Maxolen
Maxolen (Max Lehner AG) is a Swiss specialty chemical manufacturer founded in 1960 that produces premium professional cleaning, care, and surface treatment products across automotive, industrial, maritime, and food/hospitality verticals, distributed through wholly-owned subsidiaries and exclusive partners in 14+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1960
- HeadquartersBirmensdorf, Switzerland
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Maxolen does
Maxolen (legal entity: Max Lehner AG) is a Swiss specialty chemical manufacturer founded in 1960 by Max Lehner and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The company develops and produces premium professional cleaning, care, and surface treatment products under a portfolio of sub-brands organized across four verticals: automotive (CareMax, PolishMax, Carlack, Sioux Shield), industrial (InduMax, BioMax), maritime (MarinaMax, 88 Graphene Shieldwall), and food/hospitality (GaFoMax, BAG-approved G460 disinfectant). Technical platforms are chemistry-led rather than software-led and include proprietary ceramic nano glass coatings (Sioux Shield), graphene nano ceramic permanent sealants (88 Graphene Shieldwall), biological cleaning systems (BioMax), and rail-industry anti-corrosion formulations compliant with EN ISO 9223, EN ISO 12944-6, and DIN EN 45545-2:2016. All products are manufactured exclusively in Switzerland and marketed under an "Exclusively Swiss Made" positioning.
The business operates three revenue streams: chemical product sales (one-time consumables), equipment and accessories sales (polishers, brushes, microfiber, application tools), and professional training services delivered through Maxolen University. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; customers transact via direct contact or the multilingual shop.maxolen.ch e-commerce storefront (German, English, French, Italian). Go-to-market combines direct sales from Swiss headquarters, a multi-tier international distribution network of regional partners (e.g., Savary et Fils for Suisse Romand, Dexia System/Roberlo in Spain, Eenzet-Automotive in the Netherlands), wholly-owned subsidiaries (maxolen Austria GmbH in Salzburg, Maxolen Deutschland GmbH in Ludwigsburg), and direct e-commerce. Commercial reach spans 14+ countries across Europe and India (Bangalore via Dabler Auto Detailers LLP).
Key named enterprise customers include AMAG (Swiss automotive dealership group) for interior care products and Peduzzi Yacht for maritime care. Regulatory credentials include BAG approval for virucidal disinfectants and rail-industry compliance certifications. Ownership is private under the Max Lehner family; Dersim Stein serves as CEO during an ongoing generational transition ("Generationenwechsel"), with Max Lehner retaining founder status. The firm employs 51-100 people and is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds, M&A activity, or external capital.
Maxolen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Maxolen
- Legal name
- Max Lehner AG
- Website
- https://maxolen.ch
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1960
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Maxolen (Max Lehner AG) is a Swiss specialty chemical manufacturer founded in 1960 that produces premium professional cleaning, care, and surface treatment products across automotive, industrial, maritime, and food/hospitality verticals, distributed through wholly-owned subsidiaries and exclusive partners in 14+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Maxolen industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Cleaning and Care Chemicals
- NAICS
- Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing (3256), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561), Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing (325612)
- SIC
- Specialty Cleaning, Polishing And Sanitation Preparations (2842), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial & Institutional (I&I) Cleaning Chemicals (IMAEABAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Car Wash, Auto Detailing & Vehicle Cleaning Supplies Distribution (CRAOAGAM), Heavy-Duty/Industrial-Strength All-Purpose Cleaners (Consumer) (CRAJAMAG), Concentrated All-Purpose Cleaners (Dilutable) (CRAJAMAH), General All-Purpose Cleaners (CRAJAMAA)
Keywords
Where Maxolen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Birmensdorf
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Maxolen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Chemical Products Sales: Sale of premium cleaning and care chemical products including automotive cosmetics, industrial cleaners, maritime products, and food industry hygiene products. Products are sold through direct sales, distribution partners, and e-commerce.
- Equipment and Accessories Sales: Sale of professional cleaning equipment, accessories, and car wash systems including polishers, brushes, microfiber cloths, spray bottles, and pressure sprayers.
- Training Services: Professional training courses through Maxolen University including basic courses, surface preparation guides, and vehicle preparation training for professional detailers.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Maxolen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Maxolen manufactures premium professional cleaning, care, and surface treatment chemical products exclusively in Switzerland. Its portfolio spans automotive cosmetics, industrial maintenance cleaners, maritime/watercraft care, car wash chemistry and systems, and commercial kitchen hygiene products, supported by proprietary ceramic nano glass and graphene nano ceramic coating technologies.
