Broom, Brush & Mop Jan/Feb 2013

January/February 2013

ABMA TO HOLD 96TH ANNUAL CONVENTION IN MIAMI BEACH, FL Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine SERVING THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1912

Osborn Specializing In Power Brushes & Maintenance Products, Celebrates 125 Years

Paintbrush Industry Adapts To Fast Changing Business Conditions Company Interviews: Corona Brushes Nour Trading Purdy Corporation

Executives Give Their Perspectives On The Toothbrush Industry Company Interviews: Prevent Care Products Sulcabrush

Imports Up & Down — Exports Increase Raw Material Roundup Tucel Industries Culicover & Shapiro PelRay Intl.

R.E. Caddy & Co.

PAGE 4

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

January/February 2013

Broom, Brush & Mop A RANKIN PUBLISHING PUBLICATION

January/February 2013

FEATURES Osborn: A World Leader In Power Brushes & Maintenance Products Celebrates 125 Years _______________________6 Paintbrush Industry Adapts To Fast Changing Business Conditions __________14 Toothbrushes: 2 Executives Give Their Perspectives On The Industry ______22

Volume 103, Number 1

ASSOCIATIONS AMERICAN BRUSH MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION 2111 W. Plum St., Aurora, IL 60506 • (630) 631-5217 AMERICAN HARDWARE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION 801 North Plaza Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4977 • (847) 605-1025 FEIBP EUROPEAN BRUSH FEDERATION P.O. Box 90154, 5000 LG Tilburg, The Netherlands • 00 31 13 5944 678 INTERNATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION 7373 N. Lincoln Avenue, Lincolnwood, IL 60646-1799 • (847) 982-0800 INTERNATIONAL HOUSEWARES ASSOCIATION 6400 Shafer Court, Suite 650, Rosemont, IL 60018 • (847) 292-4200

ABMA To Hold 96th Annual Convention In Miami Beach, FL _______________________28 Industry Mourns Loss Of Life-long Veterans ____48

DEPARTMENTS

STAFF CO-PUBLISHERS Don Rankin

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rick Mullen

drankin@consolidated.net

rankinmag@consolidated.net

Linda Rankin

GRAPHIC/PRODUCTION Andrew Webb David Opdyke RECEPTION Sandy Pierce

lrankin@consolidated.net

Imports Up & Down — Exports Increase ______________36

EDITOR Harrell Kerkhoff

October Imports/Exports ___________________________37

rankinmag@consolidated.net

Industry News ________________________________32, 46 Raw Material Roundup ____________________________50

BBM ONLINE: Read/Download current Issue of BBM and view industry Calendar of Events available online at:www.broombrushandmop.com

VISIT BBM’S CALENDAR OF INDUSTRY EVENTS AT: WWW.BROOMBRUSHANDMOP.COM/EVENTS.HTML

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ABMA...................................................49

Hahl Pedex ..............................................9

PelRay International................................2

Amerwood.............................................22

Himesa ............................................31, 33

PMM .....................................................16

Borghi USA ..........................................52

Jewel Wire.............................................20

Royal Paint Roller.................................37

Boucherie USA .....................................51

JIEDA .....................................................5

St. Nick Brush.......................................43

Briarwood Products...............................10

Jones Companies .............................Cover

Tai Hing Filaments................................24

Caddy & Co., Inc., R.E. ........................38

Keystone Plastics ..................................12

Vonco ....................................................23

Canwil Textiles .....................................42

Lemieux Spinning Mill Inc.....................3

Wolf Filaments ......................................15

Culicover & Shapiro .............................42

Line Manufacturing, Inc. ......................39

WorldWide Integrated Resources..........13

Deco Products Co. ................................27

Manufacturers Resource .......................17

Young & Swartz....................................43

Distribuidora Perfect, S.A.....................26

Mill-Rose ..............................................25

Zahoransky..............................................7

DuPont ..................................................11

Monahan Partners .................................19

Zelazoski ...............................................18

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. Inc. .................29

Paul Marsh LLC....................................21

Pictured above at Osborn’s Richmond, IN, facility, left to right, are Business Development Manager Robin Lang, Marketing Manager Jeff Naymik and Marketing Specialist Chris Cooper.

