Kennametal to Sell High Speed Steel Assets in UK
04/10/2006 -
April 10, 2006 — Kennametal Inc. has signed a definitive agreement with Suncraft International Corp. to sell Kennametal's UK-based Presto brand high speed steel assets.
Suncraft will acquire the UK assets and manufacturing operations of the business and will assume the lease of a 10,827 square meter facility located in Sheffield, England. Employees at the facility will become Suncraft employees when the transaction closes. The net cost impact is approximately $0.24 per share and is included in the estimated $0.55 to $0.70 per share total manufacturing rationalization charge previously announced on March 15, 2006.
"We are very pleased to announce this sale," commented Ron Keating, Kennametal Vice President and President of Kennametal's Metalworking Solutions Services Group. "We are able to advance our manufacturing rationalization strategy; our affected employees become part of an international company already in the high speed steel business; and Suncraft is able to strengthen its access to the UK and European markets. Also," Keating added, "Suncraft will continue to be an important supplier to Kennametal for various components and products including Kennametal's line of Cleveland brand tooling."
Kennametal says the disposition of these assets is in line with the company’s recently announced intention to accelerate its manufacturing rationalization opportunities. The sale, which remains subject to negotiated conditions of closing, is expected to close by June 30, 2006 (Kennametal’s fiscal year-end).
Kennametal Inc. is a leading global supplier of tooling, engineered components and advanced materials consumed in production processes. Customers buy over $2.3 billion annually of Kennametal products and services delivered by 14,000 talented employees in over 60 countries. Nearly 50% of revenues come from outside the United States.






