[Rangiora, 20th March 2025] – Sutton Tools, a multi-generational family business and a world class cutting tool manufacturer, proudly announces the opening of its new state-of-the-art factory in Rangiora, New Zealand. This milestone event not only marks a significant expansion in the company’s manufacturing capabilities but also serves as a tribute to the remarkable legacy of Jim Sutton and the resilience of the Kaiapoi team following the devastating 2022 fire.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Peter Sutton welcomed distinguished guests, including shareholders, board members, government officials, overseas visitors, employees — past and present — suppliers, and customers. “Just over three years ago, we faced one of the most significant events in Sutton Tools’ 108-year history. At around 5 a.m. on a Sunday morning, I received the call — ‘We have had a fire.’ At first, I assumed it was a small, contained incident, but it took time for me to comprehend that everything had been lost.”

The fire at the Kaiapoi factory threatened the company’s survival, as it was producing over 80,000 drills per day and accounted for approximately 30% of the group’s turnover. However, after an emergency board meeting and a review of insurance coverage, the path forward became clear. “Jim Sutton set the direction — ‘We will rebuild.’ And from that point, while still uncertain of our future, we started,” Peter Sutton recounted.

This was not the first time the Kaiapoi plant had faced a transformation. When Sutton Tools acquired Patience & Nicholson (Evacut) in 1994, the facility was struggling due to years of underinvestment. However, Bill and Jim Sutton saw the potential for innovation and reinvestment, turning the factory into a world-class drill manufacturing center that would produce 15 million drill bits annually and even design and build its own machinery.

When the fire struck in 2022, the engineering team’s building remained intact, allowing the company to begin rebuilding immediately. Over the next 36 months, 20 new machines were produced, helping Sutton Tools regain 80% of lost market share. “The commitment from Jim, the shareholders, and the board was the call to action we needed. Messages of support flooded in from around the world — including from our competitors, a testament to how highly Sutton Tools is regarded globally,” Peter Sutton said.

Acknowledging key contributors to the rebuild, he praised Kevin Donovan for his leadership amid New Zealand’s pandemic-related border closures, Glenn Morgan and Richard Frew for their unwavering belief and meticulous execution, and Robert Sutton for securing product sources during the recovery. He also thanked the logistics team, the 19 Kaiapoi staff who traveled to Australia to assist in production, and the leadership teams for their dedication.

As the factory doors officially open, Peter & Robert Sutton dedicated the facility to Bill and Jim Sutton, recognizing their passion for the New Zealand operation. “Jim was a great supporter of this factory, and in the last three years, I was fortunate to have his direct counsel. It gives me comfort that he was able to see the realization of what we started three years ago, for which he had great pride.”

The new facility stands as a testament to resilience, teamwork, and innovation—values that define Sutton Tools. “This plant will remain an enduring legacy of those who have contributed to building it. Thank you all for being part of this journey.”