In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2021, KMT Waterjet Systems honored AKS Cutting Systems with an award thanking the manufacturer of plasma cutting systems and waterjet cutters for its premier partnership.

KMT, the oldest manufacturer of waterjet pumps in the world, has been AKS’ pump vendor for eight years and wanted to recognize the successful partnership, according to Chuck Schmidt, Business Development Manager.

“As we celebrated our 50th anniversary, we wanted to recognize key customers like AKS and thank them for their support,” he said. “AKS is a unique, family-run organization that is more than 100 years old, and we’re fortunate to have a relationship-based partnership with them.

“As a fourth generation, family-owned and operated company, AKS is one of the only Made-in-the-USA manufacturers of CNC cutting machines for plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, oxy-fuel cutting and fiber laser cutting systems,” said Mike Burns, Director of Sales & Marketing at AKS Cutting Systems. “We are proud to accept this recognition from KMT Waterjet Systems, as their partnership and quality waterjet pumps are important to our continued success.”

Schmidt added, “AKS is one of the largest integrators that we’ve worked with. They’ve pioneered waterjet technology using 90,000 PSI cutting along with their advanced motion control systems.”

He says that KMT works behind-the-scenes to supply pumps to AKS, which sells each waterjet system and provides customer support, service, warranty information, high-tech equipment, cutting edge technology and more.

“Without them, we are on the sidelines, just looking at the industry,” Schmidt said. “They’re the ones who make us look good.”

“Our strong reputation for durability, accuracy and reliability in the plate metal, tube & pipe, sheet metal, and fabricating industries would not be possible without vendors like KMT,” Burns added.

KMT, based in Baxter Springs, Kansas, presented the plaque to the AKS team in November 2021 at its headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.

“At KMT, we understand that we’re only as successful as our partnerships,” Schmidt said. “AKS is made up of a fantastic group of people who are very professional day in and day out. We can always depend on them. When we have our successes, we all get to celebrate together.”

Pictured: From left to right: Mike Burns, AKS Director of Sales & Marketing, Chuck Schmidt, KMT Business Development Manager, Greg Phillip, AKS President, Kent Phillip, AKS Vice-President