Cutting Tool Maker To Manufacture In China

Kennametal Inc. (www.kennametal.com) is making its final preparations for the launch of its new $31 million state-of-the-art cutting tool manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China. The facility will serve the growing Asia-Pacific market, and support the company's customers in China. The plant is to open August 11, 2006.
The 160,000 sq. ft. facility is located in the Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area. Initially, it will initially have more 200 employees in manufacturing and advanced engineering design activities. The number of employees is expected to grow to more than 400 as the plant increases to a total size of 450,000 square feet over the next several years.
Kennametal said the facility will manufacture standard inserts, solid-carbide drills, wear parts and provide custom solution tooling systems. The company currently operates sales offices and logistics support in 10 countries across Asia Pacific, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and India.