Kennametal Inc. was recognized by the United Way of Westmoreland County for its tremendous contributions to the community at its 4th Annual Campaign Celebration Luncheon held on February 10, 2004. The luncheon was held to honor those companies in the community that have made the United Way's campaign a success.
The United Way of Westmoreland County is an organization that focuses on improving the quality of people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. They educate donors about the continuous needs of people who live in the service area and provide programs to meet these needs.
Kennametal Inc. received several awards and recognitions for its part in the 2003 campaign. It was recognized as a Leadership Firm, a company with three or more leadership givers; a United eWay participant, processing 177 online responses and pledges under the guidance of Dorothy West; and a Cornerstone Club member, joining companies with combined employee and corporate support of $75,000 or employee campaigns over $50,000.
Kennametal was presented with the Leading the Way Award for its increase in the number of Kennametal leadership givers in 2003. The Chairman of the Board Award was also presented to Kennametal in recognition of the organization's leadership in gaining support among its employees, as well as its peers, in Westmoreland County. Kennametal was presented the award for raising almost $110,000, a 54% increase over the original employee goal, in addition to a corporate gift. Dorothy West, Debbie Ryan, and Darlene Stepanic played significant roles in exceeding the target for contributions.
In addition, Kennametal was also mentioned as a sponsor for the Day of Caring and provided 40 volunteers for the event. Kennametal also participated in a United Way-organized Christmas Program in which the company sponsored 25 youths from the Adelphoi House and provided the youths with gift cards permitting them to purchase items for their friends and family.
Riz Chand, Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Relations, was also pleased with Kennametal's success. He said, "I am thrilled with the employee support we provided the United Way and its agencies in 2003. It is a demonstration of our Company's and our employees' support of our communities. We look forward to continuing that support as we launch this year's campaign to include a nationwide Kennametal effort."
The United Way of Westmoreland County was able to raise an estimated $3,250,000 for its 2003 campaign, and Kennametal was able to contribute almost $110,000, an estimated $55,000 increase over the previous year.
Kennametal's 2004 United Way Campaign will be under the direction of Phil Weihl and John Caverno. Both chairs are looking forward to next year's challenge, and plan to continue the tradition of commitment to the community.
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 14,000 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.
CONTACT: Investor Relations, Beth A. Riley, +1-724-539-6141, or Media
Relations, Joy Chandler, +1-724-539-4618, both of Kennametal Inc.
Web site: http://www.kennametal.com/