DNL commenced operations in 1970 with a vision to support India's drive towards self - sufficiency and import substitution. With an investment of Rs. 13 million it began operations with its fully indigenous Sodium Nitrite and Nitrate plant at Nandesari, Baroda.

Today, it manufactures basic and intermediate chemicals which are used in the manufacture of everyday products. Colourants and Imaging Chemicals Intermediates, Agrochemical Intermediates, Pharmaceutical Intermediates, Rubber Chemical Intermediates, Chemicals for the Refineries, Cosmetics etc. are a part of DNL’s product portfolio.

The company's technological growth has been achieved through its In-house Research as well as assistance from premier Research Institutes like the University Department of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad as well as Projects & Development India Ltd., New Delhi.

DNL has a global presence in over 20 countries, including USA, European Union & East European nations, Japan, ASEAN countries, South Korea and South America. The company foresees a quantum leap in export turnover through Custom Manufacturing for the specific needs of the end users and the manufacture of high-value, speciality products either based on its own end products or developed especially for the user. DNL has been ranked amongst the top 500 Body corporates by Dun and Bradstreet for the last three years.

In keeping with the objective DNL has decided to focus on customer satisfaction as a primary motto as well as expansion in the existing manufacturing facilities. This has led to a paradigm shift from low margin bulk chemicals and intermediates to high margin fine and speciality chemicals based on its existing core expertise as well as lateral and vertical integration of its existing products, exploring downstream derivatives.