Liljeholmens Stearinfabrik celebrates 185 years of craftsmanship

The 185-year journey that began in 1839 will be celebrated on September 19th, and we at Liljeholmens Stearinfabrik are proud to be the world’s largest producer of stearin candles and one of Sweden’s oldest continuously operating companies. With a history spanning nearly two centuries, we have continually strived to preserve an ancient craft that brings warmth and light to a country where winters are long, dark, and cold.

185 Years of Innovation and Tradition

Liljeholmens Stearinfabrik was founded in 1839 when Lars Johan Hierta brought the stearin candle to Sweden after a trip to London. Together with chemist Johan Michaëlson, they began production and laid the foundation for the business we proudly continue today. Since then, our journey has been marked by innovation, craftsmanship, and expansion.

Some of our key milestones include:

• 1839 – Liljeholmens Tekniska Fabrik was founded on Liljeholmen in Stockholm by Lars Johan Hierta and Johan Michaëlson.
• 1841 – Just two years after its founding, the factory outgrew its original location, and we moved to Danvikstull in southern Stockholm. Despite the new address, the name Liljeholmens Tekniska Fabrik remained, honoring our roots.
• 1873 – During the 1870s, new manufacturing methods transformed production from craft to thriving industry. Productivity increased, and in 1873, a new chapter in our history was marked when we adopted our current name, Liljeholmens Stearinfabrik AB.
• 1897 – For the 1897 Stockholm Exhibition, we made a bold statement with a 23-meter-tall Kronljus candle placed in a 14-meter-high candlestick, showcasing our innovation at its peak.
• 1905 – By this time, Liljeholmens Stearinfabrik had become one of the world’s leading stearin candle factories. However, tougher times lay ahead as kerosene lamps, gas, and electricity began to emerge.
• 1960 – In the 1960s, the joy of candlelight was rediscovered, and production surged again. The public’s love for the magic of candles led us, for the second time, to search for larger premises.
• 1970 – In the early 1970s, we opened our new factory in Oskarshamn. Here, stearin production has been refined over the years, continually improving the quality of our candles – but the craftsmanship remains the same as it was 185 years ago.
• 2024 – In true Hierta spirit, we continue to explore new innovative, sustainable materials. With a clear vision toward the future of candle production, we have not only updated our look with a new brand identity but also launched candles made from rapeseed and shea wax. The journey for Liljeholmens Stearinfabrik continues – where our rich heritage meets innovation, shaping the next chapter of our story.

The Craft Lives On

Throughout our long history, quality and craftsmanship have been the core of our business. Despite advancements in technology and the modernization of production processes, the fundamentals of stearin candle-making remain the same as they were 185 years ago. This dedication to tradition is why we continue to be a leading player, both in Sweden and globally.

For more information about our history and work, feel free to visit liljeholmens.se