Company Profile

Sumitomo Drive Technologies is a globally recognized leader in power transmission and controls, rooted in a 1939 partnership that followed the invention of the Cyclo® reducer in 1925. As a key division of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., whose origins trace back to 1691, it continues to grow through strategic acquisitions and global integration, delivering advanced technologies for evolving industrial needs.

Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. began in 1691 as Izumi-ya with copper mining and expanded into equipment manufacturing by 1888. After several name changes, it became Sumitomo Machinery Co., Ltd. in 1934. The 1969 merger with Uraga Heavy Industries formed Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., which today focuses on innovation in manufacturing and advanced technologies such as power transmission, precision control, semiconductors, and plastics machinery.

Sumitomo Drive Technologies, a division of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., was shaped by the 1925 invention of the Cyclo® reducer by German inventor Lorenz Braren. This breakthrough led to a 1939 strategic alliance, establishing the company as a leader in power transmission technology.

Since unifying 30 subsidiaries under the Sumitomo Drive Technologies brand in 2003, the company has expanded globally. Key acquisitions like Lafert Group and Invertek Drives have broadened its portfolio to include electrical motors and advanced control systems. Committed to innovation and excellence, Sumitomo Drive Technologies delivers reliable, cutting-edge drive solutions to meet evolving industrial challenges worldwide.

History of Sumitomo Drive Technologies

1888 - 1940

  • 1888: Established a construction operation at the Besshi Copper Mine in Japan.
  • 1911: Started production of the 3.7kW DC motor used at the Besshi Copper Mine.
  • 1925: Mr. Lorenz Braren invented the first Cyclo reducer mechanism in Germany.
  • 1931: Established Cyclo GmbH (now known as Sumitomo (SHI) Cyclo Drive Germany GmbH) in Munich, Germany and started production of the Cyclo Reducer.
  • 1938: License agreement between Cyclo GmbH and Sumitomo.
  • 1939: Began domestic production of the Cyclo reducer manufactured in Niihama Works, Japan. Niihama produced the first domestic aircraft.

1941 - 1990

  • 1952: Collaborated with Liechtenstein - HIVAG, beginning the production of the Beier Variator; a variable speed reducer drive.
  • 1961: Opened the Nagoya Manufacturing Plant in Obu, Japan.
  • 1966: Established Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America in Carlstadt, New Jersey, USA.
  • 1973: Partnered with Hansen Transmissions International SA of Belgium, and began production of Hansen Patent Reducer (HP II Series).
  • 1976: Established Sumitomo (SHI) Cyclo Drive Germany GmbH in Munich, Germany.
  • 1984: Founded SM Cyclo of Canada, Ltd. in Toronto, Canada.
  • 1984: Launched the Cyclo reducer mechanism for precision control.
  • 1988: Launched the Hyponic reducer.

1991 - 2000

  • 1992: Launched the Paramax reducer.
  • 1993: Established a manufacturing factory in Kurashiki, Japan.
  • 1993: Launched the Altax reducer.
  • 1993: Founded SM Cyclo de Mexico, SA de CV in Monterrey, Mexico.
  • 1994: Established Sumitomo Heavy Industries Cyclo Drive (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (Now known as Sumitomo Heavy Industries Cyclo Drive (China) Co., Ltd.) in Tianjin, China.
  • 1996: Established Sumitomo (SHI) Cyclo Drive Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. in Singapore.
  • 1997: Established Sumitomo (SHI) Cyclo Drive Korea, Ltd. in Seoul, South Korea.

2001 - 2010

  • 2003: Cyclo reducer production reached 10 million units.
  • 2003: Introduced "Sumitomo Drive Technologies" as a global brand.
  • 2005: Established Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Vietnam) Co, Ltd. in Hanoi, Vietnam.
  • 2006: SEISA Gear, Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary (now known as Sumitomo Heavy Industries Gearbox Co., Ltd.).
  • 2008: Established Sumitomo Heavy Industries (Tangshan) Ltd. in Tangshan, China.
  • 2008: Launched the Prest NEO gearmotor.
  • 2010: Established Sumitomo Industrias Pesadas do Brasil Ltda. in Brazil.

2011 - Present

  • 2011: Hansen Industrial Transmissions NV in Belgium became a wholly-owned subsidiary.
  • 2011: Established Sumitomo Heavy Industries Gearmotor Co., Ltd.
  • 2017: Integrated the gearbox business divisions of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Gearbox Co., Ltd and Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. PTC.
  • 2018: Lafert Group of Italy became a wholly-owned subsidiary.

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