Since its incorporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. has continued to explore new Business opportunities to meet the changing needs of customers and society. The first step was expansion into the production of ammonia and related basic industrial chemicals in the 1930's by making the best use of fertilizer byproducts.

In 1944, Sumitomo Chemical acquired Japan Dyestuff Manufacturing Company, setting up a base for its specialty chemicals businesses such as dyestuffs, agricultural chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

In the mid-1950's Japan's economic development brought about the need to develop a competitive petrochemical industry in the nation. Sumitomo chemical began petrochemical operations in 1958 by establishing one of Japan's first petrochemical complexes in Ehime prefecture. Successfully expanding this business, the Company set up its second petrochemical complex in Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo, in 1965,with integrated, large-scale operation. Sumitomo Chemical thus developed into a full-fledged chemical company providing a broad range of chemical products. The Company took initiative in helping the Japanese chemical industry to grow into a pillar sector that supported the rapid economic growth in Japan from the mid-1960's to the mid-1970's.

Entering the 1980's, Sumitomo Chemical enhanced its efforts to gain world-class competitiveness. The Company's petrochemical operations were all consolidated in Chiba to achieve more integrated and efficient product development and manufacturing operations. The Company also joined the Petrochemical Complex in Singapore, a Japan-Singapore economic co-operation project, where the company continues to play a leading role. The operation started in1984 and has become the Company's stronghold for overseas expansion. The complex doubled its production capacity in 1997 under its second phase expansion project to meet growing demand in Asia. Given today's high cost of naphtha, it is crucial for petrochemical operations to secure supplies of low-cost feedstock to maintain cost competitiveness. In Saudi Arabia, the world-scale refining and petrochemical complex built in partnership with Saudi Aramco started operation in 2009.

Also epitomizing Sumitomo Chemical's efforts to achieve world-class competitiveness are its specialty chemicals businesses. As for agricultural chemicals, Sumitomo Chemical supplies proprietary products from Japan to customers in over 100 countries. The Company also has overseas affiliates such as Valent U.S.A. Corporation and Philagro France.

On account of the growing popularity of liquid crystal panels the Company has fortified its IT-related chemicals operations in Asia by expanding its production facilities in Korea, Taiwan and China. To gain greater efficiency and flexibility, Sumitomo Chemical consolidated its pharmaceutical operations with the pharmaceutical division of Inabata & Co., Ltd., an affiliated trading company, forming Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. in 1984. This company strives to develop new products and technologies through international alliances and cooperation with companies and institutions around the world.

In 2005, Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals and Dainippon Pharmaceuticals merged to form Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma (DSP). As one of the core companies in the Sumitomo Chemical Group, DSP possesses the capability to meet needs for a broad range of medical treatments.

One of the philosophies of Sumitomo Chemical is to live and prosper in harmony with society. This philosophy is reflected in the Company's long-term commitment to safety, health and the environment. Since its inception, Sumitomo Chemical has endeavored to ensure safety and minimize the impact of its operations on public health and the environment. The Company has achieved this by developing efficient production processes, implementing stringent safety and pollution control measures, and promoting g1obal environmental protection. Growing globally and acting responsibly, Sumitomo Chemical will continue to provide high-quality, innovative products and create more value for customers worldwide.