Press Release

Jan 25, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) announced today that it has elected Philip A. Dur, former Corporate Vice President and President for Northrop Grumman Corporation Ship Systems Sector, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Dur joins the Kennametal Board effective as of January 24, 2006.

Mr. Dur, 61 and a retired Rear Admiral, began his career with the United States Navy where he served in several assignments of increasing responsibility, culminating with his service as Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Plans, Policy and Operations. During his tenure with the United States Navy, he was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and the Ordre National du Merite from the Government of France in the grade of Commander.

Mr. Dur most recently served as Corporate Vice President and President Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Sector before retiring in December 2005. During his time at Northrop, Mr. Dur managed an organization of 20,000 employees in the shipbuilding sector of the second largest global defense company. His accomplishments also included capturing over $8 billion in critical military shipbuilding contracts and growing annual sales from $2 billion to $3.5 billion.

"Mr. Dur has a proven track record in manufacturing and international business," commented Markos Tambakeras, Executive Chairman to the Board of Directors. "His election is in alignment with our strategy to elect Board members with broad business experience, and his extensive knowledge of industry, government regulations, and international affairs will be a great asset to Kennametal as we continue to grow in key markets around the world. We are very pleased that he has joined our Board."

Mr. Dur has a bachelor's degree in government and international studies and a master's degree in Soviet East European studies from the University of Notre Dame. He also holds a master's degree in public administration and a Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard University. He is a recipient of the Executive Excellence Award presented by the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award Conference. Mr. Dur is also a member of the Board of Directors of Vbrick Systems, Inc. and is active with the Council on Foreign Relations.

Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) is a leading global supplier of tooling, engineered components and advanced materials consumed in production processes. The company improves customers' competitiveness by providing superior economic returns through the delivery of application knowledge and advanced technology to master the toughest of materials application demands. Companies producing everything from airframes to coal, from medical implants to oil wells and from turbochargers to motorcycle parts recognize Kennametal for extraordinary contributions to their value chains. Customers buy over $2.3 billion annually of Kennametal products and services-delivered by our 14,000 talented employees in over 60 countries-with almost 50 percent of these revenues coming from outside the United States. Visit us at www.kennametal.com. [KMT-G]

SOURCE Kennametal Inc.

Investor Relations, Quynh McGuire, +1-724-539-6559, or Media, Joy Chandler,
+1-724-539-4618, both of Kennametal Inc.

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