#USA #Pittsburgh #Kennametal #KMT #Machinist

Kennametal's Global Machinist of the Year Program

On February 24, 2026, Kennametal Inc., a renowned leader in metal cutting solutions, officially unveiled its global initiative known as the "Machinist of the Year" program. This exciting annual event is aimed at celebrating the remarkable skills, dedication, and innovative spirit of machinists across the globe, particularly those who have been loyal customers of Kennametal over the years.

Kennametal's Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, Eddie McBarnett, emphasized the pivotal role of machinists in the manufacturing landscape, stating, "Machinists are the backbone of manufacturing. Kennametal's innovations have always been driven by the needs of these skilled professionals who require tool solutions that cut faster, last longer, and enable shops to achieve greater precision and profitability."

The "Machinist of the Year" program is not just a competition but also a platform to recognize and reward machinists who exemplify craftsmanship and innovation. Teams from regions including America, EMEA, APAC, and India will select a standout machinist representing excellence in machining within their respective areas.

Scott Etling, Vice President of Product Marketing Management at Kennametal, noted that this initiative transcends a mere contest, calling it a celebration of the collaborations and expertise that fuel the industry. Participants are invited to engage by creating a brief, captivating video on their social media channels, showcasing their use of Kennametal products and making a case for why they deserve the title "Machinist of the Year." To qualify, candidates must tag Kennametal, use the hashtag #KMTMachinist, and demonstrate that they have been active users of Kennametal products in their workshops for at least the past year.

The regional marketing teams of Kennametal will vet the submissions and select finalists. The final voting will be open to the public through Kennametal's social media channels.

Prizes for Regional Winners

Each regional winner will be rewarded with several benefits, including:

• - Featuring on Kennametal's website, blog, and social media platforms
• - A prize package including signage and exclusive products
• - A monetary prize equivalent to $7,500 in brand tools and a "Machinist of the Year" toolbox
• - An invitation to conduct live machining demonstrations at international trade fairs like IMTS, AMB, JIMTOF, and IMTEX/AMTEX
• - Automatic designation as a Kennametal Brand Ambassador

Timeline of the Program

• - February 2026: Official launch of the program
• - June 2026: Announcement of regional nominees and start of voting process
• - September/October 2026: Announcement of regional winners at trade shows and online

For further details, submission guidelines, and voting information, interested individuals can visit Kennametal's dedicated "Machinist of the Year" webpage.

About Kennametal

With over 85 years of leadership in industrial technology, Kennametal Inc. enhances productivity for its clients through advanced material science, durable tools, and wear-resistant solutions. The company serves clients in aerospace and defense, earthmoving, energy, general engineering, and transportation sectors to manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day, approximately 8,100 employees assist customers in nearly 100 countries to remain competitive. Kennametal reported revenues of $2 billion for the fiscal year 2025. More information can be found at kennametal.com. Follow Kennametal on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates.