The General brand was originally established in Drummondville, QC, Canada back in 1946. We started the business by manufacturing heavy-duty, high-quality woodworking machines, and grew that business substantially in the Canadian market over the next 40 years. We then expanded into the very competitive U.S. market and gained distribution to become a major quality brand in North America. General has always taken pride in producing better machines, better accessories, and innovative new products. We have received numerous awards from industry publications and a strong reputation in our users’ eyes.

The GENERAL INTERNATIONAL brand was launched in 1996. This line of high-quality import machinery is more than just the stock offerings from other manufacturers. In fact, most GENERAL INTERNATIONAL brand products are made to our specifications by our overseas manufacturing partners in Asia, primarily in Taiwan.

In May 2014, DMT acquired General/General International headquartered in Montreal, and with it, the General products brand name that had been established in 1946. In the world of professional and serious hobby woodworkers, one aspires to someday own a General product. General brand products are considered to be the pinnacle of quality in the woodworking and metalworking machinery industry. Made in Asia to exacting specifications, General International products are then sold and distributed through a well-established network of woodworking and metalworking machinery distributors and dealers in Canada, the U.S. and around the world, providing the company with a solid business base. In the product categories in which it participates, and within its customer base, General International enjoys a market share of 60% in Canada and 25% in the U.S.

We design and build with a “make it to last” philosophy. Wherever possible, we opt for higher-quality motors, bearings and other wearing parts. And when compared to other brands, you’ll generally notice less plastic and more steel or cast-iron on General International machines.

We work with our manufacturing partners to meet or exceed all safety standards in order to offer you some of the safest products on the market today. All of our products are safety-approved by CSA or CSA International for use everywhere in North America, or where applicable, CE approved for use in Europe. As part of our ongoing commitment to quality, each machine is inspected and approved for shipment on the factory floor by our own engineers.

Whether working wood is a pastime or a profession, we invite you to explore our complete line of products designed to help make you a better woodworker. And, if you haven’t done so already, consider putting some of our General International machinery into your shop and see what a difference General International can make for your work.