Kennametal Launches the Global 'Machinist of the Year' Program to Honor Industry Leaders

Kennametal Inc., a prominent name in metalworking solutions, has officially launched its global initiative called the 'Machinist of the Year'. This new annual program aims to celebrate the dedication, skill, and innovative spirit of long-standing customers who are integral to the metalworking industry across various regions. The award aims to recognize operators of metalworking equipment who exemplify excellence in their craft.

The Chief Marketing Officer of Kennametal, Eddie McBarnett, expressed the critical role of metalworking operators, stating that their expertise forms the backbone of the industrial manufacturing sector. Kennametal has continuously responded to the evolving needs of these skilled professionals by developing tool solutions that enhance processing speed, durability, and precision, which in turn helps factories achieve better profitability and operational excellence.

The 'Machinist of the Year' program celebrates this longstanding partnership, with regions across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific (APAC), and India each selecting one operator who showcases the highest standard of metalworking excellence in their area.

Scott Etling, Vice President of Product Management Marketing, noted that the search for the award is not just a competition but a tribute to the collaboration and expertise driving the industry's growth.

To participate in the competition, candidates must create a brief and engaging video and share it on their social media channels. In their video, they need to demonstrate their use of Kennametal products while explaining why they deserve to be recognized as the 'Machinist of the Year'. Participants are required to tag Kennametal and use the hashtag #KMTMachinist while actively utilizing Kennametal products in their shop for at least the previous year. Finalists will be chosen by regional marketing teams, and the public will then vote for the winners via Kennametal's social media channels.

Each regional winner will receive significant recognition and rewards, including:
  • - A feature on Kennametal’s website, blog, and social media channels.
  • - A prize pack featuring exclusive branding and merchandise.
  • - A 'Machinist of the Year' branded toolbox filled with Kennametal tools worth $7,500.
  • - An invitation to showcase metalworking demonstrations live at global industry events such as IMTS, AMB, and JIMTOF, depending on the region.
  • - An automatic appointment as a Kennametal brand ambassador.

The official timeline for the program commences with the announcement in February 2026. Regional nominees will be revealed in June 2026, accompanied by voting guidelines. The winners will then be announced in September/October 2026 during industry shows and online, bringing further visibility to skilled operators making substantial contributions to the field of metalworking.

For detailed information about the submission guidelines and voting rules, interested individuals can visit the official 'Machinist of the Year' page on the Kennametal website. Since its inception over 85 years ago, Kennametal Inc. has been dedicated to enhancing productivity through expertise in materials science, tooling, and wear-resistant solutions. With a workforce of around 8,100 employees in nearly 100 countries, Kennametal is recognized for its commitment to precision and manufacturing efficiency, leading to over $2 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2025. For further updates, follow Kennametal on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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