About Us
It is nearly forty years since I returned from a visit to Germany with two flat-packed circular sawbenches in the back of my estate car. This was an era when most woodworking machines were heavy beasts, all being made of solid cast iron. Introducing a 12" circular sawbench with a retail price of £56.00 was to create a totally new concept in woodworking machinery from which I suffered years of light hearted abuse and ridicule relating to my 'Mickey Mouse' machines. In 1970 I began a commercial relationship with the Scheppach Company of Ichenhausen which continues to this day; Scheppach now being the market leader in its field and NMA being Scheppach's largest single customer. Last year - together with a small group of investors invited from among their best export customers - we were delighted to acquire a substantial shareholding in the Scheppach manufacturing company, thus guaranteeing consistency of supply and after sales service to the many thousands of UK Scheppach users. In spite of difficult trading conditions (especially in their home market) Scheppach continues to go from strength to strength which simultaneously strengthens our position as a major supplier in the UK. Under new ownership numerous new models have been introduced and now the bulk of the Scheppach range has been upgraded to include solid cast iron tables. Earlier this year (2004) Scheppach purchased the total assets of the Kity Company in France and it is anticipated that the Kity range will be added to the NMA sales portfolio from early 2005 when manufacturing of the Kity range is restored to its full capacity. This surely must be good news for UK Kity customers. NMA has also enjoyed an equally long and successful relationship with Mafell AG; one of the oldest manufacturers of quality power tools for woodworking in Germany; dating back to 1926. When once attending a woodworking exhibition a customer asked me if Mafell power tools were cheap? Informing him that they were not, the customer responded, "Good, because I cannot afford to buy cheap power tools." If you share those sentiments then you should take a look at Mafell before purchasing your next power tool. Mafell represents Germany's finest technology in the manufacture of quality power tools for woodworker. Finally, may I draw your attention to customer comments relating to our after sales service which speak for themselves. From the day I arrived home with those two flat packed sawbenches I have always believed that our success is only as good as our last customer recommendation. Browse some of the user testimonials in our catalogue. They are all genuine and speak for themselves. Whilst I have now reached the age of taking things a little easier, my heart and soul remains part of the company I established so many years ago. Today NMA is in the capable hands of my three sons; my son-in-law and a dedicated small number of staff. All have one thing in common: your satisfaction - both with the product and with the service - when buying your woodworking tools and machinery. Neil McEwen. Chairman.