Kennametal announced today that it will bring the modern manufacturing ecosystem to life at IMTS 2026 with the 'Next Level Shop' – an immersive experience featuring appearances by WIDIA brand ambassador Carey Hart, the construction of a custom motorcycle on-site, as well as the latest technologies for machining and digital manufacturing aimed at helping manufacturers increase their productivity.
Building on the success of the 'Metal Mania' experience two years ago, the 'Next Level Shop' revives the energy and collaboration of a modern machine shop today, bringing together tools, software, machine tool manufacturers, and manufacturing experts to solve real production challenges.
Throughout the week, visitors can explore the latest machining technologies, engage directly with engineers and partners, and experience how connected manufacturing solutions enhance performance in the workshop.
'Everything we are doing this year at IMTS has been tailored specifically to our customers,' said Dave Bersaglini, Vice President and President of Metal Cutting at Kennametal. 'Manufacturers are looking for more than just excellent tools – they are seeking integrated solutions that help them machine smarter, tackle complex challenges, and increase productivity. The 'Next Level Shop' brings these technologies, partnerships, and conversations together in one place.'
A highlight of the experience will be the live customization of an Indian Sport Chief motorcycle. In his first public appearance as a WIDIA brand ambassador, motorsport legend and founder of Hart Luck Parts & Gear, Carey Hart, along with Satya Kraus, CEO and creative engineer of KRAUS MOTO, will be machining custom motorcycle components all week on a 5-axis CNC machine using tools from Kennametal and WIDIA. Leading motorcycle and automotive painter Taylor Schultz from Schultz Designz will complete the transformation with a custom paint job. The finished custom motorcycle will be the centerpiece of an exclusive Kennametal giveaway, where an IMTS visitor will take home the uniquely unmatched finished motorcycle.
Beyond motorcycle construction, visitors to the Next Level Shop will be offered ongoing live machining demonstrations led by Kennametal experts as well as customers and industry partners, showcasing solutions that enable manufacturers to improve their productivity, performance, and precision across various applications and industries.
Additionally, visitors can discover the latest tool innovations from Kennametal in milling, drilling, turning, and long-turn machining, as well as advanced additive manufacturing capabilities, large-scale machined components, and a growing ecosystem of digital manufacturing with CAM integration, tool data, and software partnerships that simplify programming, enhance productivity, and optimize machining performance.
Designed in collaboration with EWI Worldwide, the 'Next Level Shop' builds on the interactive nature of 'Metal Mania' and will offer new collaborations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences throughout the week.
'Kennametal has challenged us to create something that feels less like a trade show booth and more like a step into the workshop of the future,' said Don Kuhn, Account Executive at EWI Worldwide.
'Every detail of the 'Next Level Shop' has been designed to encourage exploration, spark conversations, and show how innovation comes to life when technology, craftsmanship, and collaboration come together.'
Visitors to the 'Next Level Shop' can:
• Follow live demonstrations of machining throughout the week.
• Meet Carey Hart, Satya Kraus, Taylor Schultz, and the team of machining experts from Kennametal.
• Discover the latest tool innovations from Kennametal and WIDIA.
• Experience digital manufacturing technologies and software integrations.
• Engage with specialists from aerospace, defense, medical, transportation, energy production, Swiss precision machining, and other industries.
• Participate in the raffle for a custom Indian Sport Chief motorcycle.
The 'Next Level Shop' by Kennametal will be located at IMTS 2026 from September 14 to 19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Booth No. 431800 in the West Building, Level 3.
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