VISIONS Magazine (May 2025 Edition)
SC Chile Santiago Office: A Legacy of Growth in the Southern Cone
Pictured above: the Santiago Office staff gathers to meet on one of their collaboration days.
Established in 1958, SC Americas’ Santiago Office has been a consistent force in building strong commercial ties and community in the Southern Cone, a geographic area that covers Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Over the years, it has grown into a versatile and cohesive workplace, currently home to 27 employees—20 non-rotating and 7 rotating staff. Of these, two rotating members are deeply involved in the pivotal Quebrada Blanca mining project. Across functions, a sense of teamwork and shared purpose defines the SC Chile culture, supported by regular team-building activities like engagement breakfasts and wellness events.
A Strategic Hub with Expanding Horizons
Nestled in Chile’s capital city, the Santiago Office operates at the crossroads of traditional strength and emerging opportunity. The office’s operations span a diverse range of business groups and units, supporting strategic areas such as:
- Metal Products Business Unit: Steel sheet and construction plates
- Transportation & Construction Systems Business Unit: Ship, aerospace, and transportation systems
- Energy Transformation Business Group: Green ammonia and green hydrogen
- Business Development Group: Mining services
Additionally, other core operations are driven through the Mineral Resources, Energy, Chemical & Electronics Business Unit, with focus areas including:
- Mineral resources
- Basic chemicals and electronics
The Media, Network, Lifestyle-Related Goods & Services Business Unit also plays a critical role, overseeing:
- Food business
- Materials & supplies
- Life sciences
From long-standing sectors like mining to frontier areas like BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems), green hydrogen, water treatment, and public infrastructure, SC Chile is poised to grow its footprint in line with Sumitomo’s global ambitions.
Pictured above: A working breakfast for the staff in the Santiago Office
Life and Work in Santiago
Chile’s distinctive geography—stretching dramatically from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the forests, lakes, and volcanoes in the south—offers employees a unique work-life balance. Based in the heart of the Valle Central, Santiago’s dry Mediterranean climate brings only about 15 inches of rain annually and benefits from the temperature swings of the nearby Andes, which contribute to the region’s acclaimed winemaking.
Office members often take full advantage of Chile’s natural diversity. In winter, ski resorts are just an hour away. In summer, beach escapes are only a 90-minute drive. And for those seeking urban culture, the vibrant cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are within easy reach for a weekend getaway.
From Vineyards to Vertical Growth
Santiago is more than a capital city—it is a modern, upward-reaching metropolis. The Costanera Center, South America’s tallest skyscraper, defines the skyline, while the Santiago Metro—boasting 143 operational stations—is the largest in the region. The city’s historical richness is also on full display, with the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral standing as a cultural anchor at Plaza de Armas.
Pictured above: The Constanera Center in Santiago in Chile's largest mall at 197,000 square meters.
And of course, no visit to Chile would be complete without sampling its internationally renowned wines. Locally recommended favorites include Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere varietals from VIK, Concha y Toro, San Pedro, Santa Rita, Montes, and Santa Carolina. Vineyards stretch across an 800-mile span from the Atacama Region to the Bio-Bio Region, reflecting the country’s rich terroir and long winemaking tradition.
pictured above: Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Santiago de Chile.
Looking Ahead
SC Chile continues to represent the Sumitomo spirit—combining legacy with innovation, local knowledge with global connection. With its strategic industries, dedicated staff, and rich cultural setting, the Santiago Office is set to remain a strong contributor to Sumitomo Corporation of Americas’ growth in the region.
