BlackHawk Industrial awards Kennemetal, Protective Industrial Products at annual Summit
BlackHawk Industrial, a distributor of metalworking and other mission-critical industrial products, announced the recipients of its 2025 Supplier Performance Awards during BlackHawk Summit 2026 in Oklahoma City.
The annual awards recognize supplier partners whose performance delivered measurable impact through growth, field engagement, and collaboration throughout 2025, supporting continued momentum and increased value to the end-user.
BlackHawk's Summit themed “Turbocharge Sales Excellence” brought together elite supplier partners, sales teams, and industry leaders for a multi-day event focused on long-term growth, industry training, and recognition of best-in-class partnerships. The Summit featured trade show engagement, main stage presentations, structured supplier meetings, and hosted networking events designed to generate new opportunities and strengthen relationships.
BlackHawk presents two distinct awards each year. The Supplier Excellence Award recognizes a high-growth supplier delivering exceptional results through collaboration and execution. The Supplier Summit Award recognizes a large, strategic supplier driving nationwide impact through scale, field support, and partnership. Award criteria are communicated at the beginning of the year and tracked throughout the year by BlackHawk’s senior leadership and Category Management team.
Protective Industrial Products (PIP) was named the 2025 Supplier Excellence Award winner. A finalist in all three years of BlackHawk’s supplier awards program, PIP continues to demonstrate consistent growth, dependable execution, and strong support of BlackHawk account managers and customers.
Kennametal received the 2025 Supplier Summit Award. A long-standing strategic partner, Kennametal delivers exceptional supply chain performance, field engagement, and sales collaboration that help BlackHawk bring value to customers across the production floor.
“Our success is fueled by strong supplier partnerships, and Kennametal and PIP exemplify what it means to go above and beyond,” said John Mark, president and CEO of BlackHawk Industrial. “Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration strengthens our ability to serve customers at the highest level. We are proud to recognize their achievements and look forward to continued success together.”
The Supplier Performance Awards are highly competitive, with nominees evaluated on field and marketing support, responsive account management, proactive communication, supply chain performance, and commitment to long-term growth and continuous improvement.
“These awards highlight the power of true partnership,” said Steve Gettleman, vice president of category management at BlackHawk Industrial. “Kennametal and PIP have demonstrated exceptional supply chain performance, field support, and sales collaboration that align with our mission to deliver superior value to customers. Their contributions have been instrumental in driving growth.”
“I am honored to accept the Supplier Summit Award on behalf of Kennametal,” said Eric Kenney, channel partner sales manager. “This recognition reflects our strong field presence, training, and collaboration with BlackHawk teams. It is the result of close alignment between our organizations working together to drive profitable growth.”
Rick Marschall, key account manager for Protective Industrial Products, said, “The BlackHawk Supplier Excellence Award recognizes our commitment to executing the business plans established at the beginning of 2025. The PIP team is honored by this recognition and looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with BlackHawk.”
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