Rangiora, 20th March 2025 – Sutton Tools, a global leader in cutting tool manufacturing, proudly announces the opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in Rangiora, New Zealand.
This milestone celebrates not only the company’s expanded capabilities but also honours the legacy of Jim Sutton and the resilience of the Kaiapoi team after the devastating 2022 fire.
At the opening ceremony, Managing Director Peter Sutton reflected on the momentous journey from crisis to recovery. “Just over three years ago, we lost everything overnight.
But thanks to the vision set by Jim Sutton — ‘We will rebuild’ — and the unwavering commitment of our team, we are here today,” Peter said.
The Kaiapoi facility has a history of transformation. After Sutton Tools’ acquisition of Patience & Nicholson (Evacut) in 1994, significant reinvestment turned the plant into a world-class centre, producing 15 million drill bits annually. Following the 2022 fire, the engineering team’s surviving building became the foundation for recovery. Within 36 months, 20 new machines were built, and 80% of the lost market share was regained.
Peter Sutton acknowledged the leadership of Kevin Donovan, the dedication of Glenn Morgan, Richard Frew, Robert Sutton, and the many Kaiapoi staff who supported production efforts across both sides of the Tasman.
Dedicating the new facility to Bill and Jim Sutton, Peter said, “This plant stands as an enduring legacy of resilience, teamwork, and innovation — values that define Sutton Tools.”
