#USA #Pittsburgh #Kennametal #Industry Leader #Machinist

Celebrating Excellence: Kennametal's 'Machinist of the Year' Initiative

In a significant move to honor and recognize the dedication of machinists worldwide, Kennametal Inc., a leader in cutting tool solutions, has launched its inaugural 'Machinist of the Year' program. This annual initiative is designed to showcase the skills, commitment, and innovative spirit of machinists across various regions, including the Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), Asia-Pacific, and India.

Kennametal's Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, Eddie McBarnett, emphasized the crucial role machinists play in the manufacturing industry. He stated, "Machinists are at the forefront of manufacturing. Our innovations have always been driven by the needs of these skilled professionals. We provide tooling solutions that cut faster, last longer, and enhance precision and profitability for workshops."

The purpose of the 'Machinist of the Year' program is to celebrate the enduring partnership between Kennametal and its machinist customers. Each regional team will select a machinist who exemplifies excellence in machining, ensuring that the program highlights the expertise found within various local contexts.

Scott Etling, Vice President of Product Marketing Management, referred to the global search for the 'Machinist of the Year' as more than just a contest. He described it as a celebration of the partnerships and expertise that drive the industry's advancement.

How to Participate

To enter the competition, candidates need to create and share a short, engaging video on their social media channels. The video should demonstrate how they utilize Kennametal products and articulate why they deserve to be named 'Machinist of the Year.' Participants must tag Kennametal and include the hashtag #KMTMachinist while actively using Kennametal products in their workshop for at least one year.

The finalists will be chosen by the respective marketing teams in each region, with the final voting open to the public across Kennametal's social media platforms. Winning contestants will receive several prizes, including:

• - Features on Kennametal’s website, blog, and social media channels.
• - Exclusive branded merchandise and signage.
• - A budget of $7,500 (USD equivalent) for a toolbox and Kennametal products designated as 'Machinist of the Year.'
• - An invitation to host live machining demonstrations at major international trade shows such as IMTS, AMB, JIMTOF, and IMTEX/AMTEX, where applicable.
• - Automatic designation as a Kennametal brand ambassador.

Timeline

• - February 2026: Official program launch.
• - June 2026: Announcement of regional nominations and commencement of voting.
• - September/October 2026: Regional winners unveiled at trade shows and online platforms.

For more detailed information regarding submission guidelines and voting procedures, interested individuals can visit the 'Machinist of the Year' page on the Kennametal website.

About Kennametal

With more than 85 years of industrial technology leadership, Kennametal Inc. enhances clients' productivity through advanced material science, tooling, and wear-resistant solutions. Trusted by clients in aerospace, defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering, and transportation sectors, Kennametal helps them manufacture with precision and efficiency. The company employs around 8,100 individuals globally, assisting clients in nearly 100 countries to stay competitive in their industries, generating revenues of $2 billion for fiscal 2025. For further details, please visit kennametal.com. Follow Kennametal on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.