Product overview
Maxolen is a Swiss chemical manufacturing company producing premium professional cleaning and care products since 1960. The product portfolio comprises multiple sub-brands serving distinct market segments: CareMax (environmentally friendly vehicle care), PolishMax (professional surface treatment and polishing), InduMax Industrie (industrial maintenance cleaning), WashMax Waschchemie and Waschsysteme (car wash chemistry and systems), GaFoMax Gastro & Food (professional kitchen hygiene and food safety), MarinaMax Wasserfahrzeuge (marine/watercraft care), Carlack (premium car care from manufactory), and Zubehör (professional accessories including polishing machines, brushes, and application tools). Key technology platforms include Sioux Shield ceramic nano glass protection coating and 88 Graphene Shieldwall graphene nano ceramic sealant. The company emphasizes 'Swiss Made' quality and environmental sustainability ('Maxolen goes green') across its entire product range.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CareMax: Environmentally friendly cleaning and care concept for vehicle manufacturers
- PolishMax
- InduMax
- WashMax
- GaFoMax
- MarinaMax
- Carlack
- Sioux Shield
- Maxolen University
Products and services
- CareMax Environmentally friendly cleaning and care concept designed to meet the requirements of world-leading vehicle manufacturers, featuring the latest technical formulations for brilliant results in automotive care.
- PolishMax Professional surface treatment system combining polishing sponges, grinding tools, and accessory products for sustainable and brilliant polishing results on automotive surfaces.
- InduMax Industrie High-performance maintenance and cleaning product line for industry, featuring environmentally compatible formulations for fastest results in few work steps, including Antikorrosion products compliant with EN ISO 9223, EN ISO 12944-6, and DIN EN 45545-2:2016.
- WashMax Waschchemie (Car Wash Chemistry) Premium car wash chemistry for car wash tunnels, including pre-wash, active foam, dryer agents, hot wax sprays, and water treatment products delivering aesthetic and sustainably profitable vehicle washing.
- WashMax Waschsysteme (Car Wash Systems) Exclusive car wash systems for aesthetic vehicle washing combined with WashMax premium chemistry and 1A service from a single source.
- GaFoMax Gastro and Food Professional kitchen hygiene and food safety line for hospitality, commercial kitchens, food processing, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, including BAG-approved disinfection products.
- MarinaMax Wasserfahrzeuge Premium chemistry for watercraft including boats and yachts, featuring products like 88 Graphene Shieldwall for gelcoat polishing and marine surface protection.
- Carlack Premium Swiss-made car care products from the manufactory, featuring proprietary polymer sealing technology and Carnauba wax formulations for true automotive classics.
- Zubehoer (Professional Accessories) Professional accessories for maximum cleaning and care results, including polishing machines, brushes, microfiber cloths, and application tools as coordinated system solutions complementing Maxolen chemistry.
- Sioux Shield (77 Ceramic Nano Glass Protection) Ceramic Nano Glass protection coating for permanent long-term sealing of automobiles, providing high resistance to mechanical stress, contamination, UV rays, salts, acids, and oxidation with maximum water and dirt repellent surface and brilliant deep gloss.
- 88 Graphene Shieldwall Latest generation permanent paint sealant based on innovative GRAPHENE.NANO.CERAMIC formulation for watercraft, providing superior durability, deep gloss, ultra-hydrophobic properties, and high self-cleaning effect.
- 99 CutWax 4in1 All-rounder polishing product designed for single-step polishing process for quick preparation, featuring 4in1 ONE-STEP high-performance technology combining medium cut removal, fine polishing, hologram elimination, deep gloss, and long-term wax sealing for all paint types.
- G460 Desinfektion Disinfectant with BAG (Swiss Federal Office of Public Health) approval providing 3-fold effectiveness - bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal. Safe for skin, hands, surfaces, and food contact, aldehyde-free, and officially approved for combating influenza and corona viruses.
- 5000 Classic Pavian Universal ultra-high-performance cutting compound with excellent cutting, slicing, and gloss technology, featuring CUT2GLOSSFINISH technology delivering maximum deep gloss at maximum cut removal.
- 32X Saubermen Oeko Eco-efficient power all-purpose cleaner concentrate with strong dirt and fat dissolving power, modern GHS classification, and pleasant fragrance.
- 40B Leather Balm Luxurious Swiss leather upholstery treatment condensing best-in-class care ingredients into a powerful formulation for gentle and sustainable leather care with high effectiveness in cleaning and protection.
- Maxolen University Training Professional training courses through Maxolen University including basic courses, surface preparation guides, and vehicle preparation training for professional detailers and surface treatment specialists.
Quantifiable outcome
- Sioux Shield provides long-term permanent protection with high resistance to mechanical stress and weathering
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Maxolen
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Maxolen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Maxolen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- maxolen Austria GmbHcoreFirst international representation established in 1963. Current entity is in formation as maxolen Austria GmbH, located in Salzburg, Austria. Handles distribution and sales for Austrian market.
- maxolen Polska Styl AutocoreExclusive distributor for Poland, located in Wrocław. Handles sales and distribution of Maxolen premium products in the Polish market.
- Dexia System, S.L. (Roberlo)coreDistribution partner for Spain, located in Riudellots de la Selva. Associated with Roberlo brand for Spanish market distribution.
- Maxolen Eesti OÜcoreExclusive distributor for Estonia, based in Tartu. Handles Maxolen product distribution in the Estonian market.
- MAXOLEN, s. r. o.coreDistribution partner for Slovakia, located in Bratislava. Handles sales and distribution for Slovakian market.
- Maxxol Norge AScoreExclusive distributor for Norway, based in Vear. Handles Maxolen product sales and distribution in Norwegian market.
