General International

AWFS Fair delivers innovative tools and products

Written on July 25, 2011 at 2:49 pm , by Bob Hunter

Despite what we all know are tough economic times, many tool and woodworking-product manufacturers continue to bring new and innovative tools to the market. I got to see many of these first-hand the past few days at the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers Fair in Las Vegas, the biggest U.S. tradeshow of the year for woodworking. Over 500 manufacturers showed up to display and demonstrate their new products (and some launched in recent years), hoping to generate business with retail distributors and end users.

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General International launches U.S. office, new tools

Written on May 21, 2010 at 5:35 pm , by Bob Hunter

On Day 2 in Tennessee I traveled down I-24 to Murfreesboro, the new home of General International USA. This company is now the sole distributor for all woodworking tools, machinery, and accessories for General Manufacturing and General International. Those brands are still headquartered in Montreal, Canada, but distribution and customer service for the U.S. will now be handled in Tennessee. Heading up this new operation is Scott Box, most recently president of Steel City Toolworks, and formerly with Powermatic and Delta.

For those of you who might not know, General woodworking machines are made in Drummondville, Quebec, not far from Montreal. The General International line of tools is made in Taiwan to General’s specifications. This line features a full complement of stationary and benchtop machines.

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AWFS wrap-up

Written on July 20, 2009 at 10:15 am , by Bob Hunter

The Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers 2009 Fair in Las Vegas is now over, so it’s time to reflect on the show with random thoughts, Larry-King style…

… It’s so unbelievably hot (always above 100°) in Vegas in July; I honestly don’t know how people can live there. Granted, it’s not living on the sun, but it’s the closest I’ve been to that. I have to drink so much water and eat bananas to avoid dehydration it’s almost crazy. Now maybe if this event took place in the winter months I’d be on board. (At least it’s comfortably in the convention center and hotels.) Read more

Day 3 at the AWFS Fair

Written on July 18, 2009 at 10:18 am , by Bob Hunter

By Day 3 at the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers Fair in Las Vegas new tools and products are getting tougher to find. Still, I’ve got a few more to report on.
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