What Dromex does

Dromex is a South African personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear manufacturer and distributor, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The company operates from a 25,000m2 state-of-the-art distribution facility in Cornubia and has grown from a 750m2 marine-products warehouse into what it describes as 'Africa's leading' PPE and workwear manufacturer and distributor. Its product portfolio spans seven categories — gloves, head and face protection, respiratory protection, fall arrest, workwear, body protection, and footwear — supported by specialized sub-brands (Dromex ARC, Dromex Fire, Dromex Chemical, Evotech, Ulteco) and proprietary technologies including Cut5 fibre technology (level-5 cut resistance from German-engineered core material), Dromex A.P.T Fabric (inherent flame-retardant 88% cotton/12% nylon blend for arc flash applications), and the DH-302 reusable respiratory half mask. Products are certified to major international standards (EN, IEC, NFPA, ASTM, NRCS, SABS), and the company holds active membership in SABS technical committees including SAPEMA and SAIOSH.

Dromex operates a B2B wholesale-led go-to-market: products are not sold directly online; instead, customers must purchase through an approved distribution network of distributors and resellers, supplemented by physical retail stores with a website-locator. The company ships worldwide, with a French-language catalogue signalling expansion into Francophone Africa. Its customer base is segmented across mining, construction, electrical utilities, firefighting, oil & gas, general industrial, and corporate verticals, with primary use cases in arc flash protection, fire resistance, chemical resistance, respiratory safety, and fall arrest. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is determined through distributor engagement. Marketing channels span a website with downloadable catalogues and a Workwear & PPE Guide, social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), a Mailchimp newsletter, and YouTube training videos.

The company is structured as a private Close Corporation (Dromex CC), with no public listing, no parent company, no subsidiaries, and no disclosed funding rounds or M&A activity. As of the source data, Dromex has 114 employees and no apps, public APIs, or disclosed AI/ML capabilities — its digital surface is conventional marketing and catalogue infrastructure. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Dromex

Legal name

Dromex CC

Website

https://dromex.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Dromex is a South African PPE and workwear manufacturer and distributor, founded in 1998, supplying mining, construction, electrical utilities, firefighting, oil & gas, and industrial customers through an approved wholesale distribution network from a 25,000m2 Cornubia facility.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Workwear

NAICS

Footwear Manufacturing (3162), Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Gloves, Masks/Respirators, Gowns, Face Shields) (HLAHANAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Safety, PPE & Workwear Retail (Gloves, Respirators, Eye/Ear Protection) (CRAIADAK), Protective Disposable Wear (Masks, Gloves, Shoe Covers, Hairnets) (CRADALAJ), PPE, Safety & Infection Control Supplies Distribution (JanSan-adjacent) (CRAOAGAK)

Keywords

• Personal protective equipment
• Industrial safety workwear
• Arc flash protection
• Safety footwear
• Respiratory protection

Headquarters

HQ city

Cornubia

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. PPE and Workwear Product Sales: Dromex generates revenue through the manufacture and distribution of personal protective equipment and workwear products. The company sells through an approved wholesale distribution network, with products not available for direct purchase on the website. Product categories include gloves, respiratory protection, fall arrest equipment, workwear, footwear, head and face protection, and body protection.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Dromex manufactures and distributes personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear for industrial and hazardous environments, supplying gloves, head and face protection, respiratory protection, fall arrest systems, workwear, body protection, and safety footwear. The company operates as a B2B wholesaler through an approved distribution network of distributors and resellers, supplemented by physical retail stores for walk-in customers, and ships worldwide. Products are engineered to comply with international safety standards including EN, IEC, NFPA, ASTM, SABS, NRCS, and CE certifications, with specialized ranges for mining, construction, electrical utilities, oil & gas, and firefighting.

