Kennametal Inc. has again been named by American Machinist magazine as one of America's leading manufacturing technology companies in the 2000 Excellence in Manufacturing Technology Achievement Awards. Kennametal also received the award in 1998. The company's founder, Philip M. McKenna, also was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Innovators.

The awards are presented annually by American Machinist, an industry- leading magazine published in Cleveland, Ohio, that is widely respected in the manufacturing industry. Winners are selected by a poll of readers who are asked to name the best companies in America in the field of manufacturing technology.

"Receiving these awards validates Kennametal's aspiration to be the premier tooling solutions supplier in the world," said Markos I. Tambakeras, president and chief executive officer. "We are proud that technological innovation and manufacturing excellence are two of our core strengths. And we are honored that the readers of American Machinist -- many of whom are Kennametal customers -- recognize our strength and leadership in these competencies. We have an unwavering commitment to provide our customers the very best solutions in manufacturing technology so they can improve their processes and profitability."

Tambakeras added, "We also are extremely proud that our founder, Philip M. McKenna, is being recognized with induction into the Hall of Innovators. Philip McKenna began a tradition of innovation, research and development that continues today at Kennametal. This spirit lives on today among the more than 13,000 Kennametal employees worldwide."

Kennametal is being recognized in the category of Service and Technical Support. The top companies selected in each category were honored at an awards dinner Tuesday evening, September 5, 2000, at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. The awards dinner was held in conjunction with the 2000 International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), one of the world's leading trade events for the manufacturing industry. Kennametal also is a major exhibitor at IMTS, held September 6 - 13 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Kennametal Inc. aspires to be the premier tooling solutions supplier in the world with operational excellence throughout the value chain and best-in-class manufacturing and technology. Kennametal strives to deliver superior shareowner value through top-tier financial performance. The company provides customers a broad range of technologically advanced tools, tooling systems and engineering services aimed at improving customers' manufacturing competitiveness. With 13,000 employees worldwide, the corporation's annual sales are approximately $1.9 billion, with a third coming from sales outside the United States. Headquartered in Latrobe, Pa., USA, Kennametal was founded in 1938 by metallurgist Philip M. McKenna and today has operations in more than 60 countries. Kennametal operations in Europe are headquartered in Furth, Germany. Kennametal Asia Pacific operations are headquartered in Singapore.

SOURCE: Kennametal Inc.