Sumitomo Acquires Luftex Gears

Sumitomo Machinery Corp. of America (SMA), one of the nation’s leading industrial gearbox manufacturers, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Luftex Gears, Manufacturing & Services, headquartered in Lufkin, Texas. This represents the first domestic acquisition for Sumitomo Machinery Corp. of America since its creation in 1966.

SMA, also known under the Sumitomo Drive Technologies brand, has expanded significantly in 2019 with the 100,000 square feet addition to their Chesapeake Headquarters and the opening of their west coast Product Support facility (Corona, CA). These expansions follow the company’s 2018 opening of their Gearbox (GB) Center of Excellence (Verona, VA) to meet the increased demand for their Paramax and P4 heavy-duty industrial gearboxes. In 2019, SMA’s parent company, 

Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI), has also acquired Lafert Group (San Dona di Piave, Italy) and Invertek Drives, Ltd (Welshpool, United Kingdom).

Luftex Gears, Manufacturing & Services offers a full-line of aftermarket repairs and services for all brands of industrial gearboxes. The acquisition of this company will enhance Sumitomo’s gear manufacturing, repair, and service capabilities throughout their regions in the Western Hemisphere.

“This is a great brand to bring into the SMA portfolio and offers us increased growth potential in all the markets we serve. The Luftex employees, their devoted work ethic, and their aftermarket expertise, fit nicely with our long term plan. Sumitomo provides brand recognition, a global presence, and the stability needed for long term growth,” quoted James D. Solomon, CEO of SMA. “Luftex Gears, Manufacturing & Services strengthens our connection to the customer after product is shipped. This relationship will provide customers with a great product backed by excellent service and repairs to maximize the life cycle of their investment.”