THE JOURNEY BEHIND
THE GENKEM NAME

Founded in 1939 as the General Chemical Corporation by the Hayden family, the business began as a small chemical manufacturer supplying practical products to local industries and households. What started with simple formulations and a commitment to quality quickly evolved into a reputation for technical expertise, innovation and dependable performance.

As South Africa’s manufacturing sector grew, so did Genkem. The company expanded from its early roots in adhesives and chemical products into advanced polymer technologies, industrial coatings, sealants, resin manufacturing and specialised chemical systems. Through decades of investment, product development and technical partnerships, Genkem helped establish local manufacturing capabilities in industries
that had previously relied heavily on imported technologies.

The years that followed saw the addition of several iconic South African brands, including Sandtex, Nova Coatings, Bourne Floor Coatings and Tile Doctor. Together, these brands broadened the company’s reach across industrial, contractor, trade and consumer markets, building a portfolio trusted by generations of South Africans.

A defining chapter began in 1983 when Donald Perry founded  Qualichem, a small adhesive manufacturing business built on entrepreneurial determination, technical knowledge and a belief in the future of local manufacturing. Starting with a modified cake mixer and a vision to build a world-class South African business, Qualichem grew
steadily throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

In 1999, Qualichem acquired Genkem and its associated brands, bringing together two remarkable South African success stories. Genkem contributed six decades of manufacturing heritage and market trust, while Qualichem brought entrepreneurial energy, technical expertise and a long-term commitment to investment and growth.

Today, Genkem operates as part of the Qualichem Group, a proudly South African, family-owned manufacturing business serving customers across Southern Africa. From our manufacturing facilities, distribution network and technical support teams, we continue to supply adhesives, coatings, sealants, polyurethane systems and specialised chemical solutions to homeowners, contractors, manufacturers and industry.

While technologies, products and markets have evolved, the values that built the business remain unchanged: quality, innovation, reliability and trust.

More than eight decades later, we remain committed to the same purpose that inspired our founders in 1939; manufacturing products that help build, bond, protect and improve everyday life.