Eastman Machine Celebrates 125 Years

Eastman Machine Co. — a Buffalo, N.Y.-based designer and manufacturer of manually operated cutting
machines and automated cutting systems as well as complementary software technologies — is
celebrating its 125th anniversary.

The company was founded in 1888 by Canadian inventor George Eastman, who developed the first
electric fabric cutting machine — the Eastman — by mounting a fractional electric motor to a
platform attached to a reciprocating knife mechanism. The Eastman radically changed the apparel
industry by eliminating the need for manual labor in the cutting room.

In 1898, the Stevenson family acquired Eastman Machine Co., which has remained a
family-owned and -operated business for five generations. In addition to its Buffalo headquarters,
the company operates a sales office in Hong Kong and a factory in China, and has 50 dealers
globally. Eastman currently has more than 100 machines in its product line.

“We are excited that the company has reached this milestone,” said Robert L. Stevenson,
president and CEO, Eastman Machine Co. “The company is proud to honor the outstanding contributions
of the people who have been a part of our history, and the current employees that are inspiring our
future. The continued focus on providing innovative answers to modern manufacturing needs, has
positioned the company well for the future; we plan to continue to provide reliable products,
services and solutions that benefit our customers.”

January 8, 2013

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