Sumitomo Chemical Company has officially launched Sumitomo Biorational Company, a new subsidiary that unites three existing businesses under one organization focused on developing natural and science-based solutions for agriculture and related markets.

The company celebrated its launch with an inauguration event in Libertyville, Illinois, where it is headquartered. Sumitomo Biorational began operations on April 1, combining Valent BioSciences LLC, MGK, and Valent North America LLC into a single organization.

“Today is a milestone for our organization and for our customers worldwide,” said Shin Shojima, president and CEO of Sumitomo Biorational. “Sumitomo Biorational brings together decades of expertise and innovation to deliver science-driven solutions for agriculture, environmental health, public health, and forest health. With this launch, we are positioned to lead in biorational technologies and create lasting value for our customers, growers, and communities.”

The newly formed company serves as Sumitomo Chemical’s Global Center of Excellence for Biorational Innovation, focusing on sustainable solutions derived from natural sources including microbes and plant-based materials.

Sumitomo Biorational operates through three divisions: the AgroSolutions Division, led by Salman Mir, develops natural solutions for agriculture; the Environmental Health Division, led by Steve Gullickson, includes the MGK business; and the Public Health and Forest Health Division, led by Jason Clark, focuses on protecting public health and forest systems.

Valent U.S.A. LLC will continue to operate as a separate entity, handling regional agriculture sales and marketing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.