Horizontal machining center builder Niigata Machine Techno USA Inc., Elk Grove Village, Illinois has named Dan Selakovic as national service manager for its machine tool division. An industry-veteran, Selakovic returns to the builder after two decades in the field where he worked as a contractor for Niigata and Niigata customers.

Selakovic began his career with a local machine tool dealer where he gained experience on a variety of products. "It was there that I first saw a Niigata machine, and it was amazing," Selakovic said. He joined Niigata after the company opened its first office in Chicago, working in that location as a field service engineer.

As national service manager, Selakovic will be overseeing a team of service engineers and technicians as they provide phone and field support for Niigata machines throughout North America. Additional responsibilities will include scheduling, supervising machinery installs and making suggestions to Japan for improvements based on feedback from the field. "After being out in the field, I am uniquely experienced and very aware of customer needs," Selakovic said. "I understand the value of keeping customers educated and happy."

Over the years, thousands of Niigata machines have been installed throughout the U.S. While newer technicians are familiar with the newer equipment, Selakovic is uniquely qualified to inspect and maintain Niigata's longest running machines, some of which have been in service for decades.

In the future, Selakovic hopes to implement a training program to further meet the needs of Niigata customers. "With the support we have in-house, starting with the president, our team is well prepared and knowledgeable in the field, and has done a great job with getting technology ready. I hope I can make it even better," Selakovic added. "I'm here to support them and we're all here to support our customers."

Niigata's message of growth corresponds with the recent expansion of the company's North American headquarters. The U.S. location manufacturers and exclusively distributes the Niigata product line, and provides expert service, applications engineering and technical support.