Our history

The story of Liljeholmens Group is one of growth and integration, tracing back to the origins of several distinct companies that eventually came together to form the company we know today.  

In 1777, L.P. Holmblad was established in Copenhagen by Jacob Holmblad, starting a long tradition in candle-making. Meanwhile, in 1839, Liljeholmens Tekniska Fabrik emerged on Liljeholmen in Stockholm under the guidance of Lars Johan Hierta, adding another chapter to the group's heritage.  

The expansion continued with Adam Joseph Gies founding Wachsindustrie Fulda Adam Gies in Germany in 1899, followed by a subsidiary factory named Gebrüder Gies near Hamburg in 1921. In 1976, Promol Candle was established in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, as a subsidiary of Gies Kerzen, diversifying the group's portfolio.  

Consolidation picked up pace in 1982 when the German-based spirits distillery Hermann G. Dethleffsen acquired Gebrüder Gies and the Danish candle factory ASP-HOLMBLAD. Further acquisitions, including Wachsindustrie Fulda Adam Gies in 1983 and the Swedish group Skåne Gripen's purchase of the candle group in 1984, strengthened its market position.  

In 1995, Liljeholmens Stearinfabriks AB joined the group, followed by the group's public listing on the Swedish stock exchange in 1997. However, in 1998, Liljeholmens Stearinfabriks AB was acquired by the Blyth Group, listed on the American stock exchange, changing the group's path.  

In 2006, ALG Holding AB was established in Sweden, acquiring Blyth HomeScents International, which includes renowned brands such as Liljeholmens Stearinfabrik, ASP-HOLMBLAD, Gies Kerzen, and Promol Candle. Backed by strong ownership from Tibia Konsult AB and Marknadspotential AB, ALG Holding invested significantly in the factories, enhancing production facilities. This journey of improvement continued in 2018 with the relocation of machines from Gies in Germany to Portugal and Sweden, further strengthening our manufacturing capabilities. While retaining sales and marketing operations at the German site, seamless coordination was ensured across all aspects of our operations.  

Finally, in 2022, the group inaugurated its new head office in Malmö and rebranded as Liljeholmens Group AB, marking a new chapter in its storied history. Establishing the new group headquarters signifies a milestone and offers an exciting opportunity to revitalize the Liljeholmens Stearinfabrik brand, drive forward innovative product development, and promote sustainability initiatives.