Our History

Legacy / Innovation / Excellence

The history of the KSPT Group traces back to 1951 when SGS Precision Carbide Tools was established in Akron, Ohio, initially focusing on local carbide tool bit resharpening and regrinding services. Over the years, SGS expanded its operations globally, reaching a milestone in 1969 with the manufacturing of its first Solid Carbide End Mill. Simultaneously, in Kyoto, Japan, Kyoto Ceramics Corp, Ltd. (now KYOCERA Corp.) was founded in 1959, specializing in fine ceramics. The expansion continued, with KYOCERA establishing its cutting tool business in 1971 and expanding globally, including North America in 1977.

In 2016, KYOCERA strategically acquired SGS Tool Company, Hardcoating Technologies, SGS Medical Division, and SGS UK Division, bringing them together under the umbrella of the KSPT (KYOCERA SGS Precision Tools) Group. The journey culminated in 2021 when KYOCERA Precision Tools Inc. (KPTI) and KSPT merged, forming the new KSPT Group. This consolidated entity represents decades of innovation, strategic mergers, and a commitment to excellence in precision tools and cutting-edge technology. The KSPT Group has emerged as a formidable force in the industry, combining the expertise and heritage of its founding companies to lead the way in the world of precision tools.

1951

SGS Precision Carbide Tools Established in Akron, OH as a local carbide tool bit resharpening and regrinding company.

1959

Kyoto Ceramics Corp, Ltd. (Now KYOCERA Corp.) founded in Kyoto, JP as a company specializing in fine ceramics.

1964

SGS moves to a larger building in Springfield Township, OH.

1969

SGS manufactures its first Solid Carbide End Mill.

1971

KYOCERA establishes cutting tool business, focused on high-speed machining of ceramic tools.

1977

KYOCERA establishes North American Cutting Tool business through KYOCERA International Inc. in San Diego, CA. The business transfers to KYOCERA Industrial Ceramics Corp (KICC) in Hendersonville, North Carolina later.

1986

SGS Carbide Tool (UK) Ltd established in Camberley, Surrey England, launching a sales office, warehouse, and grinding shop serving the European market.

1996

HardCoating Technologies, Ltd. is established to provide coating needs for carbide tools and other industrial components.

2001

KYOCERA Tycom Corporation (KTC) is established through the acquisition of Tycom Corporation, a producer of carbide cutting tools for the printed circuit board (PCB) industry.

2007

KYOCERA acquires On Time Machining (OTM), a manufacturer of indexable tool holders in Wapakoneta, OH. This facility becomes part of the KICC Cutting Tool Division.

2009

SGS Medical Division is established through the acquisition of Oak View Tooling in Warsaw, IN. The company specializes in manufacturing surgical cutting devices and orthopedic tools for the medical market.

2014

KICC Cutting Tool Division merges with KTC to create KYOCERA Precision Tools Inc. (KPTI), marketing indexable, micro-tools, and PCB tools to the North American market.

2015

SGS expands the end mill operation by building a 75k square foot facility on its 20-acre campus in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

2016

KYOCERA acquires SGS Tool Company, Hardcoating Technologies, SGS Medical Division, and SGS UK Division forming the KSPT Group.

2021

KPTI and KSPT are merged to form the new KSPT Group