THE HISTORY OF DEWALT
A BRAND TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS
Raymond E. DEWALT followed in his father's steps, and worked in plants and construction after leaving school. In all fields of work he encountered the issue of high labour costs. To help reduce these costs, whenever possible he installed a machine to handle specific needs.
One fine day, M. DEWALT was hired to head a wood mill, manufacturing numerous products, from basic boxes to complete houses. The amount of work exceeded the company's capacity by far, but its owner could not afford to increase the headcount. The only solution was to ensure his men produced more work. M. DEWALT built a yoke, which he connected directly to a motor and a saw. He then fitted it onto a standard arm. The saw could be raised, lowered, moved forward and backward, and adapted to all types of angles. With this system, he could handle the same amount of work as four men, reducing labor costs beyond his wildest imagination.
1922
Raymond E. DEWALT, then superintendent of Seabrook Farms, perfects the first radial arm machine for the purpose of providing more versatility in woodworking operations.
1924
DEWALT Products Company is formed with plant and offices located in Leola, Pennsylvania. Their product is an electric universal woodworking machine known as the DEWALT "Wonder-Worker".
1929
DEWALT Products Co. moves to a new, and for those days, outstandingly modern plant and office building in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
1941
The DEWALT firm begins a period of rapid expansion to meet the demands of government orders in connection with national defense and wartime machinery requirements.
1953
DEWALT Inc. extends operations into Canada through a wholly owned subsidiary known as DEWALT Canada Ltd.
1955
Over the next two years, adds 40,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space to the plant.
1960
Acquires United States and Canadian patent rights to Bennett Two-way Panel Saw from Richard C. Bennett Manufacturing Company, Laceyville, Pennsylvania.
1961
Adds 8,400 Sq. ft. storeroom to plant.
1966
Adds 16,000 sq. ft. warehouse to plant.
1967
Introduces bench grinder.
1971
Introduces metal cutting machines for ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
1989
DEWALT stops production of radial arm saws in North America.
1992
DEWALT introduces its first line of portable electric power tools and accessories designed specifically for residential contractors, remodelers, and professional woodworkers.
2010
DEWALT expands groundbreaking XPS platform with 350mm mitresaw.
2011
Introduced the new benchmark in cordless tools - The XR System.
2012
Introduce new alligator saw design - unrivalled since 1992.
2013
Launch worlds first cordless framing nailer.