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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
The company’s history dates back over 100 years.
In 1913, Sumitomo Chemical got its start from efforts to help farmers improve their harvests by producing fertilizers using sulfur extracted from copper ore, aiming to solve the environmental problem of pollution caused by the gas emissions from copper production.
There are 27,491 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, 2026
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, 2026
Outside of Japan, we have a global network of 56 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, 2026
02
Sumitomo Chemical formulated fundamental business principles, missions, and values as its Business Philosophy based on Sumitomo's Business Principles.
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Corporate Philosophy03
Sumitomo Chemical inherited the business philosophy of the Sumitomo family handed down from the 17th century, and, in 1913, got its start from efforts to help farmers improve their harvests by producing fertilizers using sulfur extracted from copper ore, aiming to solve the environmental problem of pollution caused by the gas emissions from copper production.
1915
Building a Foundation as a Chemical Manufacturer
In 1913, Sumitomo Chemical got its start from efforts to help farmers improve their harvests by producing fertilizers using sulfur extracted from copper ore, aiming to solve the environmental problem of pollution caused by the gas emissions from copper production.
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 Sumitomo Pharma America) 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
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Company History04
Sales Revenue
2,328.5 Billion Yen
Sales revenue in pharmaceuticals increased due to expanded sales of the three key products, and sales of crop protection chemicals remained steady. However, sales revenue declined mainly in petrochemicals and ICT due to the impact of business dispositions and other measures implemented as part of structural reforms. As a result, sales revenue declined by 277.8 billion yen compared to the previous fiscal year.
Overseas Sales Revenue Ratio
71.0%
Revenue from sales outside of Japan exceeded 70% of total sales revenue ratio, mainly because of sales of pharmaceuticals in North America, ICT-related products and petrochemicals in China, and crop protection chemicals in South America and North America.
Core Operating Income
208.4 Billion Yen
In pharmaceuticals, in addition to expanded sales of the three key products, there was also a gain posted on the disposition of the Asian business. In petrochemicals, results reflected a gain on the sale of a portion of the Group’s shares in Petro Rabigh as well as improved trade terms. In crop protection chemicals, shipments remained steady mainly in Japan. Meanwhile, in ICT, results were impacted by a decline in selling prices for display-related materials. As a result, core operating income increased by 67.9 billion yen compared to the previous fiscal year.
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05
Sumitomo chemical consists of four 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.
We will introduce Sumitomo Chemical Group products
spanning a range of fields, categorized by use.
This page explains about Sumitomo Chemical’s Ehime Works, Ohe Works, Chiba Works,
Oita Works and Osaka Works/Research Laboratories.
