Sutton Tools

A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Community

“Sutton Tools has been around since 1917,” Glenn explains. “We manufacture drill bits, cutting tools as well as the machinery that makes these tools. The business started off in Australia, but they wanted to expand into New Zealand. They chose Kaiapoi because of the small community and good skill-based people who were already in the area. We slowly expanded over the years, until the fire which essentially wiped out our entire manufacturing plant.”

Why Rangiora?

Choosing Rangiora for their new home was a natural step says Glenn. “The skilled workforce, proximity to infrastructure like the international airport, and support from the Waimakariri District Council were major factors.”

The shift from Kaiapoi, which had become increasingly residential, also provided the space and zoning needed for industrial operations.

A Facility Built for the Future

Sustainability and efficiency are at the heart of the new site’s design. “We have EV charging stations, smart lighting—timing and motion sensors,” says Richard. “We have installed solar that produces 273 kilowatts of power. We’re hoping that will be enough to run our entire office and heating. When we’re not running on the weekends it goes back into the grid.”

Glenn elaborates, “We used to burn $70,000 diesel a year to try and heat our Kaiapoi facility but it had no insulation. That’s why we went for this modern panelling. It’s fireproof and provides insulation. It’s on the walls and in the ceiling so it’s really easy to control the temperatures.”

The building itself is constructed with fireproof, insulated panelling for efficient temperature control, a significant improvement from their previous facility. Advanced HVAC systems recycle air through electrostatic filters, ensuring clean and fresh circulation. Stormwater management is equally innovative, featuring a catchment area, rain garden, and evaporation systems to handle runoff responsibly.

Future-Proofing for Growth

The Rangiora site is designed with adaptability in mind. “We’ve created a facility that will allow us to continue to expand in the future,” Brian explains. “We’re open plan manufacturing with lean management practices, so we’re designing spaces that are built for purpose now, but also adaptable in the future.”

A Boost for North Canterbury

Sutton Tools’ presence will bolster the local economy, not only through direct employment but also by supporting local contractors and businesses. Glenn highlights partnerships with Rangiora-based companies, including transport services, suppliers, and trades.

“We will continue to employ people as we grow,” says Glenn. “We expect to hire another 10 people in the next 12 months. We may have up to 100 people here eventually which will help the local economy. We will continue to work with local contractors and businesses like Transport Rangiora, Mitre 10 and  Redpaths.”

A Vision for a Thriving Hub

The new Rangiora Business Hub, home to Sutton Tools, has potential beyond their own operations. Richard envisions it as a magnet for engineering, manufacturing, construction, and service-based industries. “We work with a lot of engineering companies that we think would be great here. Manufacturing, construction and other service-based businesses would thrive here too.”

Advice for Businesses Considering North Canterbury

“There’s a real sense of community here and the pool of talent is great,” says Glenn. “For us, being here is a no-brainer. We don’t think it’ll take long for others to see this either.”

Sutton Tools’ new facility is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of resilience, innovation, and a deep connection to the North Canterbury community.