C

elebrating its 125th anniversary this past October, Osborn, of Cleveland, OH, a unit of Jason, Inc., is a world leader in the manufacture of power brushes and maintenance products. The company has manufacturing operations in 15 countries, servicing customers in more than 100 countries.

“Osborn is the world’s leading supplier of surface treatment solutions and high-quality finishing tools for hundreds of industrial and commercial applications, including metal finishing, honing and surface polishing,” said Osborn Marketing Manager Jeff Naymik, during a recent interview with Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine at the company’s Richmond, IN, facility. “Osborn carries more than 10,000 standard products and 100,000-plus customized solutions to serve our diversity of customers and industries.”

Osborn manufactures stock and specialty brushes, ranging in length from less than an inch up to 18 feet. The company’s product lineup includes abrasives, chemical products, machines, equipment, maintenance brushes, polishing buffs and compounds, composite power brushes, internal power brushes, heavyduty idler-rollers, metal power brushes, punched/staple set brushes, road sweeping

brushes, strip brushes, wide-face rollers, mops, brooms, squeegees and more.

While Osborn sells mainly to distributors, several categories of end-users purchase the company’s products including maintenance facility staffs and facility management companies.

“Other end-users include those in the welding, automotive and aerospace segments,” said Osborn Business Development Manager Robin Lang. “We consider it an opportunity for additional sales each time we go into a facility with our wire brushes or chemical products. Businesses need such items as brooms and mops, no matter the industry.”

In addition to the Richmond facility, Osborn’s U.S. locations include its North American headquarters in Cleveland, a manufacturing facility in Hamilton, OH, and a manufacturing and distribution center in Sante Fe Springs, CA. “In Richmond, we make wire type products, power brushes and buffing wheels,” Naymik said. “We also make wide format brushes that are used in steel mills. These brushes are actually used for moving stainless steel material to the furnaces. It is not a brush that is brushing.

“In Hamilton, which is near Cincinnati, we

make many of our buffing compounds, and in Santa Fe Springs, we also make some buffing products. A customer service center is also located in Santa Fe Springs.”

Elsewhere, Osborn has facilities in Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Mexico, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Taiwan.

Osborn has also developed a solid supply network for raw materials that Naymik said eliminates major disruptions in the supply chain. Raw materials the company uses include wire, abrasive filament, stainless steel and tampico fiber.

“We have some great relationships with our suppliers,” Lang said. “We have been able to maintain stable pricing and they stock product for us.”

Naymik added: “We pat ourselves on the back because we have a really solid supply chain. We haven’t seen any major disruptions in raw materials.”

Naymik described business during the past year as “better than expected.” He reported Osborn has increased sales to pre-recession levels.

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BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

Naymik projects the company will perform at higher levels than the United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Many economists are predicting a flat to slightly growing economy in the near term,” Naymik said. “They are not painting a rosy picture, but we still feel we are going to grow more than the GDP.” Lang added: “We grew so much last year because people felt safe with the economy and began to order heavy again.

Now, that economists are saying this coming year is going to be slow, we are expecting sales to back down a little, while still experiencing an increase.”

“Many of our products are used in gas exploration,” Naymik said. “Where there is a pipeline being built, our products are there. If it is a project in the Gulf of Mexico, or somewhere like that, our products will be on a ship going out to supply the job site.”

One positive trend Naymik is seeing is the return of a significant amount of business to the United States that had relocated overseas in past years. This is due, in part, by the need for better quality and sourcing, he said.

“We are seeing many of the fabrication type shops that supply the automotive industry bringing a lot of jobs back, partly because they need to be closer to the assembly point,” Naymik said. “The tsunami overseas and other events that happened a couple of years ago left many automotive companies with no parts; therefore they are bringing a lot of business back.”

