Inverters are more and more commonly used in industrial situations. Sometimes they are used in very sophisticated automation systems, sometimes they perform vital safety functions on the elevator or lift that you use without even thinking about it.
Sometimes however, they are also used to simply allow one of our more traditional craftsman to use a long-used, tried-and-tested, 3-Phase handtool, saw, lathe or milling machine when relocation means no longer having a 3-Phase power source.