Petromax (pressure lanterns & outdoor cooking equipment)

Brand origin and history

Petromax traces back to Germany: the original Petromax high‑pressure paraffin lamp was developed by Max Graetz at Ehrich & Graetz in 1910 and patented in the early 1920s; the Petromax name derives from "Petroleum" and "Max" and has been synonymous with pressure paraffin lamps in continental Europe. (en.wikipedia.org)

Manufacturing and product range

Modern Petromax products are developed and assembled in Magdeburg, Germany — the company states many of its lamps and a large portion of its cooking equipment are produced or assembled in Germany — while specific heavy cast‑iron lines are produced in Asian foundries under Petromax quality control and then certified by an independent German institute. This results in a product mix that is primarily "Made in Germany" for many SKUs, with certain cast‑iron components manufactured in Asia. (petromax.com)

Ownership and corporate structure

Today Petromax operates as Petromax GmbH (the operating company based in Magdeburg) within a small outdoor‑lifestyle group (PXFH Group) that also includes the Feuerhand brand. The group received backing from Bluegem Capital Partners in 2022; Bluegem is the private equity investor/ultimate owner providing financial ownership and strategic support. (bluegemcp.com)

Practical summary

In short: Petromax is a historic German brand (originating with Ehrich & Graetz and Max Graetz) producing pressure lanterns and complementary outdoor cooking products, assembled and developed primarily in Germany with selected cast‑iron production in Asia; the brand is currently held within the Petromax/PXFH Group backed by Bluegem Capital Partners (UK‑based private equity). (en.wikipedia.org)