On the 27th of March 1905, The Lion Match Company Limited was officially incorporated. This incorporation resulted from the amalgamation of all the match businesses that remained in existence in South Africa at that time, following 20 years of intense activity that followed the initial introduction of match making into the country in 1884.

In 1924, the Cape Town factory underwent a move from Rosebank to Observatory and was extensively equipped. This allowed the directors to anticipate improved working conditions and reduced expenses under the newly introduced modern conditions. As early as 1927, book matches were initially manufactured in the Cape Town factory. Over 40 years later, in 1968, the company installed a wooden stick book match plant in its Durban factory, as they were dissatisfied with the quality of the old cardboard stick. This introduction was also a first in South Africa and was warmly received as an advancement.

Situated on the outskirts of the Mozambican capital, Maputo, Fosforeira de Moçambique Limitada is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Lion Match Company (Pty) Ltd. Established in 1972, Fosforeira de Moçambique Limitada is located in the bustling industrial area of Matola. Initially functioning as a manufacturing facility, the company currently oversees the warehousing and distribution operations for Mozambique's popular Pala Pala brand of safety matches. The Pala Pala brand holds a significant market share in the region, particularly among consumers in the South who show a preference for it. In light of being a marketing-oriented fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company operating within a globally connected economy, the company inevitably places emphasis on improving distribution and market penetration through warehousing and logistics. At The Lion Match Company, the focus is on enhancing distribution and market reach, with particular attention given to logistics and warehousing in order to cater to the demands of a connected consumer base.

In 1980 Wilkinson Lion Sales moved back to Durban.

In 1922, when The Lion Match Company (Pty) Ltd implemented a Tree Planting Scheme throughout South Africa, it could not have foreseen that by 2007, this initiative would transform into what it is today—a significant independent forestry operation known as Lion Match Forestry (Pty) Ltd.

In 2012, NSP Unsgaard (Pty) Ltd, previously known as Nkunzi Unsgaard, was acquired by The Lion Match Company (Pty) Ltd. The company competes in the personal, baby, and home care categories and manages to achieve remarkable success through astute marketing strategies and unparalleled production flexibility. With extensive distribution networks and a strong presence in major retailers across Southern Africa, NSP Unsgaard has positioned itself as a reliable provider of solutions, offering trusted and dependable products and brands that cater to discerning consumers.