David and Lorna Skewes established Colonial Chemicals in 1993 after discovering a gap in the market for local knowledge, quality service and readily available chemicals from their family property in Moonbi, NSW. 

With four small children at home, David and Lorna purchased a small typewriter, $50 worth of stationary and an invoice book; that same week they received their first order for one pallet of bleach. Their feelings were euphoric from that order; they knew in that moment there would be no turning back, they were officially in business!  

David’s vision and Lorna’s attention to detail saw the business grow from a humble operation to the enterprise it is today; employing eleven staff, dispatching more than two million litres of chemical annually and sending trucks thousands of kilometres each year into country NSW. 

From the get-go, David and Lorna set out to offer superior customer service with an emergency pump-out service for accidental spills, bulk deliveries to isolated regions, a last-minute delivery service and readily available advice in navigating all manners of chemical related queries.

As manufacturers, the team at Colonial perfected a form of low-fuming hydrochloric acid; Olympix pH. This fast-acting pH adjuster is low-fuming meaning it is gentle on airways, causes less rusting and corrosion on equipment and can be handled in all weather conditions and climates. 

In addition to Olympix pH, Colonial supplies alkaline reducers, mould eliminators, rust destroyers, concrete cleaners and every other kind of chemical required for large and small industry. 

As the business has grown in success, so too has Colonial’s compassion and concern for those less fortunate. Collectively the business and staff sponsor over fifty children through Compassion. This global charity ensures kids are provided access to clean water, food, shelter and most importantly, an education. Your investment in Colonial continues to make this support possible!