- Eenzet-Automotive BVcoreDistribution partner for Netherlands, located in Scherpenzeel. Handles automotive product distribution in Dutch market.
- SISTEMAX ITALIA S.r.l.coreExclusive distributor for Italy, based in Chieri/Torino. Handles Maxolen premium products distribution in Italian market.
- Maxolen Deutschland GmbHcoreWholly-owned subsidiary handling German market distribution from Ludwigsburg location.
- Le Baron Steinmetz GmbHminorAdditional distribution partner for Germany, located in Fritzlar. Secondary reseller channel for German market.
- Maxolen UKcoreDistribution entity for United Kingdom market, based in Leeds. Handles sales and distribution of Swiss-made Maxolen products in England.
- MAXOLEN BULGARIA GmbHcoreDistribution partner for Bulgaria, located in Sofia. Handles Maxolen product sales in Bulgarian market.
- Dabler Auto Detailers LLPcoreExclusive distributor for India, based in Bangalore. Handles Asian market expansion and distribution of Maxolen products in Indian market.
- Savary et FilscoreRegional distribution partner for French-speaking Switzerland (Suisse Romand), located in Cheseaux. Handles local sales and support for Romandy region.
- Zaniniautos, LdacoreDistribution partner for Portugal, with coverage for mainland and Madeira island. Located in Funchal, Madeira.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Maxolen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Dr. Schnell Chemie: German specialty chemical manufacturer producing professional cleaning, disinfection, and sanitation products for industrial, institutional, and food-service markets. Directly comparable to Maxolen's InduMax industrial and GaFoMax food-safety product lines.
- CarPro: South Korean-headquartered manufacturer of professional ceramic coatings and car care chemicals (CQuartz line). Direct competitor in the high-end ceramic nano-coating niche that Maxolen addresses with Sioux Shield and Graphene Shieldwall.
- Gtechniq: UK-based manufacturer of advanced ceramic coatings, sealants, and detailing chemistry for automotive and marine applications. Highly comparable to Maxolen's ceramic-coating and marine (MarinaMax) offerings.
- Buzil: German manufacturer of professional cleaning and hygiene products for industrial, commercial, and food-industry applications. Comparable in product type (all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, specialty chemicals) and in serving similar European professional customers.
- Sonax: German premium car care and detailing chemical manufacturer with strong professional and consumer presence across Europe. Comparable product portfolio (polishes, waxes, all-purpose cleaners, ceramic coatings) and very similar premium positioning strategy to Maxolen.
- Koch-Chemie: German manufacturer of premium professional cleaning, polishing, and detailing chemicals for automotive, industrial, and commercial-vehicle applications. Closest direct competitor to Maxolen with overlapping product categories (all-purpose cleaners, polishes, ceramic coatings) and a comparable professional B2B distribution model.
Broad incumbents
- Würth: Global German-headquartered distributor and manufacturer of chemicals, tools, and consumables for automotive, industrial, and trade customers. Overlaps with Maxolen through Würth's industrial and automotive cleaning/chemical product lines and direct-sales distribution model.
- Turtle Wax: Large global consumer and professional car care brand with broad product coverage including polishes, waxes, and increasingly ceramic coatings. Competes with Maxolen at the more value-tier end of the detailing chemistry market.
- Meguiar's: Established global car care brand (3M-owned) with broad consumer and professional detailing product lines. Competes with Maxolen in the automotive polishing and detailing category but operates at much larger scale across retail and pro channels.
Regional players
- Griot's Garage: US-based premium detailing products and tools brand. Comparable premium-professional positioning to Maxolen, but primarily serves North American enthusiasts and detailers rather than the European/Asian markets Maxolen focuses on.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Maxolen social profiles
Digital presenceMaxolen compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Maxolen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Maxolen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Maxolen subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries9 records
Maxolen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Maxolen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Maxolen
What does Maxolen do?
Maxolen manufactures premium professional cleaning, care, and surface treatment chemical products exclusively in Switzerland. Its portfolio spans automotive cosmetics, industrial maintenance cleaners, maritime/watercraft care, car wash chemistry and systems, and commercial kitchen hygiene products, supported by proprietary ceramic nano glass and graphene nano ceramic coating technologies.
Is Maxolen a public or private company?
Maxolen is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Maxolen founded?
Maxolen was founded in 1960. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Maxolen based?
Maxolen is headquartered in Birmensdorf, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Maxolen make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Chemical Products Sales are the primary driver. The others are equipment and Accessories Sales and training Services.
Who are Maxolen's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Dr. Schnell Chemie, CarPro, Gtechniq, Buzil, Sonax and Koch-Chemie. Broad incumbents are Würth, Turtle Wax and Meguiar's. Griot's Garage is listed as a regional player.
Does Maxolen have an API?
No public API is recorded for Maxolen.
What industry is Maxolen in?
Maxolen's product category is Professional Cleaning and Care Chemicals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEABAG, Industrial & Institutional (I&I) Cleaning Chemicals, with a secondary code of CRAOAGAM, Car Wash, Auto Detailing & Vehicle Cleaning Supplies Distribution. Its NAICS code is 3256 and its SIC code is 2842.