Thread: Sutton tool history

HI ALL,
I had just been Reading the Thread Posted by 'Welder' on the Thompson's Foundry. When I came across the fact that William Henry Sutton (Sutton Tools) opened a Tool Room there in 1912. Rather than Post the Links in the Thompson Foundry Thread I opted to start a new Thead.

THE HISTORY OF SUTTON TOOLS

With the commitment to excellence and innovation Sutton Tools has earned the brand a reputation for delivering world class cutting tools, quality and value across the entire cutting tools’ category. With over 95 years successfully manufacturing in Australia, Sutton Tools truly are the cutting tool experts.

In celebrating 95 years of serving Australians we thought we’d share some of the key milestones in the brand’s long history.

It all started in 1912 when William Henry Sutton, a British immigrant, opened a tool room at Thompson’s Foundry at Castlemaine, more than 80 miles northwest from Melbourne. W. Henry Sutton was recognised as one of its leading tool engineers before his departure from the shores of England.

At end of World War I, in 1917, W. Henry Sutton established the Sutton Tools and Gauge Manufacturing Co. at Plant Street Westgarth, Victoria. This was the start to an iconic Australian family tradition, manufacturing cutting tools as a wholesale distribution operation.

With the original factory in Plant Street “bursting at the seams” and more and more orders pouring in, Sutton Tools moved to a 13,000 square foot factory in 1933 in High Street, Northcote.

Though he was a superb craftsman, W. Henry Sutton realised that new ideas and techniques could assist in producing better tools, and he was never afraid of dispensing with his own if he thought it an improvement.

This acceptance by W. Henry Sutton, to learn and improve on new ideas and techniques in the highly specialised field of tool making was still closely followed by his sons. In 1940 both sons of W. Henry, Henry George Sutton and Leslie Sutton became managing directors of the business whilst William Henry continued to take an active interest until his death.

The demand for high quality tools made by Sutton’s continued, and to meet with increasing sales the firm opened another 45,000 square foot factory in the suburb of Thomastown in 1959.

In 1960 a team of engineers were sent across the globe to investigate the best method of producing the finest drill in the world. The method chosen was “Ground-from-Solid” where every part of the drill is ground from a solid heat treated high speed steel blank, the only method to produce drills which would match the quality and accuracy of the other products manufactured by the company. This new generation drill, marketed under the name of the “Silver Bullet”, joined the existing endmill and tap range all produced by this method.

During this time, Sutton Tools purchased and installed specially equipped machinery for the manufacture of drills, and was considered to have state of the art machinery and one of the most modern facilities in the world.

In 1970 Sutton acquired an adjoining factory in Thomastown which made it possible to transfer the remaining production units from Northcote. The Northcote building became surplus to the company’s needs. Hence was auctioned March 24th, 1970.

Whilst the previous generations worked to provide a solid platform for business growth, the third generation Suttons, Bill and Jim, consolidated and extended Sutton Tools’ position in the market, through their absolute commitment to quality, innovation and persistence.

In 1989 Sutton Tools purchased Surface Technology Coatings. Previously any coated tools sold in Australia were imported.

From 1993, Sutton focused on strategic expansion into Export markets.

During the 1990’s day to day running of the company was been handed over to the 4th generation: Peter and Robert Sutton. Having both gained hands on experience in the production of their wares, Peter now leads the manufacturing team whilst Robert leads the sales and marketing teams. Their combined experience and passion in cutting tools has positioned Sutton Tools as Australian champion in manufacturing.

Sutton Tools continuously aggressive investment policy, market focused product development and disciplined distribution has translated into steadily increasing sales in Europe and Asia. In 2000 Sutton opened its Singapore office and distribution centre; in 2006 Sutton sold its 5 millionth drill bit to Germany; in 2010 Sutton established its Europe office and distribution centre. Both Asia and Europe are the destination of ongoing investment in for the company.

Of course, after a proud history it’s always tempting to keep looking to the past. However, it is just as important, if not more so, to look to the future. Sutton Tools has consistently evolved to keep pace with rapidly changing market.

Our vision is to be recognised as a global industry leader, consistently providing best value to our customers by bringing to market innovative and productive solutions.



Sutton Tools History

Some Pictures here Digital Collections - Pictures - Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. Sutton Tools employee attending metal lathe, Clifton Hill, Melbourne, 1960, 1 [picture], Scroll forward with the arrow to get to each Pic (six pictures).

One Picture Here Digital Collections - Pictures - Sievers, Wolfgang, 1913-2007. Women tool and die makers at Sutton Tools, Melbourne, 1960, 2 [picture]

Interesting, thanks.
Also thanks for the link to the shaper the other day, I think. I now have less room in my already over crowded shed, LOL

Dave

HI Dave,
You're welcome on the Link to the Shaper. So the Surfacer Grinder is not big enough, OK then I will keep an eye out for a Bigger one.