SAN RAMON, Calif., Aug. 31, 2020 – Valent U.S.A. has opened a new state-of-the-art facility in San Ramon called the North American Innovation Center (NAIC). The facility brings together employees from its California technical center in Dublin and headquarters in Walnut Creek.

The nearly 100,000-square-foot hub supports research and development as well as headquarters operations for North America. It is designed to enhance collaboration and innovation. As a result, Valent U.S.A. can bring sustainable agriculture solutions and professional products to market more quickly and effectively.

Valent U.S.A., a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, provides biorational and traditional crop protection solutions for row and specialty crops in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. In addition, the company develops products for professional turf, ornamental and aquatic uses. Valent has maintained operations in the Bay Area for more than 30 years.

The investment in the NAIC is expected to generate immediate efficiencies and long-term savings. It will also help advance a research pipeline for future innovations.

“We’ve brought the diversity, skills and expertise of our laboratory scientists and regulatory, marketing, finance and operations people together under one roof,” said Matt Plitt, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Valent U.S.A. “As a result, it is easier for our centralized team to share information in real time, even face to face. This will boost efficiency, agility and creativity and ultimately benefit farmers in the field.”

The eco-friendly design of the North American Innovation Center (NAIC) focuses on sustainable practices, including energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. In addition, the facility includes advanced safety systems and safeguards in response to COVID-19.

The NAIC reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and a safe, healthy work environment. The facility also includes cutting-edge research labs, modern offices and 47 conference, project, huddle and focus rooms. The NAIC opened August 3, 2020.

Valent is committed to the future of agriculture, which depends on innovative technology, products and practices. To learn more, visit valent.com.

About Valent U.S.A.

Valent U.S.A. LLC, headquartered in San Ramon, California, develops and markets products in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These products advance sustainable agriculture, protect crops, enhance crop yields, improve food quality, beautify the environment and safeguard public health. Valent products include herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and plant growth regulator products for agricultural, seed protection and professional use. Valent is a leader in both traditional chemical and biorational products developed by its affiliate, Valent BioSciences LLC.

About Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sumitomo Chemical is one of Japan’s leading chemical companies. It offers a diverse range of products globally in petrochemicals, energy and functional materials, IT-related chemicals and materials, health and crop science products and pharmaceuticals. For additional information, visit www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english/.