expands Tianjin tungsten-cobalt plant

Kennametal Inc. is expanding its tungsten-cobalt blended powder operations at its existing facility in Tianjin, China to serve the Asia Pacific region. It expects to streamline customer service in that region, while reducing export delays and duties on the material. The company noted that initial capital plans for these projects are included in its FY13 forecast. The project is focused on diversifying Kennametal’s tungsten sourcing to balance supplies, costs and access to raw materials, while also supporting sustainability and its global growth strategy to achieve one-third of revenues.

Moreover, Kennametal is launching preliminary work to establish an advanced carbide recycling facility in the United States where it will reclaim material from scrap and consumed products such as metal-cutting inserts, and reuse it for new production.