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Through its history until this 90th anniversary year, Sumitomo Chemical has determinedly remained a chemicals manufacturer. But fertilizers and dyestuffs represent only miniscule parts of the company operations today. In 2001, business in optical films, semiconductor process materials and other IT-related products was spurred by the launch of a distinct new business sector within the company. In the course of its history, Sumitomo Chemical has successfully envisioned and accomplished many changes—changes that would have been unimaginable a century ago as the founding members devoted themselves to the urgent public concern over the “smoke.” But the legacy of innovation began when they strove to develop an economical solution to the environmental problem.
Today the world is ever changing, with rapid advances in IT and globalization. Major European and American chemical companies are enhancing their competitiveness through bold restructuring and alliances. Sumitomo Chemical is also on the move: its corporate culture has always emphasized change and innovation, with the mission to meeting society’s needs. The company is well positioned for a new era of successes—spreading its wings to serve a global market.
Preparation of this article was overseen and photos provided by the Sumitomo Shi-ryo-kan and Sumitomo Chemical.
CORPORATE DATA As of March 31, 2003
| FOUNDED |
1913 |
| INCORPORATED |
1925 |
| PAID-IN CAPITAL |
 89.699 billion |
| NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES |
17,906(consolidated), 5,154(parent) |
HISTORIC MILESTONES
| 1925 |
Sumitomo Fertilizer Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was incorporated at the Ehime Works |
| 1934 |
Sumitomo Fertilizer Manufacturing changed its name to Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. |
| 1944 |
Sumitomo Chemical acquired Japan Dyestuff Manufacturing Company, starting a fine chemical business at the Osaka Works and the Oita Works |
| 1949 |
Sumitomo Chemical took over the aluminium business of Sumitomo
Aluminium Smelting Co., starting the integrated production of aluminum from alumina |
| 1958 |
Sumitomo Chemical started petrochemical operations at the Ehime Works |
| 1971 |
The Takarazuka Research Center was established to reinforce research and development activities on pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals |
| 1978 |
The Misawa Works was opened to expand production of pyrethroid household insecticides |
| 1982 |
P.T. Indonesia Asahan Aluminium, a Japan-Indonesia economic cooperation project, of which Sumitomo Chemical was a member, began aluminum smelting operations. |
| 1984 |
Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. was established by consolidating the pharmaceuticals Operations of Sumitomo Chemical and the pharmaceuticals division of Inabata & Co., Ltd.
The Petrochemical Complex in Singapore, a Japan-Singapore economic cooperation project, in which Sumitomo Chemical was a leading participant, began operations. |
| 1997 |
The Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore (Pte) Ltd., an affiliate in Singapore, commenced Operation of a new ethylene cracker in April under its Second-Phase Expansion, bringing the total ethylene capacity to one million tons per year, the largest petrochemical complex in EastAsia consisting of various downstream units. |
| 2001 |
Sumitomo Chemical established the IT-related Chemicals Sector as its new business sector |
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LCD materials
LCD materials are used to make products such as large-screen LCD televisions, a product that is enjoying rapidly growing demand. In this field, Sumitomo Chemical builds on coloration and photosensitive resin technologies developed over many years of making products such as dyestuffs and pigments. |
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Plant protection chemicals
Today, Sumitomo Chemical exports plant protection chemicals to over 100 countries. Products include pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and plant-growth regulators. Sumithion, an organophosphorus insecticide, is widely used and well-known for its efficacy and low toxicity. |
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