1988 - 1988

Robert Stevenson and Wade Stevenson take over ownership as fourth generation.

In 1988, Chuck Stevenson’s sons Robert L. Stevenson, then president of Eastman Machine Company, and Wade Stevenson, then president of Eastman Export (the international arm), bought the company from their father. Under the new leadership, Robert and Wade envisioned production of a complete line of cutting and material handling equipment, so their customers would have the most economical solution for every stage of the cutting room production cycle. This initially included such products as the Blue Streak II with its patented oiling system, hand-held rotary shears, heavy duty manual cutters, and advanced material handling solutions. However, in order to successfully accomplish their goal, Eastman needed to expand with automated solutions for the rapidly expanding market for cut fabrics that are utilized in many diverse industries.