Milestones in our history
1897
Sumitomo Copper Rolling Works founded
Sumitomo Copper Rolling Works, which formed the basis of Sumitomo Electric Wire and Cable Works, the predecessor to Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., was established in 1897. The nation was experiencing a severe recession as a reaction to an entrepreneurial boom following the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). In the wake of Sumitomo's acquisition of Japan Copper Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in March of this year, Sumitomo Copper Rolling Works was established.
1911
Sumitomo Electric Wire and Cable Works established
Despite the remarkable development of the electric power business, the nation was still relied on imports for high-grade goods, and its technologies were immature. Lamenting the situation, Kankichi Yukawa, Director and Manager of Sumitomo Head Office, decided to further accelerate the electrical wire business to benefit both Sumitomo and the nation. In the fall of that year, Sumitomo Electric succeeded in the practical application of lead-coated power cables for the first time in Japan, demonstrating a further leap in technology. These cables were used for power transmission from Kyoto Dento's thermal power plant in Fushimi to Kyoto City.
1927
Started researching cemented carbide
1981
Sumiden Hartmetall GmbH was founded
On 26 May 1981 the company started with 6 employees in Erkrath in North Rhine-Westphalia.
1982
Produced one of the world's largest synthetic monocrystal diamonds (1.2 carats)
1984
Foundation of Sumiden Hardmetal Ltd. in the United Kingdom
1985
Foundation of SUMITOMO ELECTRIC Hartmetall GmbH - Succursale France in Evry, France.
1986
Move from Erkrath to Willich
In 1986, the company moved from Erkrath into the newly constructed building at Siemensring 84 in Willich, also in North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition, the company name changed to Sumitomo Electric Hartmetall GmbH.
1989
Sumitomo Electric Hartmetallfabrik GmbH in Lauchheim was founded
In 1989 the Sumitomo Electric Hartmetallfabrik GmbH was founded in Lauchheim, Baden-Württemberg. The German tool factory produces drilling tools, SUMIBORON (CBN) and SUMIDIA (PCD) cutting tools as standard and special tools.
2004
Foundation of SUMITOMO ELECTRIC Hartmetall GmbH - Filiale Italiana in Torino, Italy
2005
Installation of an automated warehouse system in WIllich with four vertical lift systems, a fast mover rack, traditional shelves and a conveyor system
2007
Production in the Czech Republic
In 2007, Sumitomo Electric Hartmetallfabrik GmbH opened another production facility in Jihlava, Czech Republic. Here, a regrinding and coating service was established for surrounding customers.
2012
Joint Venture company in Turkey founded
Foundation of the Joint Venture company Sumi Sertmetal Ticaret ve Sanayi Limited Şirketinin in Istanbul, Turkey.
2012
European Design & Engineering Center (EDEC) founded in Lauchheim
In 2012 Sumitomo Electric Hartmetall GmbH established the European Design & Engineering Center (EDEC) based in Lauchheim. We created 2,000 square meters of presentation, training and meeting rooms to present theory-based trainings and practical machinery demonstrations.
2016
New European Headquarters in Willich
The success of the company's history and the appreciation of the previous choice of location are also reflected in the new building of the current European headquarters at Konrad-Zuse-Straße 9 in Willich in 2016.
2020
Joint Venture in Turkey becomes 100% Subsidary of Sumitomo Electric Hartmetall GmbH.
