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
At Genkem, we are committed to being the leading manufacturer and marketer of high-quality adhesives and coatings. We differentiate ourselves through continuous innovation and exceptional customer service, with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
Our goal is to inspire our employees, customers, and stakeholders to join us on this journey towards becoming the industry leader. We will measure our success through revenue growth, market share, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement, and we strive to exceed our targets year after year.
OUR VISION
Genkem strives to be the market leader in adhesive and coatings technology, recognized for our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer service. Our vision is to create a world where our adhesives and coatings enable the creation of safer, more sustainable, and more beautiful products and environments. We envision a future where our employees, customers, and stakeholders share in our passion for excellence, and we will continue to innovate and exceed expectations to achieve this vision.
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
Founded in December 1939, just months after the outbreak of the Second World War, General Chemical Corporation began by repacking caustic soda into small tins, providing a household solution for soap-making. Building on this foundation, the business expanded into various fields, including tanning and finishing agents, bitumen, sealers, and adhesives, and ultimately moved into paints and synthetic resins in 1965.
In 1982, Genkem acquired the Sandtex brand from Blue Circle. Known as “The Original Lighthouse Paint,” Sandtex was South Africa’s first textured coating. Genkem’s growth continued with several licensing agreements with European companies, broadening its offerings to include bitumen, sealers, resins, wood adhesives, silicones, and the Bostik product line. By 1988, Genkem had acquired Brooklyn Castrol, South Africa’s largest adhesive manufacturer at the time.
The journey of Qualichem, now the foundation of the Qualichem-Genkem Group, began on September 1, 1983, with founder Donald Perry crafting water-based coatings in his mother’s kitchen using a cake mixer. Operating from a backyard setup, the fledgling business grew rapidly, pioneering its way into the South African coatings industry.
Over the years, Qualichem expanded its portfolio by acquiring recognized trade names, including Hercules Paints, Chemical Specialists Adhesive Division, Tile Doctor, Ashley & Radmore, and Ritachem. In 1999, the transformative acquisition of Genkem brought prominent brands under the Group’s umbrella: Genkem adhesives and sealants, Nova Coatings for wood and hard surfaces, Bourne floor sealers, and Sandtex decorative coatings. These acquisitions positioned Qualichem-Genkem as one of the largest adhesive manufacturers in South Africa.
Proudly 100% South African, Qualichem-Genkem upholds a tradition of excellence, catering to a broad range of industries, including flooring, woodworking, footwear, packaging, bookbinding, labels, automotive, and specialized applications. The Company’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a respected status both locally and internationally, with numerous products securing prestigious contracts.
Embracing environmentally conscious practices, Qualichem-Genkem prioritizes recycled packaging and strives to reduce reliance on solvent-based formulations. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities, a skilled team, and the latest global technologies, the Company remains poised to meet new challenges, consistently advancing industry standards.
