Kennametal CEO Appointed to U.S. Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council

LATROBE, Pa., March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Following an announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) today confirmed that Chairman, President and CEO Carlos Cardoso has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Manufacturing Council. The Council advises the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to sector, including global competitiveness and government policies and programs of importance to U.S. manufacturers.

At a time when the industry faces a critical shortage of technical talent, Cardoso commissioned a national study that revealed outdated perceptions of manufacturing among high-school students and their advisors. In response, he established model programs at Kennametal to attract interest in next-generation manufacturing as a viable, technology-oriented career path in a sector most vital to economic growth and a strong middle class. 

"We know that a healthy manufacturing sector correlates directly with the well-being of society and the promise of the American Dream," said Cardoso. "I have lived it, and proudly witnessed it realized by thousands of Kennametal employees. This is why I am so honored and committed to serve, that by combining the best efforts of industry, education and government, we can secure that promise for future generations."

Cardoso also serves as chairman of the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI), and on the board of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). A tireless advocate for manufacturing, Cardoso emigrated to the United States from Portugal at the age of 17 to pursue an education at Fairfield University, which he credits for providing the foundation and language skills he needed to achieve his American Dream.

"Keeping our manufacturing sector strong is critical to job growth in the United States," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank. "The Department of Commerce is focused on supporting U.S. manufacturers as they build things here, so they can sell them everywhere. The Council has an important role to play in shaping the direction of our nation's manufacturing strategy and supporting American businesses and workers."

The Manufacturing Council is comprised of up to 30 members from various industries working together to sustain the strength of the U.S. as the global frontrunner in manufacturing investments and innovation.

Celebrating its 75^th year as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers seeking peak performance in demanding environments. The company provides innovative wear-resistant products and application engineering backed by advanced material science, serving customers in 60 countries across diverse sectors of aerospace, earthworks, energy, industrial production, transportation and infrastructure. With approximately 13,000 employees and nearly $3 billion in sales, the company realizes half of its revenue from outside North America, and 40% globally from innovations introduced in the past five years. Recognized among the "World's Most Ethical Companies" (Ethisphere); "Outstanding Corporate Innovator" (Product Development Management Association); and "America's Safest Companies" (EHS Today) with a focus on 100% safety, Kennametal and its foundation invest in technical education, industrial technologies and material science to deliver the promise of progress and economic prosperity to people everywhere. For more information, visit the company's website at www.kennametal.com.

SOURCE Kennametal Inc.