Kennametal closing Greenfield plant

Kennametal, the former Greenfield Tap & Die, at the corner of Sanderson and North streets in Greenfield is expected to cease operations in April and close by the end of the year.

Kennametal, the former Greenfield Tap & Die, at the corner of Sanderson and North streets in Greenfield is expected to cease operations in April and close by the end of the year. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

The Arbors at Greenfield at the site of the former Greenfield Tap & Die. The Meridian Street plant was abandoned in 1992 and all local production was consolidated to the Sanderson Street facility, which is now home to Kennametal.

The Arbors at Greenfield at the site of the former Greenfield Tap & Die. The Meridian Street plant was abandoned in 1992 and all local production was consolidated to the Sanderson Street facility, which is now home to Kennametal. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By DOMENIC POLI

Staff Writer

Published: 01-15-2025 6:26 PM

GREENFIELD — The Kennametal plant at the corner of Sanderson and North streets is expected to cease operations in April and close by the end of the year.

The corporation, headquartered in Pennsylvania, has announced it is shuttering the Greenfield facility as part of a plan to significantly reduce its structural costs. This strategy, reportedly meant to support the manufacturing company’s long-term stability and competitiveness, includes consolidating two Spain facilities into one building by June 30.

“This decision ... is in no way a reflection on the dedicated workforce at Greenfield,” Ashlee Parker-Osborne, the company’s business communications director, said in an emailed statement. “We are committed to working closely with our local union to support affected employees during this transition.”

It was not immediately clear on Wednesday how many Greenfield jobs would be eliminated when the plant closes.

Kennametal is a supplier of cutting tools and other industrial materials. According to its website, it was founded more than 85 years ago by metallurgist Philip M. McKenna, who created a tungsten-titanium carbide alloy that provided a productivity breakthrough in the machining of steel, enabling customers across industries — from transportation to aerospace — to machine metal at faster rates.

Kennametal bought the 34 Sanderson St. plant in 1997, according to Greenfield Recorder archives. Before the arrival of Kennametal, however, the facility was home to the former Greenfield Tap & Die. According to the Museum of Our Industrial Heritage’s website, the Greenfield Tap & Die Corp. was established in 1912 as a holding company by financier Frederick Payne and F.O. Wells of the Wells Brothers Co. A takeover of Wiley & Russell Manufacturing Co. resulted in the combining of the two large industrial complexes on Meridian and Sanderson streets. This became the world’s largest tap and die firm. Greenfield Tap & Die expanded by buying out most of its local competitors and acquiring other firms for their product lines.

Starting in 1958, the corporation underwent a series of mergers, ownership and organizational changes, some of which were detrimental. Products that were formerly produced in Greenfield were transferred to other locations. The Meridian Street plant was abandoned in 1992 and all local production was consolidated to the Sanderson Street facility.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.

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