Kerax

Recognizing an opportunity, Kerax developed their own blend of cheese wax, Tom loaded it into the company’s small van, and began selling it from dairy to dairy. In 1974, Kerax had expanded sufficiently to move to a new location in Chorley, Lancashire which remains the site used by Kerax to this day. Kerax then operated as part of Duckhams, which led to an exchange of knowledge and investment in the Chorley site and it was during this time, in 1982, when Duckhams introduced their iconic ‘Hypergrade’ brand. Kerax forged ahead once more as an independent business unit, sponsoring a race at Haydock in 1987 to commemorate their 25th anniversary and moving into Phase Six of construction when another new warehouse was built in 1990. Kerax as a whole has continued to grow, increasing from a £4-4.5 million GBP turnover and 20 employees in 2004 to a £40 million GBP turnover and 80 employees. Kerax has been manufacturing and supplying waxes, oils and a variety of bespoke products since the company’s inception in 1962. Today, Kerax’s range of products includes wax for candle manufacture, petroleum jellies for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial applications, plus products for extrusion and surface protection. Founded by Tom Wilcox in 1962, Kerax Ltd has been producing wax blends and lubricants for over sixty years.