THE GENKEM PHILOSOPHY
We at Genkem have a simple philosophy – “Doing-it-yourself” means “Doing-it-professionally.” That’s why we provide the best solutions for home improvement jobs.
Extensively tried and tested to ensure top quality, each product in the wide Genkem range is especially developed to help DIY enthusiasts work quickly, effectively
and professionally. Genkem’s range of DIY Home Improvement products is one of the most comprehensive available from a single supplier.
OUR MISSION
To be a successful world class adhesive and coatings manufacturer and marketer of fine quality adhesives and coatings, while behaving in a socially responsible
and progressive manner.
OUR VISION
To be a world class adhesive and coatings manufacturer by any measure.
OUR VALUES
We share commitment to and have responsibility for:
– Customer Service – Product Quality – Continuous Improvement – Respect, Dignity and Equal Opportunity
– Participation and Improvement – Wealth Creation, Reward and Recognition – Communication
– Employee Development – A Safe and Healthy Work Environment – Community and Environmental Commitment
A HISTORY OF QUALITY
General Chemical Corporation commenced business in December 1939, a few months after the outbreak of the Second World War. Its first core business was
repacking caustic soda into small tins for retail sale to housewives wanting to make their own soap. Using soaps as a starting point, the business expanded into
many avenues such as tanning and finishing agents, followed by bitumen, sealers and adhesives, and finally moved onto paints and synthetic resins in 1965.
In 1982, Genkem took over the Sandtex business from Blue Circle. Sandtex “The Original Lighthouse Paint” was the first textured coating ever made in South Africa.
Genkem then acquired a licenced agreement with a number of European companies as agents for bitumen, sealers, resin, wood adhesives, adhesives, silicones as
well as the Bostik range of products. In 1988, Genkem bought Brooklyn Castrol, who was for many years the largest adhesive manufacturer in South Africa.
Qualichem, the forerunner to the Qualichem – Genkem Group, was established by Donald Perry on 1 September 1983. With a grand capital of R70.00, Donald
began making water-based coatings. The laboratory was his mother’s kitchen and the laboratory mixer, a cake mixer! The production facility was his late father’s
backyard and consisted of a 200 litre drum and high-speed mixer making up the mixing facility.
Over the years, Qualichem has acquired many trade names, such as Hercules Paints, Chemical Specialists Adhesive Division, Tile Doctor, Ashley & Radmore,
and Ritachem to name a few. In 1999, the biggest acquisition came when Qualichem acquired Genkem and the brand names: Genkem – a comprehensive range
of adhesives and sealants, Nova Coatings – interior and exterior coatings for wood and hard surfaces, Bourne – wooden floor sealers and Sandtex – specialist
decorative coatings. These acquisitions have enabled Qualichem – Genkem to form one of the largest adhesive manufacturers in South Africa.
Qualichem – Genkem is proudly 100% South African and offers the highest quality product ranges which have over the years won the Company esteemed status,
both locally and internationally. The Company has grown dramatically over the years and caters to the following industries: flooring, woodworking and timber,
footwear, packaging, book binding, labels, paper converting, automotive and many more high demanding specialist adhesive and coating applications.
Qualichem-Genkem is dedicated to producing high quality products and thus competes both locally and internationally, and as a result, numerous products have
been awarded many prestigious contracts. The Company actively embraces the movement towards operating in a more environmentally friendly manner, and
continuously strives to lead with new developments in the industry. The Company’s aim is to incorporate recycled packaging and move away from solvent-based
formulations wherever possible; to ensure products keep pace with evolving needs. With large and well-equipped factories, skilled and dedicated professionals and
with access to the latest in technological advances worldwide, the Company is ready and able to meet any new challenges to its expertise and energies.
ABOUT SANDTEX
General Chemical Corporation commenced business in December 1939, a few months after the outbreak of the Second World War. Its first core business was
repacking caustic soda into small tins for retail sale to housewives wanting to make their own soap. Using soap as a starting point, the business expanded into
many avenues such as tanning and finishing agents followed by bitumen, sealers and adhesives and finally moved onto paints and synthetic resins in 1965.
In 1982, Genkem took over the Sandtex business from Blue Circle. Sandtex “The Original Lighthouse Paint” was the first textured coating
ever made in South Africa. Genkem then acquired a licence agreement with a number of European companies as agents for bitumen, sealers, resin, wood
adhesives, silicones as well as the Bostik range of products. In 1988, Genkem bought Brooklyn Castrol, who was for many years the largest adhesive manufacturer
in South Africa.
Today, Genkem strives to produce products of the highest quality and the Sandtex range of Specialist Decorative Coatings is no different. We understand that your
home is your most valued asset; that is why we at Genkem continuously research new technological advancements and superior product features, to guarantee
only the highest quality paint products.
Offering both interior and exterior decorative coatings, Sandtex will allow you to showcase your creative side on the interior and the exterior of your home. Tough
and durable with super adhesion, you can rest assured that your home is protected from the damaging effects of UV radiation and weathering for up to 15 years
when using the Sandtex range.