1888 - 1888

Eastman introduces first fabric cutting machine

Over a century ago, a Canadian inventor named George Eastman developed the first fractional electric motor that could be mounted on a platform that would serve as a cutting base. The motor was attached to a reciprocating knife mechanism and the first electric fabric-cutting machine was born–The Eastman. The Eastman revolutionized the apparel industry with a tool that ended tedious manual cutting-room labor. Countless patents and improvements later that have all stemmed from the first cutter built in 1888. Eastman’s current product line includes over 100 machines that are sold worldwide and are the standard by which all cutting machines are judged.