Leung Yun Chee, an immigrant from China, established Leung Kai Fook to produce medicated oils. He named it Axe Brand and soon Axe Brand Universal Oil soon became a popular item in Singapore. Between 1950 and 1970, the company expanded with Saudi Arabia becoming the first overseas market – The medicated oil proved to be a success with the Haj pilgrims who suffered from ailments on their sea journey. In 1976 the company expanded its distribution to Hong Kong. The distinctive image of the cutting axe created in the 1930s continues to be used on the packaging – visible in the tray here.
