In 1971, in the bustling city of Mumbai, a small trading firm named "Bombay Chemical & Rubber Products" was born. With a vision to supply quality rubber products, they embarked on a journey that would span decades, continents, and industries. While in 2004, they laid the foundation of “JMF Performance Materials” to distribute chemical and rubber products.

Their first significant step came in 1972 when they began importing Starmag Brand Magnesium Oxide from Konoshima Chemical Japan. This marked the beginning of their foray into international partnerships and high-quality imports.

The year 1975 brought a pivotal moment as they started importing Nitrile Rubber from Eneos Materials Corp (formerly JSR Corp) Japan. This venture was so successful that they were subsequently appointed as the agent for the Indian market for all Synthetic Rubbers, solidifying their presence in the rubber industry.

In 1982, the company continued to expand its portfolio by importing Chloroprene Rubber from Tosoh Corporation Japan and becoming the agent for India's market for CR, CSM, and Resins.

With each passing year, the company's reach and influence grew. They opened offices in Delhi in 1985, followed by Chennai in 1986, and Pune in 1988. These strategic expansions allowed them to better serve their clients and partners across the country.

Their commitment to representing top-quality Japanese products continued as they started representing Daikin from Japan for Fluoroelastomers in 1987. This association further solidified their reputation as a reliable distributor of premium materials.

In 1990, they added Tohpe Corporation - Japan for Acrylic Rubber to their roster of represented companies, followed by Toyokagaku Kenkshuyo for Metaloc in 1991, Osaka Soda for Epichlorohydrin in 1992, and Arakawa Chemical for Resins in 2000. These partnerships showcased their dedication to offering a diverse range of products.

In 2004, they began representing Adeka Corporation from Japan for Plasticizers, and in 2013, they extended their reach to the United States by representing Cymer LLC for Rubber Chemicals.

Also in 2004, Bombay Chemical conceived JMF as a partnership of 3 families Jhunjhunwala Mitsui & Fujimura culminating 3 families’ decades of friendship. JMF was established to provide timely delivery of critical materials for the growing Indian automotive industry.

This is clearly visible in the new brand identity of JMF. The logo embodies the essence of a respectful partnership between Indian and Japanese families. It symbolises the unity of two cultures through a powerful visual metaphor – the 'M' in the logo forms a bridge between two figures, resembling a handshake and bow, signifying mutual respect and commitment to collaboration. The orange to red colour palette represents the vibrancy of both cultures, blending harmoniously to reflect unity in diversity.

As the years went by, their collaborations expanded globally. They partnered with Birch Chemical from the UK for Calcium Oxide, Hydroxide, and Birchset in 2015, Toa Resin Corporation from Taiwan for ACM/HT ACM in 2016, and Imerys from France for their range of fillers in 2019.

Their commitment to quality and excellence reached new heights when they started representing Shinryo Corporation from Japan, further strengthening their presence in the international market.

In 2023, a new chapter unfolded as we embarked on an exciting journey, forging an association with Eneos Corporation for their C5 Hydrogenated Hydrocarbon Resin T rez, expanding our portfolio to meet the evolving needs of our valued customers.

Today, the company stands as a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment. From a modest beginning in Mumbai, they have evolved into a global player in the rubber and petrochemical industry, serving clients worldwide while continuing to innovate and grow.

Their story is one of resilience, expansion, and successful partnerships—a journey that began in 1971 and continues to inspire those in the world of business and beyond.

Vishal Jhunjhunwala
for JMF Performance Materials Pvt Ltd
and Bombay Chemical & Rubber Product