Kerax
ActiveOverview
Kerax Limited is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of waxes, jellies, and oils for candle making, pharmaceuticals, personal care, industrial, and textile applications.15 The company produces standard and bespoke wax blends from its facility in northwest England, serving household brands with audited quality standards.1 It holds a position as a leading European wax blender and trader with global sales approaching $40 million.1
History
Kerax was founded by Tom Wilcox in 1962 as a producer of wax blends and lubricants.2 It associated with businesses including Duckhams, Burmah Castrol, and BP over the decades.2 In 2014, Euro-Oils integrated into Kerax, fully merging the following year, contributing to growth from £4-4.5 million turnover and 20 employees in 2004 to £21 million from waxes and 50 employees by later years.2 The company expanded over 600% since 2006 through innovation and research.1
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plant-Based Candle Waxes (Olive, Coconut, Soy, Rapeseed) | Natural oils for sustainable candle production | $2 - $10 per kg |
| Paraffin Wax | Standard petroleum-based wax for candles | $1 - $5 per kg |
| Pharmaceutical Waxes and Jellies | Audited grades for pharma and personal care | $5 - $15 per kg |
| Industrial Waxes | Protective surface and lubricant waxes | $3 - $12 per kg |
| Petroleum Jelly | Supply for personal care applications | $4 - $8 per kg |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in-house at the company's modern factory on Cowling Rd, Preston, Lancashire (registered in Chorley), in northwest England.1 A separate Redditch facility handles lubricants with around 30 employees.2 Operations meet regular audits from pharmaceutical and personal care industries.1
Notable Products
- Plant-Based Candle Waxes - Waxes derived from olive, coconut, soy, and rapeseed oils for candle making.
- Paraffin Wax - Petroleum-based wax used in candles and other applications.
- Petroleum Jelly - Supplied for pharmaceutical and personal care uses.
- Liquid Paraffin - Oil product for industrial and pharma applications.
- CS Alcohol - Specialty supply in wax and oil portfolio.
Reputation
Kerax is regarded by professionals as a reliable UK wax supplier with over 60 years in the industry, noted for innovation, bespoke blending, and quality standards meeting pharma audits.12 Enthusiasts in candle making value its diverse plant-based and paraffin options from a single source.5 Growth and associations with major brands like BP enhance its credibility, though specific criticisms are not documented in available sources.12