Kennametal Inc. announced today that John R. Tucker has been elected Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. This appointment is effective October 1, 2008.

"We are pleased to have John join the Kennametal team. His successful experience in maximizing organizational performance will be a real asset to us, as will his background in rapidly growing industries such as aerospace and energy. Our RD&E function is key to Kennametal's success in introducing new products for our customers at a market-leading pace, and we are confident that John will lead our global RD&E team to the next level of performance," commented Carlos Cardoso, Kennametal Chairman, President and CEO.

In this role, Tucker will have responsibility for Kennametal's global RD&E organization.

Before joining Kennametal, Tucker was Chairman and CEO of Sermatech International -- a firm that develops and applies engineered protective coatings in a variety of markets where resistance to corrosion, erosion, fouling and high temperatures is essential. Prior to leading Sermatech, Tucker served in key leadership positions in such companies as Daimler Benz Aerospace, AlliedSignal Aerospace and York International Corporation. Tucker holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

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 $2.7 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.