Sutton Tools: At the cutting-edge since 1917

Boasting a legacy that spans over 100 years, Sutton Tools is a legendary Australian family business, manufacturing power tool accessories and cutting tools that are a staple in any good toolbox.

The origins of Sutton Tools began with its founder William Henry Sutton, who was already a renowned tool engineer in England before he immigrated to Australia in 1912. In 1917, William founded Sutton Tool & Gauge Manufacturing Co (ST&GM Co), which quickly became popular among local manufacturers for supplying tools that rivalled or surpassed overseas suppliers. To keep up with increasing demand, the business then moved to one of the largest factories in Northcote, Melbourne in 1933.

Following years of innovation and passion, William’s sons Henry George and Lesley Sutton took over as directors in the 1940s, continuing their father’s mission of excellence and ingenuity. ST&GM Co developed and implemented its “Ground-from-Solid” process in the 1960s, after engineers travelled across the globe to determine the best method to produce the finest drill in the world.

Now under the fourth generation of Sutton leadership, Sutton Tools continues its position as a leading manufacturer of high-quality power tool accessories and cutting tools and is regarded by high level precision engineers and everyday drill bit users.

Sutton Tools is widely known today for its signature Drill Sets – an essential tool in any workshop, industrial-scale project, or DIY. Over a century of product development and innovation, Sutton Tools has manufactured a cutting tool to meet the demands of every generation and application. Additionally, the Sutton Tools range of Taps has evolved over years of sophisticated mechanical engineering – leading to one of the largest and most accurate range of taps globally.

Currently, the majority of Sutton Tools’ manufacturing takes place in its Thomastown headquarters – a 4,000 square metre factory that opened its doors in 1959. Third generation family member, Jim Sutton stated, “the most important contribution towards our success has been huge reinvestment into research and development and manufacturing processes,” and this is evident in the extensive facilities seen today.

In 2023, the unveiling of a new SMART Centre (Supporting Manufacturing Advances, Research & Technology) ensured that research, innovation, exploration and communication remain at the heart of the manufacturing process at Sutton Tools.

Managing Director, Peter Sutton explained the many benefits seen from manufacturing in Australia over the company’s history. “Manufacturing and product development locally has allowed Sutton Tools to consistently provide quality testing and checks on a growing range of products,” Peter said.

“This has been critical to our continuous improvement of our tools in both the industrial and DIY markets. During times of supply chain difficulties, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Sutton Tools was less impacted than competitor importers, maintaining agility with production line and supplying the customer base consistently.”

“The industrial, trade and DIY markets take pride in buying Sutton Tools products primarily based on the quality of the tools, but equally because they are made in Australia. They know they are supporting local jobs whilst also understanding the quality that being Australian Made represents.”

Sutton Tools became an Australian Made licensee in 2008, as a commitment to maintain the ethos of durable, reliable, and quality-made tools, and as a commitment to the Australian people themselves. Proudly displaying the iconic green and gold kangaroo has had its advantages in both local and overseas markets, Peter said. “The Australian Made logo communicates to consumers that our products have been made to a standard that they expect and deserve for their hard-earned dollars.”

“For decades, companies from all sectors within Australia have built a global reputation for ethical and high-quality manufacturing. Compared to other international manufacturers, Australian Made products are leaps and bounds ahead, worthy of investment.”

The Sutton family is motivated by the respected legacy of William H Sutton, and recognises the importance of staying a proudly Australian business that is driven by strong values. Even the youngest members of the Sutton family are now starting to come into the factory and learn about the business, continuing the legacy of the Sutton name for generations to come.

“So much of our success comes from a dedication to local business and community,” Peter said. “Sutton Tools’ journey has cultivated a self-sustaining environment of quality, precision and innovation that extends to feed a growing global need for reliable and high-quality products.”

“Sutton Tools is proud to be Australia’s most innovative and trusted manufacturer of precision cutting tools. We’re backed by generations of hard work and research, utilised by industry professionals globally, and loved by craftspeople locally.”

Find out more at suttontools.com