Sutton Tools new Rangiora factory Opens

An impressive facility​

I had the privilege of attending the opening of the Sutton Tools state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Southbelt, Rangiora the other day, in what was an exciting event for Suttons, for Rangiora and for the Canterbury manufacturing community.  ​

From old to new

Sutton Tools are globally famous for manufacturing precision drill bits. They have been manufacturing quality cutting tools since 1917. The impressive new Rangiora factory replaces the former Kaiapoi factory site, which was destroyed by fire in 2022 and has taken shape through a $40 million investment from the Sutton family based in Australia. With the majority of its workforce hailing from the local Waimakariri area the new facility offers a safe and up to date workspace for employees, many of whom had been working in temporary conditions since the fire.

Sustainable futureproof design

Designed with future expansion in mind, the factory is equipped with cutting-edge technology, positioning Sutton Tools ahead of many competitors. ​Sustainability has also been a key focus in the factory's design with features such as -

•  fireproof, insulated panelling for efficient temperature control which eliminates the need for 70,000 litres of diesel previously used heating the Kaiapoi site.

• a 273-kilowatt solar power system to power the office and heating systems, with excess energy fed back into the grid during weekends.
• electric vehicle charging stations
• smart lighting with motion sensors
• advanced stormwater management systems. ​

In addition to all these leading sustainable features, the factory is filled with rows of impressive machines manufacturing their world famous drill bits. Before the visit I had failed to grasp that the Rangiora Sutton team also design and manufacture all of their own CNC machinery that make the drills.

The decision to relocate to Rangiora was influenced by the area's growing industrial landscape and workforce availability. The new site, situated on the corner of Todd's and Fernside Roads, provides space for diversification and future development. The opening of this advanced manufacturing plant not only signifies Sutton Tools' resilience but also reinforces its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the local community. This is also a vote of confidence in Canterbury manufacturing. 

Our manufacturers are a resilient lot. I couldn't help coming away from the Sutton Tools opening event drawing a parallel with the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes on manufacturers on the eastern side of the city. Many were faced with repair, rebuild or relocate options. Out of the despair of the earthquake events, our manufacturers dug in and not only did they respond by getting their manufacturing operations underway again, many took the opportunity to improve their facilities and operations to become more efficient and productive to respond to changing global market place conditions.