Council & Business
26 July, 2024
Sutton Tools seeks to strengthen local workforce amid multi-million upgrade
After investing nearly $5 million dollars in acquiring advanced machinery for its facility, a local manufacturer is seeking another significant asset - beyond the oil and grease, the company is also looking to strengthen its staff numbers.
Since the early 2000s, Sutton Tools has been among the top employers in Maryborough, but like most businesses in town, it is now struggling to retain and attract new staff members to work in the factory.
However, instead of looking at the current shortage as a hindrance, managing director Peter Sutton believes it is an opportunity to hire fresh talent.
“We’re looking to get, over the next 12 months, around a dozen people,” he said.
“I think it’s a great time for people to enter a modern manufacturing facility that focuses on providing local jobs.
“Working for Sutton Tools means getting the chance to participate in extensive training programs, the conditions are good, we [offer] well above award wages — it’s a career path with upskilling in-built into it.”
The new state-of-the-art technology for drill-making, recently installed at Sutton Tools at a cost of $4.5 million, will do more than just improve the business’ offerings.
It will also play a role in securing required employees.
“With the manufacturing industry, a prevalent theme is that it’s not a great field and we’re trying to change that view,” Mr Sutton said.
“We want to dispel the historical perceptions of it being a dirty and primitive job because what we’re doing here in the plant is centred around making world-class tools.
“Now our latest machinery is elevating that and [automating] a lot of processes so it is a great time to jump on board.”
While operating without a full workforce can drain other resources and impact output, Mr Sutton said the company’s commitment to the town’s economy would not waiver.
“We are not giving up, we’ll keep trying,” he said.
“In the past we have had good success with employment and sometimes it’s more difficult but irrespective of that, we’re here for the long term.
“Once we get this new equipment up and running to its maximum potential, that in itself will increase the longevity of the plant — and I think that will make it attractive to people seeking a career in manufacturing.”
Currently, Sutton Tools employs around 50 local people, and according to the company’s operations manager Mark Williams, everyone in the team is proud of their involvement.
“Within the facility, whether it be traineeship, engineering, or operational work, there are a range of opportunities for growth within an individual,” he said.
“As a business we have key performance indicators, but for our people we have KPIs — keep people involved, keep people inspired and keep people informed.
“As a team this promotes a healthy work environment and [adds to] pride in our part in the [company].
“Our future is driven by enabling makers to build their best.”