel to our interview stage.

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Mark is an industry veteran who has dedicated his career to our ﬁeld. He has recently taken on a leadership position
at Sodick. Mark graciously shared his insights on the future of our industry and discussed some of the ideas he plans
to implement in his new role at Sodick.

As for the U.S. economy, I would describe it as resilient.
EDM: Thanks very much for taking the time to talk with
Despite the early gloomy forecasts, the latest economic
EDM Today about your position at Sodick. What exactly is
indicators show a “soft landing,” with economic growth
your role and responsibilities?
up from 2.3% in 2023 to 3.2% in 2024. At the same time,
MS: My role is Vice President of Sodick Americas. I am

responsible for the overall direction and success of the
Economic forecasts for 2025 look favorable. I am conﬁ-
organization in this region. I report to the President of
dent in Sodick’s continued global operations and for an
Sodick Inc., Mr. Yuji Akutsu, who has recently been named inﬂation seems to be retreating at a sustainable rate.
improving global economy.
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to the Board of Directors of Sodick Global. I am replacing
EDM: Agreed, the U.S. economy has thus far proven to be
Dave Thomas, our current Executive Vice President. I will
draw on over 28 years of industry experience to fulﬁll my
quite resilient. Many shops are very busy and actively

outsourcing work. From Sodick’s perspective, do you
role in this customer-centric organization.
think the U.S. will stay busy in the near term and beyond?
EDM: At the time of this interview, we are seeing
ongoing economic challenges in many parts of the world.
MS: I am very encouraged by my customer visits through-
out the U.S. and the current economic indicators. A com-
In March 2024, revised GDP data showed Japan barely
missing a technical recession. Similarly, the EU is
bination of new technologies with new manufacturing
requirements, a stable economy, and reshoring opportu-
struggling with their economies. As a global company,
how will the global economy impact Sodick’s operations
worldwide?
and into the near future across many sectors.

MS: Sodick is well positioned globally, with diversiﬁcation nities all point to consistent manufacturing demand now

EDM: Capital equipment ﬁnancing rates are currently in
EDM Today Magazine
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EDM Today Magazine independent of MS: Higher interest rates affect debt capital, which can
in all major mar-
the 7 – 12% range. What impact will the cost of capital
have on our industry?
kets and its op-
erations. Being
cause some organizations to pause before issuing a
any one type of
purchase order. I see it more as a conﬁdence factor. If

manufacturing
a manufacturer knows they will have the work coming
and being able
in, they know the capital expenditure will allow them to
to leverage oper-
generate the revenue needed to service the debt and earn
ations in several
a proﬁt. Moving forward with capital expenditures is easy

different parts of
the world, Sodick
tate may not be sure their work is long-term or stable.
has designed
Perhaps they have the time to wait to see interest rates
itself to be adap- when you know the work will be there. Those who hesi-
begin to move with a downward trend.
EDM Today Magazine EDM Today Magazine EDM Today, Summer 2024 Issue
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tive to economic
Mark Sanhamel
ﬂuctuations.

Vice President
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