For centuries farming, fruit production and viticulture (the latter operated until 1908) dominated the local economy. After 1850, livestock production and dairy farming were added to traditional agriculture. Between 1150 and 1996, Matzingen owned a mill. In 1863 a pottery plant opened. Followed, in 1866, by a spinning mill, which transformed in 1878 into a weaving factory. The connection to the Frauenfeld-Wil railroad in 1887 promoted the creation of new companies (including a furniture factory). In 1919, the cider mill of Matzingen opened, which produced in 1950 the drink "Halb-halb" (half orange juice and half cider). A workshop founded in 1948 for agricultural machinery, developed into Gehring Cut AG, which today manufactures products for the automotive and medical technology. The A1 Motorway section through Matzingen was finished in 1970. The new road allowed companies in the metal and packaging industry to settle in Matzingen. From 1965 to 2000, the population doubled.