Kennametal Inc. announced the results of an independent survey of customers that show North America's leading toolmaker outperforms the competition in nearly every area of customer satisfaction. Customers rated Kennametal the "best" tool supplier in quality, technical capability, delivery speed and overall value.

The survey findings showed Kennametal as the best performer in nine of the 11 customer-driven product attributes, and first or second in seven of the eight customer-driven supplier attributes.

Kennametal President and CEO Markos I. Tambakeras remarked, "We are delighted with these results. One of our five corporate ambitions is to be the best in customer satisfaction. This survey shows we are making good progress in nearly every measurable area of service to customers."

The study was done by an independent market research firm, as a follow-up to a similar study Kennametal commissioned last year.

On questions dealing with product attributes, Kennametal was ranked first in quality, technical application expertise and breadth of product offering. On questions dealing with supplier attributes, Kennametal was ranked first over its major competitors in "easy to do business with" and first in delivery.

The results revealed 92 percent of customers said that Kennametal's product inventory availability and overall service had either met their expectations or even improved in recent months.

"This research validates our strategic direction," Tambakeras continued. "It shows our product quality is outstanding and that our customers value their relationship with us. Obviously, we will not rest on our laurels -- we will extend our lead by working even harder to excel in customer satisfaction. The study tells us where our customers are pleased with our performance, what they expect from us and, more importantly, where we need to focus to be even better."

The study revealed that product performance and meeting delivery promises are the two most important supplier traits that can have the greatest impact on business -- categories where Kennametal was ranked first over all other major competitors.

Kennametal Inc. aspires to be the premier tooling solutions supplier in the world with operational excellence throughout the value chain and best-in-class manufacturing and technology. Kennametal strives to deliver superior shareowner value through top-tier financial performance. The company provides customers a broad range of technologically advanced tools, tooling systems and engineering services aimed at improving customers' manufacturing competitiveness. With 13,000 employees worldwide, the corporation's annual sales are approximately $1.9 billion, with one-third coming from sales outside the United States. Kennametal has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania and has operations in more than 60 countries. Kennametal operations in Europe are headquartered in Furth, Germany. Kennametal Asia Pacific operations are headquartered in Singapore.

SOURCE: Kennametal Inc.