Powermatic tools are made by JPW Industries, the same company that owns JET and Wilton.
The brand is known for premium woodworking machinery, including table saws, bandsaws, and jointers used by serious woodworkers and professional shops.
Powermatic was founded in 1921 by Leonard F Smith Sr in McMinnville, Tennessee, and became the P in JPW Industries in 2008.
Knowing who makes Powermatic tools helps buyers understand how a century old woodworking machinery brand fits inside its current corporate ownership.
This article covers Powermatic ownership, where the machines are manufactured, the brand’s iconic products, and answers to common Powermatic questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Powermatic Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
Powermatic was founded in 1921 by Leonard F Smith Sr in McMinnville, Tennessee.
The company became the P in JPW Industries in 2008, joining JET and Wilton under one corporate structure.
JPW Industries is currently owned by Gamut Capital Management, a New York based private equity firm.
Where Are Powermatic Tools Manufactured?
Powermatic moved its operations to La Vergne, Tennessee in 1978 to accommodate its growing business, and the facility now spans 400,000 square feet.
JPW Industries also operates manufacturing and distribution across Switzerland, Germany, Taiwan, and China.
Specific manufacturing location can vary by product category within Powermatic’s woodworking machinery lineup.
What Products Made Powermatic Famous?
Powermatic’s first products were planers, launching the company’s reputation in the early 1920s.
In 1958, Powermatic introduced the Model 66 table saw, which became one of the brand’s most iconic and enduring products.
In 2023, Powermatic released its ArmorGlide high performance coating, designed to reduce friction by up to 50 percent on table saws, bandsaws, and jointers.
A Brief History Of Powermatic
Powermatic originally started as a corn milling operation in McMinnville, Tennessee before shifting into woodworking machinery.
During the 1940s, the company expanded its product line to include a wider variety of woodworking machinery, establishing a strong reputation for quality.
Powermatic has continued to modernize its lineup, adding coatings and technology upgrades to classic machine designs.
Powermatic vs Laguna: Which Woodworking Machinery Brand Is Better?
Powermatic carries a longer American manufacturing legacy, dating back to 1921, compared to Laguna’s 1983 founding.
Laguna has built a stronger reputation for CNC integration, while Powermatic remains a favorite for traditional table saws and stationary machinery.
Both brands are respected among serious woodworkers, with the choice often coming down to specific machine type and budget.
For more comparisons, see our guide to who makes Craftsman tools for a widely available comparison point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Powermatic Tools
Who makes Powermatic tools?
Powermatic tools are made by JPW Industries, the same company that owns JET and Wilton.
When was Powermatic founded?
Powermatic was founded in 1921 by Leonard F Smith Sr in McMinnville, Tennessee.
What is Powermatic’s most famous product?
The Powermatic Model 66 table saw, introduced in 1958, remains one of the brand’s most iconic products.
Where is Powermatic manufactured?
Powermatic operates from a 400,000 square foot facility in La Vergne, Tennessee, alongside JPW’s other manufacturing operations.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.