www.engineeringnews.co.nz 61 included sweeping the factory floors. Apart from being a master craftsman, Henry was gifted with business acumen and was guided by sound and prudent management principles. He recognised that a successful and growing business depended on being a market leader and firmly believed in the principle of ‘survival of the fittest’. He clearly understood the value of profitability to business growth and took pride in the fact that no month ever reflected a trading deficit. Innovation key to growth Similarly to many companies of today, Henry firmly believed that updating to the latest techniques and materials technology would keep the flourishing business ahead of the competition. As a result, he was always keenly tuned to the latest developments in new manufacturing techniques. New ideas and techniques were actively explored and better, more efficient processes supported the production of better tools. Innovation and technology continues to drive the company’s growth and development as it commences its second century. By 1940 Henry, George Sutton and Leslie Sutton became managing directors, continuing the focus on core values and strategy that resulted in ever increasing sales. While the original Sutton company had begun by manufacturing threads and gauges, it progressively expanded its expertise into a broader portfolio of cutting tools, addressing the needs of diverse industrial applications. By 1959, the company had outgrown its location and expanded into a 4,180 square metre factory in the northern suburb of Thomastown. Sutton’s investment in quality, research, technology and product development has enabled 100 years of innovation with a number of industry-first solutions. Typical of this approach was a worldwide investigation undertaken in 1960 to adopt the best method of producing the finest drill in the world. A team of Sutton engineers was assigned the task and headed overseas, returning to Australia armed with a “ground-from-solid” manufacturing process which would become best practice globally for premium drill production. The result of adopting this process was a new generation drill which was marketed under the name of the “Silver Bullet” which remains to this day as one of Sutton’s flagship products. By 1970 it was time for the third generation of Suttons, Bill and Jim, to consolidate and extend Sutton Tools’ position as market leader by following the business’ core commitment to quality, innovation and persistence. Growth through acquisitions Until this time, coated tools sold in Australia had to be imported and in 1989 the company purchased the business of Surface Technology Coatings, enabling Sutton Tools to offer a high quality Australian product at a competitive price. The fourth Sutton generation, Peter and Robert, joined the family business in the 1990s where their combined experience and passion in cutting tools continued the tradition of positioning the company as an Australian champion in manufacturing. The company began to focus on strategic expansion into export markets which resulted in the acquisition in 1994 of Patience & Nicholson in New Zealand, followed in 2001 by the acquisition of Patience & Nicholson Australia. By 2006 the company’s export drive had gathered pace and in that year Sutton Tools sold its five millionth drill bit to Germany. So successful was the company’s export initiative into key European markets that in 2009, Sutton Tools Europe was established with an office and warehouse base in the Netherlands. The family owned company, has always been a champion of Australian manufacturing. In 2008 Sutton Tools received the official accreditation by the Australian Made Campaign. With quality the cornerstone of the company, the last 23 years has seen production of Sutton 1930 1967
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