About Us

1941

Woodfast Machinery began on June 11, 1941, when two young toolmakers John Hagan and Bonar Powell established a small tool manufacturing company in Woodville. South Australia under the name 'P&H Tools SA’.

1944

The first woodworking machine a small belt and disc sander, was manufactured
in 1944 and marketed under the trade name Woodfast. This was followed by a 100mm (4") buzzer (Jointer) and later by a very successful 14" cast iron frame Bandsaw. It was this machine that laid the
basis of an association with McPhersons which was one of the company's largest customers for more
than thirty years.

1946

In 1946, a 6" Jointer was added to the range and it was decided to
discontinue the manufacture of engineer's hand tools and to concentrate on
woodworking machinery. Also in 1946, John Hagan became the sale proprietor of the company which is still owned by his family.

1950

It was not until 1950, however, that the name of the company was changed
to Woodfast Machinery Co. a reflection of the progress that had been made in serving the great demand for woodworking machinery after World War II. October, 1950, bought the Port Road property.

1963

In 1963, extensions had given the factory a total area of 270,000 square
feet and by June, 1965, the number of employees has grown to 61. Bythen, the
firm, now Woodfast Machinery Co. was producing 21 different machines. These not only enjoyed good sales throughout Australia but, in addition, 12% of the total production was being exported.

1980

By 1980, the factory floor space had grown to 360,000 square feet and plans were being made to design and erect a new showrooms and administration complex on the Port Rd. frontage. This was completed in 1984 at a cost of $300,000AUD.

1984

In 1984, Mr. Hagan retired from the role of Managing Director having led
the development of the company for more than 40 years. He was replaced by Mr Bronte Edwards.

1991

Woodfast Machinery occupies its own two acre complex which includes a large, modern factory, office and showrooms.

1995

Dale Nish is shown here demonstrating a Woodfast lathe on the Craft Supplies USA stand at the 1995 Woodworking in American Show. Organised by the American Woodworker Magazine, the Show was conducted between November 10 and 12 at Fort Washington. Philadelphia.

2004

In 2004 Woodfast Machinery Co. sold to QCR China manufacturing company the following in total:

The dsign and manufacturing rights for two woodturning lathes, Models C-1000 and M910. Also the singular word only Woodfast in horizontal font.

2014

Woodfast was registered as a trademark by Qingdao Jinling Electric Company (QCR) of Qingdao China.