For over 100 years, Sunnen has built a global business around delivering the highest levels of precision to our customers. Combining a robust distribution network with industry-leading technology, Sunnen integrates bore creation, sizing and finishing into one turnkey solution. Together, we’ll achieve extraordinary results.
An American Saga
In 1923, Joe Sunnen knew he was onto something. He was 22 years old and had just patented his first product, a valve lifter tool he designed while working in his brother’s auto garage. All he needed was a way to build it and a place to sell it.
He would find both in St. Louis, Missouri. Joe moved to the city with his wife, Cornelia, in 1924. Lacking the funds to open a storefront of his own, Joe got creative. He converted his 1916 Hupmobile into a camper and took his business on the road. As he visited garages and job shops across the region, Joe’s tool sold itself.
The success of Joe’s first tool spurred him to design another and another after that. In 1928, he designed the first manual cylinder hone, firmly planting Sunnen’s roots in precision
100 Years of History
Did you know that Sunnen has been around for nearly a century, or that we are a global company with facilities in 15 countries spanning all corners of the world? Or that in addition to honing equipment we also manufacture a full line of machines and tools for deep hole drilling and skiving/roller burnishing?
Scroll Down Memory Lane
In 2024, Sunnen celebrates a century of innovation. We wouldn’t be the organization we are today without countless people, partners and products — revisit moments of impact on our anniversary timeline.
Joe Sunnen
Prior to his retirement, Joe Sunnen posed for this portrait holding his first invention, an adjustable valve lifter hand tool for working on flathead automobile engines.
The Inception of Sunnen
The Sunnen story began with an idea. Joe Sunnen, a hopeful inventor, created the adjustable valve lifter tool while working at his brother’s auto garage. Though only 22 years old, Sunnen quickly made a decision that changed his life.
A 1916 Hupmobile touring car was outfitted with a sleeping compartment so Joe Sunnen and his wife, Cornelia (pictured) could inexpensively travel the Midwest selling his new invention, the adjustable valve lifter hand tool.
Industries We Serve
Whether you’re manufacturing multimillion dollar aerospace equipment or refinishing a single car engine, the smallest details make all the difference. Sunnen works across the most demanding industries to deliver performance where it counts.
Global Presence
Our roots are in the US, but our reach extends around the world. Manufacturers in every corner of the globe associate the Sunnen name with exceptional quality. Our regional facilities are centers of production, service and innovation as we connect with new customers and solve new challenges.
See What We're Working On
Visit us at one of our upcoming trade shows for an in-depth look at Sunnen’s complete line of machines, tooling and abrasives.