707 Evolution: From Humble Beginnings to a Household Icon

The story of 707 Multi-Purpose Grease Remover is one rooted in perseverance, passion, and the enduring spirit of small-business innovation. Today, Best Chemical Co (S) Pte Ltd proudly carries forward this remarkable legacy — a legacy that began over four decades ago in a modest Singapore home.

A Homegrown Beginning (1978)

The origins of the 707 brand date back to 1978, when Mr. James Tan and his family friend, Mr. Koh, founded Tan & Koh Enterprise. Operating from their home, the partners were committed to producing a grease remover that combined effectiveness with reliability, capable of tackling even the most stubborn stains. The now-iconic 707 formula, shared with Mr. Tan by a close friend, would eventually become a trusted name in households across Singapore.

In its early years, the business faced the challenges familiar to many small enterprises: slow-moving sales, market competition, and limited resources. Mr. Tan and Mr. Koh oversaw every stage of production themselves — from formulation and bottling to labelling and delivery. When Mr. Koh decided to leave the venture and stepped away from the business, Mr. Tan continued the journey with the steadfast support of his wife. Their kitchen became a small-scale production line, and every bottle was filled with care and dedication.

 

Growing Through Trust and Word of Mouth

Despite the hurdles, the Tans’ hard work began to pay off. Mr. Tan personally delivered every order, no matter how small, ensuring dependable service and building genuine customer trust. Word of mouth spread quickly, especially among housewives who appreciated the product’s cleaning power and affordability. During festive seasons such as Christmas and Chinese New Year, sales surged to as many as 200 to 300 bottles per day — a testament to the product’s growing popularity.

As demand increased, major retailers took notice. Sheng Siong Supermarket approached Mr. Tan with an offer to place 707 on their shelves. Out of concern that his home-based setup could not sustain large-scale supply without compromising quality, Mr. Tan made the difficult but principled decision to decline.

 

A Turning Point for a Beloved Brand

In 2014, the business faced a significant setback when Mr. Tan suffered a stroke that left him bedridden. With occasional assistance from her nephew, Mrs. Tan did her best to continue production from their home. Loyal customers continued to support the couple, but the strain of managing all operations eventually grew overwhelming. Their children, though supportive, were unable to continue the business due to the expertise and resources required. After Mr. Tan’s passing in 2018, Mrs. Tan continued to persevere, but ongoing concerns from neighbours about home-based production ultimately led authorities to cease operations.

 

Best Chemical Steps Forward

During this challenging period, Best Chemical Co (S) Pte Ltd — a loyal customer for over two decades — emerged as the natural successor to continue the 707 legacy. Over years of partnership, Best Chemical had come to understand the brand’s unique formulation, heritage, and loyal customer base. Despite interest from multiple parties, Mrs Tan entrusted the 707 brand and formula to Best Chemical, recognising the company’s professionalism and shared commitment to quality.

In 2019, Best Chemical officially acquired the formulation and brand rights for 707 Multi-Purpose Grease Remover, marking a new chapter in the brand’s evolution. The acquisition ensured that Mr. Tan’s life’s work would continue under capable stewardship, preserving the product’s original essence while elevating production standards.

 

Protecting a Heritage Brand

By 2020, facing unauthorised use of the 707 name by other companies, Best Chemical registered the trademark to safeguard the brand’s integrity. The company also took decisive legal action against parties that misused the 707 brand name or product likeness. These efforts reaffirmed Best Chemical’s commitment to protecting the brand’s authenticity and ensuring customers continue to associate 707 with quality and trust.

Building upon the original formulation, Best Chemical leveraged its advanced manufacturing capabilities to enhance product safety, consistency, and quality. The 707 line has since expanded, introducing new cleaning and maintenance solutions for both household and industrial applications.

 

A National Brand Rooted in Heritage

Today, 707 products are readily available across Singapore — from traditional hardware and provision shops to major retailers and online platforms. What began as a home-based, small-batch operation has evolved into a full-fledged brand supported by one of Singapore’s most reputable names in chemical manufacturing.

The story of 707 is more than the evolution of a household staple. It is a celebration of the resilience of its founders, the loyalty of its customers, and the dedication of Best Chemical in preserving local heritage while driving continuous innovation. From its humble beginnings to its respected national presence, 707 continues to represent the values that defined it from the start: quality, reliability, and trust.

 

Related article: Best Chemical Co (S) Pte Ltd is the proprietor of the trade mark “707”