Kennametal Inc. announced today that it was chosen as the top cutting tool manufacturer by readers who responded to a recent PLANT, Canada's Industry Newspaper survey. With a circulation of around 30,000, the publication reaches engineering, plant operations, production, maintenance, purchasing and executive operating management personnel across a wide range of industry sectors, including aerospace and defense, automotive, marine and rail.

Sixty-two percent of respondents named Kennametal 'tops,' considerably ahead of the competition. Kennametal was the most recognized brand, offered the best range of services, and was number one in customer service. Customer Excellence is one of the company's core ambitions and a part of Kennametal's management operating model, the Kennametal Value Business System (KVBS).

"We are thrilled that the readers of PLANT overwhelmingly chose Kennametal as best overall cutting tool manufacturer," commented John Jacko, Kennametal Vice President Corporate Strategy and Metalworking Solutions and Services Group Global Marketing. "We were especially pleased that our customer service rating was so high. Each member of Kennametal's global team has a mission to focus on our customers every day, and it is very encouraging to see that their efforts are effective. Congratulations to the team on this honor, and I would also like to say thank you to PLANT's readers -- we will work harder than ever to live up to your expectations!"

Kennametal Inc. is a leading global supplier of tooling, engineered components and advanced materials consumed in production processes. The company improves customers' competitiveness by providing superior economic returns through the delivery of application knowledge and advanced technology to master the toughest of materials application demands. Companies producing everything from airframes to coal, from medical implants to oil wells and from turbochargers to motorcycle parts recognize Kennametal for extraordinary contributions to their value chains. Customers buy approximately $2.4 billion annually of Kennametal products and services -- delivered by our 14,000 talented employees in over 60 countries -- with almost 50 percent of these revenues coming from outside North America. Visit us at www.kennametal.com. [KMT-G]

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: Christina.reitano@kennametal.com

SOURCE: Kennametal Inc.