Product overview

Dromex is Africa's leading manufacturer and distributor of personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear, founded in 1998. The company operates from a 25,000m2 distribution facility and offers a comprehensive portfolio of safety products organized into major categories: Gloves (including Cut 5 cut-resistant, Specialised, Chemical, Synthetic, and Leather), Head and Face Protection (Head Protection Gear, Protective Eyewear, Hearing Protection), Respiratory Protection (Disposable Masks, Reusable Masks like DH-302 and TPR Twin Half Mask, Filters), Fall Arrest equipment, Workwear (General, Dromex Arc for ARC flash protection, Dromex Fire for fire protection, Dromex Chemical for chemical hazards, Corporate wear, Technical Utility Range), Body Protection (Reflectives, Storm & Rainwear, Disposable Coveralls, Safety Accessories, Leather Body Protection), and Footwear (Work Boots including Chelsea, Ulteco, Bolt and Arc Flash Tread lines; Gum Boots; Shoes; Socks including Workwear, Flame Retardant, and Anti-Static variants). The company is an active member of SABS technical committees, SAPEMA, and SAIOSH, with products designed and tested to meet international standards including EN, IEC, NFPA, ASTM, and CE requirements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dromex ARC: ARC Flash protection range scientifically designed and tested to comply with the highest international standards, providing lifesaving protection in hazardous environments.
• Dromex Fire
• Dromex Chemical
• Evotech
• Ulteco

Products and services

• Protective Gloves Range of protective gloves including Cut 5 cut-resistant gloves with proprietary Cut5 fibre technology, specialised gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, synthetic gloves (GPVC, Nitrile, Latex), and leather gloves. Used by workers across mining, construction, electrical, chemical, oil & gas, firefighting, and general industrial sectors.
• Head and Face Protection Head protection gear, protective eyewear, hearing protection equipment, and arc flash face visors for comprehensive head and face safety in industrial environments.
• Respiratory Protection Disposable masks, reusable masks (including DH-302 and TPR Twin Half Mask), full face masks, and replacement filters for respiratory safety in hazardous environments.
• Fall Arrest Equipment Fall protection equipment including full body harnesses, shock absorbing lanyards, and associated safety gear for working at heights, certified to EN 361:2002 and EN 355:2002.
• Workwear Ranges Comprehensive workwear ranges including general workwear, Dromex Arc (ARC flash protection), Dromex Fire (fire protection), Dromex Chemical (chemical protection), corporate wear, and the Evotech Technical Utility Range.
• Body Protection Reflective clothing, storm and rainwear, disposable coveralls, safety accessories, and leather body protection.
• Safety Footwear Safety footwear including work boots (Chelsea, Ulteco, Bolt, Arc Flash Tread lines under the Ulteco sub-brand), gum boots, safety shoes, and specialised socks (workwear, flame retardant, anti-static).
• DH-302 Reusable Half Mask Respiratory protection mask with soft TPR (Thermo Plastic Rubber Elastomer) face piece, four-point adjustment system, and high quality straps for secure face seal and comfort. Rated NRCS/8072/0413 EN 143 & EN 14387.
• Chelsea Boots Work boots made from premium full grain Crazy Horse leather with steel midsole, cleated oil and slip resistant outsole, dual density PU lightweight outsole with anti-static technology, heat insulation up to 95°C, and impact resistant steel toe cap. Conforms to EN ISO 20345:2011.
• 15 Cal Arc Suit ARC flash protection suit with ATPV 15 cal/cm² rating, YKK concealed brass zip, flame retardant Hook & Loop closures, and 50mm flame retardant reflective tape. Made from proprietary Dromex A.P.T Fabric 305gsm (88% Cotton, 12% Nylon).
• Fire & Chemical Boots Lightweight firefighting boots made from Elastomer (fireproofed NBR/CR) with EN 15090 approval, suitable for chemicals and chemical encapsulated suits with a 10 year shelf life.
• Full Body Harness Complete Polyester full body harness with adjustable chest and leg straps, dorsal D-ring for fall arrest, shock absorbing double lanyard with steel scaffold hooks. Certified to EN 361:2002 and EN 355:2002.
• MIG-F6 Impact Glove High visibility touch screen compatible reusable three-dimensional impact glove with reinforced thumb crotch, nitrile palm coating, and TPR finger and back of hand protection, with HDPE lining providing high impact, abrasion, cut and tear resistance.
• Cut5 Chemical Glove Cut5 cut-resistant liquid chemical glove with HCT Nitrile multilayer technology, soft organic cotton inner liner, and high cut and abrasion resistance. Rated EN 388: 4543, EN 407: X2XXX, EN 374: KLA.
• Poseidon Oil & Gas Boilersuit Flame retardant boilersuit made from Dromex F.P.T (98% Cotton, 2% Antistatic, 220gsm) with ATPV 8 cal/cm² rating, action back design, and EN 11611, EN 11612, EN 61482 compliance.
• Bolt Boots Water resistant work boots with full grain ox leather upper, Kevlar midsole, PU/Rubber outsole heat resistant at 300°C, fiberglass toecap, and metal-free lace up design. Conforms to EN 20345:2022.
• 55 Cal Arc Switching Gloves Arc flash rated gloves with ATPV 55 cal/cm², flame retardant glove lined with meta aramid mat lining, 2.7mm thickness.
• Full Face Mask Premium respiratory protection with TPR full face seal, anti-fog visor with 220° vision, 5-point comfort harness, and dual filter cartridge system compatible with Dromex unifit twin filters.
• Arc Flash Tread Safety Boot Waterproof full grain cow leather work boot with slip resistant outsole, contact heat resistant outsole at 300°C for 60 seconds, and composite toe cap.
• 28 Cal Arc Ergos Intec Helmet Electrically insulated helmet with integrated retractable visor and chin protection, providing safety against thermal hazards of electric arc. ATPV 28 cal/cm² with electrical insulation 1000V AC and 1500V DC.
• Utility Pants Technical utility work pants with concealed nylon zip, triple needle topstitching, multifunctional pockets, reflective piping, reinforced canvas panels, and 65% Polyester 35% Cotton blend.
• Ulti-Chem Chemical Glove Triple coated lightweight nitrile glove with micro foam palm providing protection against chemicals, mechanical and micro-organism risks. Rated EN 388 (4,1,2,1,X), EN 374-1 TYPE B (AJKL), EN 374-5.
• 16.8 Cal Arc Dipped Gloves Arc flash rated gloves with 42.3 cal/cm² arc rated palm and 16.8 cal/cm² arc rated back, with 13g Aramid flexible knit fabric and nitrile micro foam and neoprene coating.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dromex has grown from a 750m2 warehouse in 1998 to a 25,000m2 state-of-the-art distribution facility, becoming Africa's leading PPE and workwear manufacturer and distributor.

