Understanding the
Sumitomo Chemical Story

To be able to respond to questions about what kind of a company Sumitomo Chemical is
and what we do, we are providing a detailed introduction to Sumitomo Chemical.

01

Fast Facts

The company’s history dates back over 100 years.

Sumitomo Chemical started business in 1913 as a producer of fertilizers from sulfur dioxide gas emitted by copper smelters, with the goal to both resolve an environmental problem and increase agricultural production.

There are 33,572 employees.

Each employee of Sumitomo Chemical will work to explore new possibilities every day, and overcome the challenges lying ahead with enthusiasm and a strong sense of mission.

as of March 31st, 2023

In Japan, we have a network of 12 R&D sites and production facilities.

By bringing together a variety of approaches, values, and technologies to generate new value, not limited to the field of chemistry, we will continue to boldly take on challenges ranging from ensuring that people have adequate food, clothing, and shelter, to resolving the global-scale problems of the environment, resources and energy, and food supply.

as of April 1st, 2023

Outside of Japan, we have a global network of 75 locations.

We seek to create new value through the global delivery of solutions that resolve societal issues and contribute to an improvement in the quality of life.

as of April 1st, 2023

02

Corporate Philosophy

Sumitomo Chemical formulated fundamental business principles, missions, and values as its Business Philosophy based on Sumitomo's Business Principles.

1. We commit ourselves to creating new value by building on innovation. The first states the Company's fundamental ethos. This fundamental ethos encompasses not only the achievement of concrete goals such as economic profit, but also the more abstract vision of the ideal company we aim to be.

2. We work to contribute to society through our business activities. The second states our mission; the Company's raison d'etre. This expresses our role in society, which is to provide society with useful things as a member of society. This gives meaning to our existence as a company.

3. We develop a vibrant corporate culture and continue to be a company that society can trust. The third states our values. This expresses our way of thinking in setting out to realize our mission and raison d'etre, and the drive and attitude with wich we approach them.

03

History

Sumitomo Chemical started business in 1913 as a producer of fertilizers from sulfur dioxide gas emitted by copper smelters.
This business, which solved the environmental problem of air pollution while meeting the social demand for more agricultural production, embodied the business philosophy of the Sumitomo family handed down from the 17th century.

1915

Building a Foundation as a Chemical Manufacturer

In 1913, Sumitomo Chemical got its start by producing fertilizer from harmful gas emitted in copper smelting operations.
That business helped mitigate the environmental problem caused by emissions, while also contributing to boosting agricultural productivity.

1915

The Sumitomo Fertilizer Manufactory began operations

1944

Enters fine chemicals business
Acquires Japan Dyestuff Manufacturing Company engaged in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other fine chemicals business

1945

Growing into a Diversified Chemical Manufacturer

Sumitomo Chemical started new businesses one after another, successfully growing into a diversified chemical manufacturer.

1953

Enters agricultural chemicals business

1958

Enters petrochemical business

1975

Expanding All Businesses Globally

In order to respond to the changing structure of society and the global economy,
Sumitomo Chemical actively pushed forward with the globalization of all its businesses.

1984

Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore began operations

1988

Established Valent U.S.A. as a development and sales location for agricultural chemicals in the U.S.

1991

Established Dongwoo Pure Chemicals
(present Dongwoo Fine-Chem) in South Korea

1994

Established Sumitomo Chemical Belgium
(present Sumitomo Chemical Europe) in Belgium

2005

Deepening Global Business

Sumitomo Chemical is doing business around the world,
based on the idea of globally integrated management that develops competitive businesses by combining optimal technology,
locations, partners, and personnel.

2009

Petro Rabigh began operations in Saudi Arabia

2009

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma (present Sumitomo Pharma) acquired the pharmaceutical company Sepracor (present Sunovion Pharmaceuticals) in the U.S.

2019

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma (present Sumitomo Pharma) entered into a strategic alliance with Roivant Sciences in the UK

2020

Acquired four South American subsidiaries of Nufarm

04

Financial Results

Sales Revenue

2,895.3 Billion Yen

Although shipments declined due to the global economic slowdown, product market prices increased, primarily in petrochemicals, cathode materials, and crop protection chemicals. In addition, the weaker yen in exchange rates in each business resulted in an increase in sales revenue of 130.0 billion yen compared to the previous year.

Overseas Sales Revenue Ratio

67.9%

Revenue from sales outside of Japan exceeded 60% of the total, mainly due to a significant amount of sales in the Pharmaceuticals sector in North America, as well as in petrochemicals and the IT-related Chemicals sector in China.

Core Operating Income

92.8 Billion Yen

Sales of crop protection chemicals remained steady. On the other hand, petrochemicals were affected by a deterioration in the terms of trade due to higher raw material prices and a decrease in shipments. Shipments of display-related materials decreased due to a decline in the previous strong demand from stay-at-home measures. In addition, in pharmaceuticals, there was a decrease in sales of Latuda, as well as an increase in sales and general administrative expenses, and the effects of price revisions in Japan. These factors resulted in a decline in core operating income of 142.0 billion yen compared to the previous year.

05

Five Business Sectors

Sumitomo chemical consists of five business sectors.
Each sector continues to provide solutions that contribute to solving issues in society and improving the Quality of life, there by creating new value.

Main Products

We will introduce Sumitomo Chemical Group products
spanning a range of fields, categorized by use.

Virtual Plant Tour

This page explains about Sumitomo Chemical’s Ehime Works, Ohe Works, Chiba Works,
Oita Works and Osaka Works/Research Laboratories.