Our Corporate Communications staff spend time getting to know Sumitomo Corporation's different business sites around the world, reporting on how the people at those sites work. We will keep you up to date with the world of Sumitomo Corporation, which extends to every corner of the globe.
Kenichi Hirao,
Strategic Planning Team, Corporate Communications Department
After experiencing marketing at the Automotive Division and Network Division, He was assigned to the Corporate Communications Department in April 2007. Currently He is in charge of the formulation of mid- to long-term corporate communications strategies, group and global communications, etc. He sometimes enjoy playing golf, while He is also into audio equipment.
Summit D&V
Headquartered in Esztergom, Hungary, Summit D&V also has a plants where it assembles and distributes automotive OEM components. Sumitomo Corporation first took a stake in the company in 2003, and now the Group has full ownership. Summit D&V mainly supplies automotive OEM components to Suzuki (local company Magyar SUZUKI) which is located next to the headquarters site. In 2006, it formed a joint venture, Plastimat Hungary, which manufactures auto parts.
Summit Agro Hungary
Summit Agro Hungary was established in 1992 as the first local agrichemical marketing company to develop the Group's global agricultural chemical business. (The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation.) It was later reorganized as a subsidiary of Summit Agro Europe, the European umbrella company based in London. The company engages in the import and wholesale distribution of agricultural chemicals, seeds and other agricultural materials in Hungary.
Page 2/2
Group photo in the office (Mr. Tetsu, President, is the third person from the left in the back row)
Following the visit to Summit D&V, I returned to Budapest to call on Summit Agro Hungary in the afternoon. There, I met the president, Mr. Tetsu, who is stationed locally from Sumitomo Corporation, as well as Mr. Wirth, Managing Director, and Mr. Wohl, Commercial Manager.
Sumitomo Corporation Group operates a global agrichemical business covering markets including Japan, Europe, Latin America, China and Australia. Established in 1992, Summit Agro Hungary is a local company that engages in the import and wholesale distribution of agricultural chemicals, seeds and other agricultural materials under the European umbrella company Summit Agro Europe.
On-site briefing on agricultural chemicals and sunflower seeds
The company's main business is marketing products through wholesale dealers. However, it also conducts promotions directly targeting farm houses (the end customers) through awareness and educational activities. This approach creates unique and substantial added value. Summit Agro Hungary runs a wide range of detailed promotional and advertising campaigns including special events and TV commercials in various regions. This is very impressive considering its limited resources.
At a Reference Shop
The company organize approximately 60 "Reference Shops," which are high-grade retail stores that market products from Summit Agro and other brands. This style of operation seems to contribute not only to company sales but also to reinforcing the brand value of its original products.
The company has steadily built a distribution base as it grows its business, and is now expanding the product range. We have high expectations for Summit Agro Group in the global arena.
On the way to the airport, I had the opportunity to hear about the history of Hungary from Mr. Jager, who came to see me off. It made me stop and think whether I had ever explained the history of Japan to a visitor from overseas.
I fully realized that the history and tradition I felt from the night view of the Hungarian Royal Palace continue to live on in the hearts and lives of the local people. Europe has a long history and tradition, while Summit Agro is engaged in new businesses with Sumitomo Corporation. I left Hungary impressed by the contrast.
Page 2/2