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Showa Group: Specialist manufacturer of single-use and reusable protective gloves (nitrile, cut-resistant, chemical) with global manufacturing. Direct head-to-head competitor to Dromex in the synthetic and Cut5 glove categories that anchor Dromex's range.
• Uvex Safety Group: German manufacturer of head-to-toe industrial PPE including gloves, eye/face protection, hearing protection, and safety footwear. Comparable product breadth and emphasis on European certifications mirrors Dromex's positioning around EN and IEC standards.
• Regeltex: European specialist in arc-flash and electrical protective gloves, a direct overlap with Dromex's 15–55 cal arc glove range. Useful comparable for the specialized high-margin arc protection niche.

Emerging players

• Granberg AS: Scandinavian specialist in technical protective gloves (cut-resistant, chemical, impact) with EN/ANSI certifications. Closely comparable to Dromex's Cut5 and specialised glove ranges as a focused, mid-sized specialist rather than a broad incumbent.

Broad incumbents

• MSA Safety: US-listed safety equipment manufacturer with strong positions in head protection, respiratory protection, fall protection, and gas detection — particularly in mining and oil & gas. Closest global incumbent to Dromex's industrial-vertical focus.
• Bunzl Safety & Workwear: Global distribution and wholesale group with safety, workwear, and PPE as a major vertical. Comparable to Dromex's wholesale distribution model and B2B channel structure, particularly in Europe and emerging markets.
• Honeywell Personal Protective Equipment: Operates a global PPE business spanning head/face/respiratory protection, fall arrest, hearing protection, and protective footwear. Competes with Dromex across most of its head-to-toe product range and serves overlapping mining, oil & gas, and construction customers.
• 3M Personal Safety Division: Diversified industrial conglomerate with a major personal safety division covering respiratory protection, fall protection, hearing protection, and reflective workwear. Overlaps Dromex's catalogue broadly and represents the global benchmark for certified PPE.
• Ansell: Global leader in PPE gloves and protective solutions with a broad industrial and healthcare portfolio. Directly comparable to Dromex across its glove, body protection, and chemical ranges, but operates at global scale with much deeper R&D and distribution reach.

Regional players

• Levitt-Safety: Canadian industrial safety distributor and PPE manufacturer supplying fall protection, respiratory, head/eye protection, and gas detection. Direct business-model comparable (B2B distribution + manufacturing), with geographic complementarity to Dromex's African footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@dromexppe
• Facebookfacebook.com/dromexppe
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dromexppe
• Instagraminstagram.com/dromex_sa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dromex