Kennametal Inc (NYSE: KMT) will bring the future of advanced manufacturing to life at IMTS 2026 with its Next Level Shop, an immersive experience designed to showcase how connected technologies, innovative tooling solutions and industry collaboration are transforming modern machine shops. Building on the success of its previous Metal Mania experience, Kennametal’s Next Level Shop will recreate the environment of a high-performance manufacturing facility, bringing together machine tool builders, software providers, tooling experts and industry professionals to demonstrate solutions that address real-world production challenges. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest machining technologies, engage with manufacturing specialists and experience how integrated digital solutions can improve productivity, efficiency and performance on the shop floor.
“Everything we’re doing at IMTS this year was designed around our customers,” said Dave Bersaglini, Kennametal Vice President and President, Metal Cutting. “Manufacturers are looking for more than great tooling — they need integrated solutions that help them machine smarter, solve complex challenges and improve productivity. The Next Level Shop brings technologies, partnerships and expertise together in one place.”
A major highlight of the experience will be the live customization of an Indian Sport Chief motorcycle, featuring the first public appearance of motorsports icon and WIDIA brand ambassador Carey Hart. Hart will collaborate with Satya Kraus, CEO and creative engineer of KRAUS MOTO, to create custom motorcycle components using a 5-axis CNC machine equipped with Kennametal and WIDIA tooling.
The project will also feature renowned motorcycle and automotive painter Taylor Schultz of Schultz Designz, who will complete the build with a custom paint design. Once finished, the one-of-a-kind motorcycle will become the centerpiece of an exclusive Kennametal giveaway, giving one IMTS attendee the opportunity to take home the custom-built machine.
In addition to the motorcycle project, the Next Level Shop will feature continuous live machining demonstrations led by Kennametal experts, customers and industry partners. These demonstrations will highlight advanced manufacturing solutions across industries including aerospace and defense, medical, transportation, power generation and Swiss machining.
Attendees will also discover Kennametal’s latest innovations in milling, holemaking, turning and Swiss machining, along with advanced additive manufacturing capabilities, large-scale machining solutions and digital manufacturing technologies. The exhibit will showcase software integrations, CAM partnerships and tooling data solutions designed to simplify programming, optimize machining processes and improve operational performance. Developed in partnership with EWI Worldwide, the Next Level Shop builds on Kennametal’s commitment to creating engaging manufacturing experiences that connect technology, craftsmanship and collaboration.
“Kennametal challenged us to create something that felt less like a trade show booth and more like stepping into the shop floor of the future,” said Don Kuhn, Account Executive at EWI Worldwide. “Every element of the Next Level Shop was designed to encourage exploration, create conversations and demonstrate how innovation comes to life when technology and expertise come together.” The Next Level Shop will be located at Booth No. 431800 in the West Building, Level 3, during IMTS 2026, taking place September 14–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
With more than 85 years of industry leadership, Kennametal provides advanced materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions that help customers manufacture with greater precision and efficiency. Serving industries including aerospace, defense, energy, transportation and general engineering, the company supports customers in nearly 100 countries through a global workforce of approximately 8,100 employees.
