COMACT TO ACQUIRE CHECKMATE PRECISION CUTTING TOOLS 

VANCOUVER, BC, July 29, 2026 — Comact, a global leader in high-performance OEM wood-processing technologies, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Checkmate Precision Cutting Tools, a manufacturer and service provider of bandsaws, circular saws, industrial knives, and complete saw shop solutions with operations across New Zealand and Australia.  

Upon closing, the business will continue to operate as Checkmate. Stewart Martin will continue to lead the business, supported by the existing Checkmate team across all locations. David Harris, Checkmate’s owner, will remain with the business in an advisory role to support the transition. 

“Checkmate is a significant expansion of our cutting solutions offering and a commitment to supporting Comact OEM offerings in the region.” said Dustin Norris, Vice President of Comact Cutting Solutions. “Their manufacturing, sharpening, and on-site service capabilities across New Zealand and Australia complement what we have built in North America and give customers in the region direct access to our full range of saws, disposable knives, guides, filing room equipment, and the expert service behind them. Checkmate has earned six decades of customer trust, and we intend to build on it.” 

“Our customers have relied on Checkmate for generations, and protecting that was the most important factor in this decision,” said David Harris, owner of Checkmate. “Comact strengthens this company for the long term. Our customers will see the same people, the same locations, and the same service they know, now backed by the resources and reach of a global leader in wood processing. This secures Checkmate’s future and creates new opportunities for our team and the customers we serve.”  

The acquisition builds on Comact’s growing cutting solutions platform, which combines saw, knife, and guide manufacturing with a network of service locations supporting wood processing operations across North America. Checkmate extends that model to Australasia and complements Comact’s growing installed base in the region, bringing local manufacturing, technical expertise, and responsive service to customers in New Zealand and Australia. The acquisition also complements Comact’s existing partnership with Lakeland Steel, which will continue to play an important role in supporting customers across the region.