Step inside the world of a local family business with Meet the Owner. These exclusive events offer a rare behind-the-scenes tour and the chance to hear directly from the family behind the business. Learn their story, gain valuable insights, and connect with like-minded family business peers in an inspiring, relaxed setting.
Meet the Owner invites you to experience the inner workings of a family business. From touring diverse premises—be it a factory, winery, or warehouse—to engaging in an open Q&A session, this event offers a unique glimpse into the experiences of a family business. Discover the rich history, challenges, and triumphs of the host family as they share insights tailored to help other family businesses succeed. After the tour, enjoy networking with peers in the family business sector. These events foster a supportive, collaborative community, filled with learning, storytelling, and the camaraderie that defines FBA events.
Why Attend?
- Gain exclusive insights into the operations of a successful family business.
- Learn first-hand from the family behind the business about their opportunities and challenges.
- Expand your network within the FBA community and enjoy a relaxed environment for learning, sharing, and connecting.
- Find inspiration and practical ideas for your own business.
Meet the Owners of Sutton Tools
A very special Meet the Owner event hosted by one of Australia’s oldest family owned 4th generation operated businesses, Sutton Tools. Celebrate National Family Business Day 2025 with the Sutton family and team touring their facilities and learning from their business insights both here and abroad.
Made in Australia - exporting to the world.
A Family-Owned Business Providing High-Quality Cutting Tools Since 1917
Founded in 1917, Sutton Tools began as a family enterprise, manufacturing threads and gauges, and over time has expanded its expertise into a broader portfolio of cutting tools. Today, Sutton Tools remains an Australian family business that is renowned for its high-quality power tool accessories and cutting tools for the hardware market and a wide range of specialised industrial applications.
Sutton Tools manufactures cutting tools at two sites across Victoria, both for the domestic market and for export. The bulk of general production occurs at their head office site at Thomastown, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with more specialised operations centred at their Maryborough facility. They also have overseas production plants in Auckland, New Zealand, and in the Netherlands.
Utilising Advanced European Steel and Cutting-Edge Technology for Superior Tool Production
Sutton Tool’s state-of-the-art production processes begin with raw material preparation. High-speed steel is imported from France and Austria, as Sutton Tools has found the quality of this European-manufactured steel is superior to raw material sourced from Asia. This steel is processed to workable length & diameter, then turned, using computer controlled machines that are able to complete a number of turning operations in a single manufacturing stage.
While Sutton Tools supplies tools to a broad spectrum of industries – including general manufacturing, electronic manufacturing, automotive, medical, mining and power generation – most advancement in material technology it experiences are occurring in the aerospace, defence and oil/gas industries. The development of so-called ‘super alloys’ for these sectors is constantly pushing material performance boundaries. However, the tougher these materials become, the tougher the tools need to be to work the new generation of alloys.
Don’t Miss Out!
Places are strictly limited, so book your ticket today! Learn more about their family business story and gain insights that could benefit your own family business. We hope to see you there!
Please contact the FBA Office on 1800 249 357 if you have any questions or require assistance with your registration.
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