Somta Tools specialises in the design and manufacture of standard and custom tools for the industrial and “do it yourself” markets. Product categories can be summarised as drills, cutters, reamers, threading tools and toolbits, which are made in a wide range of sizes, using various materials (HSS and Solid Carbide) and Balzers PVD surface coatings to extend wear life.

The factory in Pietermaritzburg manufactures 7 000 standard items and a further 3 000 made-to-order items to serve local markets and export markets in over 70 countries worldwide. From humble beginnings in 1954 with 20 employees, Somta has grown into one of the largest cutting tool manufacturers in the southern hemisphere, operating from offices and modern manufacturing facilities laid out over 3 hectares with a complement of over 400 employees.

The company’s vision of “To manufacture and supply superior cutting tools, driven by a culture of service excellence, to global and domestic markets” is supported by ISO 9002 which was achieved in 1991 and ISO 9001 in 2003 and 2008.