IBC announces that WIDIA Products Group, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has joined the IBC industrial buying group as a preferred supplier. WIDIA is a leading manufacturer of precision metalcutting tools utilized in CNC machining operations. Products include endmills, drills, taps, indexable milling cutters, turning tools, threading tools and toolholders. Authorized independent distributors within the IBC buying group now have access to WIDIA's complete portfolio of precision engineered products and services to offer end users in the U.S. plus parts of Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

"WIDIA is a global brand of innovative, performance cutting tools and is a significant addition to the IBC's metalworking portfolio," stated Mark R. Higgins, IBC business development, relations and recruitment. "WIDIA is led by Jeff Kraez, an industry veteran, who has assembled an outstanding team to assist IBC members. Our ability to provide 'world class' solutions for end-user customers has increased exponentially with WIDIA's joining IBC."

"WIDIA is excited about the opportunity to join forces with IBC and its members to help promote and grow the WIDIA brand," said Jeff Kraez, general manager of WIDIA Americas. "Our position with current IBC distributors is already significant and we are confident that this partnership will only strengthen and prosper existing relationships as well as help to develop new ones."