Kennametal Inc. today announced the rededication of its global Technology Center in honor of retired Chairman and CEO Quentin C. McKenna, who died earlier this year.

"I am delighted to formally introduce the Quentin C. McKenna Technology Center. This rededication is an especially fitting tribute to Quentin, since it was under his leadership that Kennametal rededicated itself to being the technological leader in our industry and invested in this world-class research and development center," said Markos I. Tambakeras, Kennametal Inc.'s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Furthermore, Quentin provided the courage, leadership and vision that laid the foundation for what Kennametal is today -- a multibillion-dollar international company whose brand is synonymous with integrity, quality products and outstanding customer service."

The technology center will be rededicated at an official ceremony at Kennametal's headquarters campus on May 5, 2003, at 1 pm.

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 about 14,500 employees worldwide, the company's annual sales approximate $1.8 billion, with nearly half coming from sales outside the United States. Kennametal is a five-time winner of the GM "Supplier of the Year" award and is represented in more than 60 countries. Kennametal operations in Europe are headquartered in Furth, Germany. Kennametal Asia Pacific operations are headquartered in Singapore. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.kennametal.com.

SOURCE: Kennametal Inc.