The Best of Linemaster: A Legacy of Reliability and Innovation

From Necessity to Industry Standard

In 1937, Albert Simmonds founded the Simonds Machine Company in Southbridge, Massachusetts. He recognized that operators needed a way to keep their hands free while running equipment, which led to the creation of a reliable and easy to use foot switch. That simple need became the foundation for Linemaster.

By 1952, Simmonds had become president of Linemaster and led the company until his passing in 1966. His wife, Nancy Blakely, continue his vision as CEO and Treasurer until 2002, ensuring the business stayed focused on reliability and service. That same year, Joseph J. Carlone became the new owner, guiding Linemaster into its next chapter.

Growth and Global Reach

Linemaster remains headquartered on its 91 acre property in Woodstock, Connecticut, where the facility has expanded to more than 50,000 square feet. Today, the company produces more than 200 standard catalog models that cover light duty to heavy duty applications. These products are found worldwide in medical, industrial, and commercial systems where dependability is critical.

Certified Quality and Standards

Operating under ISO 13485, the internationally recognized medical device standard, Linemaster continues to demonstrate its commitment to consistency and compliance. This certification represents rigorous processes and accountability, giving customers confidence that their foot switches are built to the same standards as the lifesaving equipment they support. 

Engineering and Prototyping Excellence  

One of Linemaster’s key strengths is its structured prototyping process. Every project moves through stages such as discovery, design, functional prototypes, pilot runs, and final production. This process ensures alignment with customer needs, prevents costly delays, and validates performance before a product reaches full release.

Built for Real World Conditions

Products are engineered with their environments in mind. Ingress Protection ratings confirm how well each switch withstands exposure to dust, dirt, and liquids. From operating rooms and laboratory benches to factory floors exposed to washdowns, Linemaster designs switches that perform reliably in challenging conditions.

Precision at Every Level 

Attention to detail is evident down to the microswitches inside each foot switch. These small components provide rapid snap action, consistent response, and millions of reliable cycles. This level of precision translates into products that customers can trust for years of use.

Adaptability in Design

Recognizing that no two applications are alike, Linemaster offers a variety of connection methods. Whether through pre-wired options or terminals such as a quick connect, screw, wire nut, or solder, the design can be integrated into unique systems without forcing a single approach.

Knowledge Shared Through the Learning Center

Beyond manufacturing, Linemaster supports customers by sharing technical knowledge through its Learning Center. Articles explain complex topics in a clear way, helping engineers, technicians, and buyers understand everything from IP ratings to wiring options. This commitment to education strengthens customer confidence and decision making.

Looking Ahead

The company’s mission remains the same as it has since 1952, to deliver dependable foot switches built without cutting corners. With products like the Air Seal, Atlas, and Aquiline already representing the next generation of design, Linemaster continues to evolve through smarter technologies, refined testing, and forward looking engineering.

Closing Thoughts

The best of Linemaster is more than its products. It is the story of a company that turned necessity into innovation, carried its values across generations, and built a reputation for reliability that spans the globe. It is history, quality, and trust combined, with a future that promises to deliver the same.

Date Uploaded 10/21/25