Kennametal, the only tooling supplier to be nominated for the award, also was recognized for more than 30years of partnership with BMW. Among reasons BMW cited for the honor was innovative new tooling thatincreased productivity in the manufacture of engine blocks at BMW’s Steyr, Austria production facility.Kennametal devotes an engineered solutions team to collaborate with BMW on such productivity-enhancingrefinements.

“We are honored to have been recognized among more than 200 suppliers at BMW’s supplier awards,”said Gérald Goubau, vice president and general manager of Kennametal’s tooling business. “It is a greataffirmation and reminder of our mission to provide innovation that customers value; something we strive todo every day.”

The BMW Group considers innovation the foundation of a company’s economic success and futurecompetitiveness. The only way to master the challenges ahead for the automobile industry is through a highlevel of creativity and inventiveness. The BMW Group therefore recognizes its most innovative suppliers askey partners who play a crucial role in the successful implementation of new developments. The SupplierInnovation Award is designed to pay tribute to their achievements.

KennametalCelebrating more than 75 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity tocustomers seeking peak performance in demanding environments. The company provides innovativewear-resistant products, application engineering and services backed by advanced material science, servingcustomers in 60 countries across diverse sectors of aerospace, earthworks, energy, industrial production,transportation and infrastructure. With approximately 14,000 employees and nearly $3 billion in sales, thecompany realizes half of its revenue from outside North America, and 40% globally from innovationsintroduced in the past five years. Recognized among the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” (Ethisphere);”Outstanding Corporate Innovator” (Product Development Management Association); and “America’s SafestCompanies” (EHS Today) with a focus on 100% safety, Kennametal and its foundation invest in technicaleducation, industrial technologies and material science to deliver the promise of progress and economic 1 / 2prosperity to people everywhere. For more information, visit the company