KENNAMETAL INC. Supports the National NTMA Apprentice Competition to Take Place in Pittsburgh

Press Release issued April 18, 2005

PITTSBURGH, PA –- For the first time in more than 30 years, the governing body of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)has selected Pittsburgh to host its 33 rd National Apprentice Competition. New Century Careers ( NCC) along with the Pittsburgh Chapter NTMA will co-present the event and Kennametal Inc. will be the premier underwriter. The company’s financial contribution demonstrates their interest in ensuring future generations of highly skilled workers in the field of precision manufacturing.

The annual competition attracts the best apprentices in the precision manufacturing industry. Winners of the 2005 regional competitions from across the country will compete in Pittsburgh on May 4th through
the 7th.

Pittsburgh has been selected for this year’s competition because the region is recognized as a center of excellence in manufacturing and skilled workforce development. According to statistics compiled by the PA Department of Labor, manufacturing is the second largest employment sector in the region – and growing.

Kennametal Inc., headquartered in Southwestern Pennsylvania, is the world’s premier supplier of materials and tooling consumed in production processes. The company improves customers' competitive advantage by providing state-of-the-art engineered components, products and techniques to master the toughest of materials application demands. Kennametal, a global company with 14,000 employees in sixty countries, is the market leader in North America in metalcutting tools and is second in Europe and worldwide. It is the undisputed global market leader in tools for the mining and highway construction industries.

Kennametal is keenly interested in supporting the development of a skilled manufacturing workforce for the future of our industry,” commented Kennametal’s Mark Fredley, Director, Metalworking Manufacturing – North America . “We are especially pleased to assist the NTMA, and its Pittsburgh Chapter, and New Century Careers in their efforts to bring recognition and attention to precision manufacturing training and education. It is this type of visibility that will help attract more talented individuals to either consider a career in manufacturing or if they are already in the field, to further develop their current skills.”

“ Pittsburgh is steeped in a strong tradition of excellence and pride in manufacturing of some of the most notable items in the world. From the early years of steel, iron and glass to today’s plastics, aerospace and electronics industries, Pittsburgh has always strived to be the best,” said

Robert Kettering, President of the National Tooling and Machining Association, Pittsburgh Chapter. “Kennametal’s support of this national event is a testament to their commitment to foster an environment of education and continued professional growth for our industry.”

This year’s competition has been made possible through financial support and in-kind donations from various organizations and corporations. Among those that have made a significant contribution to the event are the Heinz Endowments, Penn United Technology, Inc. and their L.I.G.H.T. Training Center, Charmilles Technologies Corporation, ACU-RITE Inc., Tooling University, Gerstner, and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing & Machining.

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