Making every shape and form
with the world's leading technology
Sumitomo Electric began researching cemented carbides 100 years ago, and since then has focused on the development of new materials and techniques for manufacturing innovative cutting tools.
Our business is based on a genuine passion and a wealth of know-how
Sumitomo Electric has its origins in the copper refining business of the Sumitomo family, which has a 400-year history. It later evolved into the development of copper mines, and the business of processing the copper mined there into bars, plates, and other materials began, leading to the diversification of the company's business.
Our cutting tool development is a consequence of the wire drawing technology and experience cultivated at Sumitomo Copper Rolling Works , which was established in 1897.
History of Sumitomo Group
Go to the Sumitomo Group Public Affairs Committee website
History of Sumitomo Electric Group
Go to the Sumitomo Electric Industries website
As part of Japanese global company group
We work closely with Sumitomo Electric Industries, our parent company in Japan to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability, and are always looking for better ways to enhance our capabilities.
Key facts of our parent company (as of March 2025)
| Company name | Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. |
| Established | April 1897 |
| Head Office | Osaka, Japan |
| Employees | 290,000 in 40 countries |
| Capital Stock | 667 million USD |
| Net Sales | 31.2 billion USD |
| R&D Expenses | 1.0 billion USD |
Our cutting tools business worldwide
We develop, manufacture, and supply a wide range of cutting tools, including cemented carbide, CBN, and sintered diamond, as well as optical components for laser processing machines.
How we evolved our business
| 1927 | Sumitomo Wire Works (‘Sumitomo Electric’ today) began researching cemented carbides |
| 1928 | Succeed in making a cemented carbide wire and cable drawing dies. |
| 1931 | Started production and sale of cemented carbide cutting tools began under the Igetalloy brand. |
| 1977 | Started to manufacture and sell sintered CBN cutting tools under the brand name of "SUMIBORON ». |
| 1978 | Started to manufacture and sell sintered Diamond tools under the brand name of "SUMIDIA". |
| 1994 | Started to manufacture and sell optical lenses for laser processing. |
Our company group in Europe
Our European headquarters in Willich near Düsseldorf oversees sales, logistics, and marketing for Europe and Africa. We guarantee our customers competent technical advice from highly qualified consultants and application engineers. Our European production sites are located in southern Germany (Lauchheim) and the Czech Republic (Jihlava).
Additionally, we have the European Design and Engineering Center (E-DEC) based in Laughheim. We have a 2,000-square-meter area for presentations, seminars, and conferences to provide theory-based training and practical machine demonstrations.
Directly on the machines within the presentation center, customers can machine workpieces, optimize production processes, and evaluate and verify the expertise gained. We provide comprehensive solutions to customers, enabling them to successfully transform their own production lines.
European Headquarters
| Company name | Sumitomo Electric Hartmetall GmbH (SHG) |
| Established | May 26, 1981 |
| Head Office | Willich near Düsseldorf, Germany |
| Employees | 195 |
| Function | Sales, production, research & development, logistics, administration for EMEA |
