Our Story
From a family-operated corn milling operation in McMinnville, Tennessee, to today’s 400,000 square foot manufacturing facility in LaVergne, Tennessee, the evolution of Powermatic reflects the spirit, ingenuity, and growth of American manufacturing from the early 20th century to today.
Built by a Woodworker, for Woodworkers
That decision changed everything.
After using the planer in his own business, Smith was offered the chance to sell it. He reinvested the proceeds to build four more machines, which sold quickly within the local lumber community. Demand grew as word spread about their quality, prompting Smith to leave the lumber trade and focus entirely on manufacturing.
The Birth of Powermatic
As the company expanded, so did its ambitions. In 1928, Leonard F. Smith officially named the company Powermatic and relocated operations to a former blacksmith shop. New innovations followed, including sanding machines, drill presses, and one of the industry’s most significant advancements at the time, the Tilting Arbor Table Saw.
A Commitment to Precision and Quality
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Powermatic continued to grow, occupying progressively larger facilities to meet increasing demand. In 1954, under the leadership of Smith’s sons, the company constructed a 38,000 square foot purpose-built manufacturing facility.
In 1958, Powermatic took a bold and uncommon step by opening its own 50,000 square foot foundry. This allowed full control over casting quality and ensured consistent use of the Meehanite™ process, a commitment to precision that remains part of Powermatic manufacturing today.
A New Era of Powermatic
Alongside this commitment came a renewed focus on innovation, developing technologies that make every cut smoother, safer, and more efficient. One example is ArmorGlide™ Surface Technology, engineered to reduce friction, resist wear, and deliver long lasting accuracy in the shop. From a family operated corn mill to a world class leader in industrial woodworking machinery, Powermatic continues to honor its heritage while advancing the tools that shape the future of woodworking.
