It exports to over 65 countries, with offices in Hong Kong and US, and has its UK headquarters in Kingswinford in the West Midlands.

Helix was established in 1887 under the name 'The Universal Woodworking Company Ltd.'; it manufactured wooden rulers and metal laboratory apparatus.

On 8 February 2012 the company stated, "The joint administrators from Grant Thornton UK LLP are currently speaking to a number of interested parties and have received offers for the sale of the business as a going concern.

It consists of a metal tin embossed on the front with a drawing of Balliol College and the words 'THE HELIX OXFORD SET OF MATHEMATICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPLETE & ACCURATE' in white against a blue background.

There is also a fact sheet and glossary of mathematical terms with a school timetable printed on the back.