PHOENIX, AZ, September 17, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Danny L. Kohanek has been recognized for achievement in the manufacturing sector.

Mr. Kohanek's distinguished career in silicon wafer manufacturing reflects a rare depth of expertise and commitment to the semiconductor industry. Since 2021, Mr. Kohanek has served as a senior vice president of manufacturing at Sumco Phoenix Corporation, a manufacturer of electronic-grade silicon wafers for the semiconductor industry, where he oversees all aspects of production. In this role, he draws on decades of experience spanning every stage of wafer fabrication, from crystal growth and slicing through polishing, epitaxial processing, final inspection and packaging. Mr. Kohanek's leadership is widely recognized within the company and across the industry.

Before his current position, Mr. Kohanek was a senior manufacturing manager at Sumco Phoenix Corporation from 2010 to 2021. During this period, he was responsible for managing operations covering the full process chain, ensuring that each phase met rigorous semiconductor manufacturing standards. Colleagues and direct reports have repeatedly acknowledged Mr. Kohanek's hands-on approach and familiarity with every step of production.

Mr. Kohanek held the role of production manager at Sumco Phoenix Corporation between 2001 and 2003. His tenure at Sumco began in Oregon in 1999, when he joined Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, a company that would later merge with Sumitomo Metal Industries to form Sumco. At the Oregon site, Mr. Kohanek initially focused on polishing through final inspection before being entrusted with responsibility for slicing through polishing and final inspection operations. In his final year there, he also managed the epitaxial operation, gaining comprehensive experience across the entire process from slicing through EPI.

Following the merger that created Sumco, several sites were closed, including the Oregon facility where Mr. Kohanek worked. This led to his transfer back to Phoenix in 2004, where his responsibilities centered on crystal growth through wafer slicing. Throughout these transitions, Mr. Kohanek witnessed firsthand the evolution of wafer sizes from two and three inches in diameter to today's twelve-inch standards, a testament to his longevity and adaptability in a rapidly advancing field.

Before joining Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, Mr. Kohanek built his foundation at Motorola in the Greater Phoenix Area from 1983 to 1999. He began as a production operator and advanced through roles as a shift supervisor and senior manufacturing supervisor. In these capacities, Mr. Kohanek oversaw all four shifts across processes ranging from slicing through chemical vapor deposition steps. His progression from entry-level operator to senior management is among his proudest achievements and exemplifies his dedication to mastering every facet of silicon wafer manufacturing.

A significant milestone in Mr. Kohanek's professional journey came when he was encouraged by company leadership to complete his degree in order to be considered for executive advancement within Sumco's Japanese-owned structure. Rising to this challenge while working full-time as a senior manufacturing manager, he earned a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Phoenix in 2021. This academic achievement not only fulfilled a key requirement for promotion but also reinforced Mr. Kohanek's ability to anticipate industry trends and guide strategic decisions that support long-term employment opportunities for his team.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr. Kohanek is committed to civic engagement as a contributor to Valley of the Sun in Arizona. Additionally, through both personal donations and matched corporate contributions facilitated by his position at Sumco Phoenix Corporation, he supports initiatives that benefit the local community.

Mr. Kohanek's leadership has been honored through multiple awards recognizing outstanding leadership from colleagues and former direct reports. These plaques are displayed on the back of his desk as reminders of the respect he has earned for his hands-on management style and technical expertise. In addition to these honors, Mr. Kohanek was featured in Manufacturing Outlook Magazine in 2026, further highlighting his influence within the industry.

Attributing much of his success to remaining observant and aware throughout his career, Mr. Kohanek has developed an acute sense for where the business is heading. He has played a vital role in guiding decisions that keep operations stable and employees secure in their roles.

Professionally, Mr. Kohanek remains focused on mentoring others within an increasingly competitive industry. He is dedicated to helping employees grow into roles where they can contribute meaningfully and strengthen the company's prospects. A central goal is to ensure that when he retires, capable leaders are prepared to continue running the business so that more than 500 employees can enjoy stable employment for years to come. To foster transparency and engagement, Mr. Kohanek holds quarterly town hall meetings with all employees to discuss financial performance and future direction.

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