Kennametal Unveils Next Level Shop Experience for IMTS 2026

Kennametal Inc. announced it will bring the modern manufacturing ecosystem to life at IMTS 2026 with the Next Level Shop, an immersive experience featuring appearances of WIDIA brand ambassador Carey Hart, a live custom motorcycle build, and the latest machining and digital manufacturing technologies designed to help manufacturers improve productivity.

The Next Level Shop recreates the energy and collaboration of today’s modern machine shop, bringing together tooling, software, machine tool builders and manufacturing experts to solve real-world production challenges.

Throughout the week, visitors can explore the latest machining technologies, engage directly with engineers and partners, and experience how connected manufacturing solutions drive better 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 of Metal Cutting. “Manufacturers are looking for more than great tooling. They’re looking for integrated solutions that help them machine smarter, solve complex challenges and drive productivity. The Next Level Shop brings those technologies, partnerships and conversations together in one place.”

A centerpiece of the experience will be the live customization of an Indian Sport Chief motorcycle. In his first public appearance as a WIDIA brand ambassador, motorsports legend and Hart Luck Parts & Gear Founder Carey Hart will join Satya Kraus, CEO and creative engineer of KRAUS MOTO, to machine custom motorcycle components throughout the week on a 5-axis CNC machine using Kennametal and WIDIA tooling. Leading motorcycle and automotive painter Taylor Schultz of Schultz Designz will complete the build with a custom paint scheme. The completed custom motorcycle will be the part of a Kennametal giveaway, with one IMTS attendee taking home the finished, one-of-one build.

The Next Level Shop will also feature machining demonstrations led by Kennametal experts and customers and industry partners.

Visitors will also discover Kennametal’s newest tooling innovations across milling, holemaking, turning and Swiss machining, advanced additive manufacturing capabilities, large-scale machined components and an expanding digital manufacturing ecosystem featuring CAM integration, tooling data and software partnerships that streamline programming, improve productivity and optimize machining performance.

The Next Level Shop is designed in partnership with EWI Worldwide.

“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 detail of the Next Level Shop was designed to encourage exploration, spark conversations and demonstrate how innovation comes to life when technology, craftsmanship and collaboration come together.”

Kennametal’s Next Level Shop will be located at Booth No. 431800 in the West Building, Level 3, during IMTS 2026, September 14–19, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

For a complete schedule of live machining demonstrations, partner appearances and booth activities, visit kennametal.com/imts2026.