Our Story

Cerax was established in 1982 (as SARPRI) by Ian Prior and Pete Sargent. The focus was the trading, blending and solidification of waxes and wax derived products.

For the past 37 years the business has grown significantly in this area as well as adding capacity to produce functionalized waxes, speciality blends and formulations for multiple industries, in markets across the world.

The business is currently owned and run by a young team of chemical engineers, formulation specialists, scientists and sales directors.

The objective of Cerax is to be the largest speciality wax and wax-based products manufacturer in Africa. To pioneer new applications and functions for wax, in a sustainable and progressive manner. To innovate around the processing, engineering, formulation and manufacture of speciality performance chemicals. To keep in line with global trends towards a more sustainable environment, by encompassing new sources of wax or wax alternatives.

The ability of the company to remain lean and nimble provides customers with the knowledge that whatever volume of specific products they require, their needs are always a priority.

By following key principles of quality manufacturing, HSE and quality control, Cerax is able to provide the wax industry with custom products and solutions.

Products offered (but not limited to):

  • Synthetic Waxes
  • Paraffin Waxes
  • Natural Waxes
  • Wax Blends
  • Speciality Wax Products

Services Offered:

  • Wax formulation assistance
  • Solidification services
  • Cleaning and bleaching
  • Wax analysis
wax block
pastilles

The Team

Stuart Prior
Managing Director Sales & Marketing

B.Com (Rhodes). B.Com Hons (Unisa). MBA (Gibs)

Rohlandt Smith
Managing Director Operations

B.Eng (Mech) M.Sc (Mech Eng)

Peter Van Vuuren
Technical Director

B. Eng (Chem), M.Sc (Chem Eng)

Andrew Prior
Sales & Marketing Director

B.Sc (Hons)

Tiaan Slabbert
Finance Director
Bcom Hons (UCT)

Jean Coljee
Operations Director