The company started out manufacturing industrial adhesives, but later branched out into waterproofing compounds, specifically focusing on bitumen and acrylics. In 1985, it broke into the retail side of the market, under the brand name Flash Harry, and in 1989, it began manufacturing a range of modified bitumen membranes (such as Thermoflex and Slatex) as well as an assortment of specialist waterproofing products.
Eager to consolidate its position as one of the leaders in the local waterproofing market, Darachem acquired industrial waterproofing brand Bond M in 2000.
In 2002, the company built a new liquid production plant at its premises in Anderbolt, Boksburg North, as well as warehousing and dispatch bays. And in 2004, it completed construction of a new bitumen membrane plant, and related warehousing.
Some of Darachem's more prestigious jobs include: SA Mint (Pretoria), SA Breweries (Alrode), SA Receiver of Revenue head office (Pretoria), SA Police head office (Pretoria), Rosebank Mall (Rosebank), M-Net head office (Randburg), Cell C head office (Rivonia), Pick n' Pay head office (Bedfordview), Northgate Shopping Centre (new wing) and JHB International Airport (new domestic terminal).
The industrial range of products includes:
Torch-on bitumen membrane systems
Bitumen primers
Under slate waterproofing
Rubberised bitumen emulsions
Bitumenous aluminium coatings
Acrylic and geofabric waterproofing systems
Acrylic roof coatings
Fibre reinforced (ie membrane free) acrylic waterproofing systems
Anti corrosive coatings
Cementitious latex additives