Sumitomo Chemical Invests in UK and Ireland

Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd (Tokyo, Japan) has acquired a majority holding in Interfarm UK Ltd., distributor of crop protection products in the UK and Ireland.

The acquisition strengthens Sumitomo Chemical's position in the UK and Irish markets, providing an excellent platform for the launch of its newly-registered SumiMax 30SC (flumioxazin) winter wheat herbicide.

John Martin, current Managing Director, will be nominated Managing Director of the new business. Sumitomo Chemical intends to take full advantage of the competence and experience of the current Interfarm employees to reinforce the development of its existing and new product portfolio.

The new business is set to grow strongly over the next 5 years, with the introduction of several new products which are currently in development for arable and speciality crops.

Chris Forrest has now left the company and in future will be continuing independently, as a consultant, with his on-farm agronomy.