As a traditional German brand since 1910, the name Petromax stands for self-sufficient lighting, self-determination and independence outdoors. At Petromax, tradition, innovation and quality are integral to our daily routine. We develop our products ourselves and always place high demands on resistance, durability and sturdiness. We apply our experience and the knowledge proven for centuries to revive within our products.
Our goal is to make all your adventures a real experience. Thanks to our systematic quality inspections, we are able to inspire you with consistently high-quality equipment. We want to be your professional point of contact, your outfitter and your reliable companion for unforgettable experience in nature.
What drives us: About us and Petromax
We know the true value of the moment when time is allowed to stand still. Shared experience in nature bring people closer together in the most original way. Independent outdoor adventures allow us to create what matters most: unforgettable time spent together. We want to share this and our passion with you.
We simply can't help but keep coming up with new ideas and working on them every day until we have our first prototype, which we then test to the limits. We ambitiously test and revise our products until they meet our high standards of quality and durability, ensuring that you own a reliable piece of equipment in the end.
Light and fire are our elements. We are on fire: For the entire Petromax world. For all our employees who help to shape it. And for you. Seeing you be enthralled and use our equipment outdoors, that's the greatest thing for us. Each of your testimonials shows us that our path is the right one and motivates us anew. That's why our family business really values your ideas and feedback.
How did the adventure begin for Petromax GmbH?
In the early 2000s, Jonas Taureck was gripped by a sense of adventure and set off from Germany to South Africa with a friend on a heavy duty vehicle, a 1963 model Magirus Deutz. As had happened numerous times before, the vehicle got stuck in the hot desert sand. Even after many hours of shovelling, the lorry was still not moving forward. All that could be heard was the loud roaring of the engine. The engine suspension had broken and the engine had destroyed the alternator.
Looking for a way to charge the batteries a different way, Jonas and his companion reached a small village along the Niger after a few days. Impressed by the bright light that illuminated the huts and streets, relief soon spread: Finally, so it appeared, they had found a suitable energy source.
But what illuminated this village was not powered by electricity, the inhabitants explained to them. Incredulous, Jonas took a closer look at the bright light source. There was no sign of a power cable, but the light was so bright that Jonas had to squint. Then he noticed a buzzing, crackling, almost a hissing sound accompanied by an unmistakable smell: petroleum.
The power that lit up an entire village came from paraffin lamps – for 21-year-old Jonas Taureck, an absolute marvel of technology that would stay with him for a long time.
Where does Petromax come from? Learn more about the history of the traditional German brand here.
What is Petromax today?
Once you've tasted freedom and adventure, you'll always want more. This was also true for Jonas who decided to found a company for adventurers: Petromax GmbH. Inspired by the urge for independence, traditional values, consistency and innovation, Petromax GmbH has developed into a medium-sized family business which today has almost 100 employees.
Since 2014, Jonas' wife Dr. Pia Christin Taureck has also been involved in the company as Managing Director. What started with a paraffin lamp has now become one of the best-known brands in the fields of fire and light, barbecue and outdoor cooking, bushcraft and survival. Petromax is also successfully positioning itself in the outdoor clothing segment and is pursuing a functional and sustainable approach. Petromax is run by a strong and highly motivated team which pursues a common goal – day in, day out: Light your fire and look forward to some real outdoor adventures!
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