Living The Mission

O

sborn’s mission statement says, “Through competence, customer focus, continuous improvement and innovation, we will meet or exceed customer expectations by consistently supplying quality products with world class service.”

“It is easy to have a sentence that says we are going to do what the customer needs us to do to take care of them,” Lang said. “However, we really enforce our mission statement by living it every day at all of our facilities.”

Lang said the company is constantly working to improve how its facilities operate.

“We look at a floor plan or a cell of manufacturing, for example, and we say, ‘How can we make this operation faster, more smooth and with less expense?’” Lang said. “We look at situations such as, if we place that cabinet over there, we wouldn’t have to walk as far, thus saving time — if we try a different material type, maybe it would run through the machine a little bit better. If a person visited this facility (Richmond) in a month from now, things would be rearranged. Literally, once a quarter it seems like machines and other items are being moved to make things run more smoothly and economically in order to keep costs down.

“It is this effort that keeps us in line with our mission statement, because we do want to be a world-class provider.

We work at this every day by living it and not just making a statement.”

As Osborn’s distributors are a key component to the company’s growth, much hard work goes into establishing and maintaining strong relationships.

“Our distributor relationships are the foundation of how we go to market,” Naymik said. “We are always striving to be the best partner we can with our distributors, while making sure

January/February 2013 Working in the lab are Lead Science Officer/Engineer Zac Small and Robin Lang.

Senior Application Lab Technician Nick Gonzales is posing in the lab with buffed and polished items.

Lisa Phelps is pictured making power brushes.

Rhonda Slaven is shown in the buff assembly department.

Paulo Rivera is pictured making maintenance brushes.

PAGE 10

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP we are offering the right product and the right price.

“Our message to distributors is, ‘With Osborn, you, your customers and your customers’ customers finish first.’ We aspire to give our distributors an advantage by offering value, quality, delivery and technical support.

“Osborn recognizes the ‘four Ps’ that distributors need for the best value. They are product performance, programs, people and price. However, offering products with optimal per formance at the right prices, but without the programs and knowledgeable people in place, isn’t enough.

“The people and technical support, along with the products and prices are what create our advantage. Osborn’s objective is to make a quality product that is safe for customers to use and that distributors are proud to offer.”

In its effort to be the best partner it can be with customers, Osborn is known for its field support, according to Naymik.

“We have not only direct sales people who are dedicated to certain customers and regions, but we also have a group of technical people,” Lang said.

“All they do is call on end-users and help them find the right products. Sometimes it might not be our product, but we offer them the best solution.”

Naymik added that Osborn’s

January/February 2013

level of support is also helping promote the trend of companies bringing business back onshore.

“We are able to feed the onshoring trend, because our customers trust us and say, ‘We are bringing this back for this automotive company. Send one of your technical guys over and help us with this deburring operation,’ or whatever they need to do to get the part at the quality level they require.”

Lang added: “Furthermore, as I mentioned before, by helping a customer with an application, it opens the door to sell other products. We might say to a customer, ‘By the way, where do you buy your brooms?’ Or the customer might say, “While I have you here, come look at this.’”

Another project underway to further solidify Osborn’s par tnership with its distributors involves online training sessions.

“It is like an online webinar to train our distributors and even their end-users on how to use our brushes and other items,” Naymik said. “It will be something that will be live and totally interactive. In addition, the training sessions will be archived for distributors to show when they bring on a new sales person. It won’t be hours of video, but short snippets.”

Lang added: “The success of Osborn’s customer service and sales efforts is centered upon the direct sales manager spending 100 percent of his or her time

calling on distributors, as well as the field service people. Our customer service team is one of the things of which we are most proud.”

Lang explained the company’s customer service teams focus their expertise on specific markets in four locations from coast to coast.

“The person selling a broom is not the same person selling a wide roll,” Naymik said. “For example, a customer service team member who deals with steel mills will have expertise in knowing what their needs are to steer them to the products that they need. Our customer service people are not just order-takers.”

Osborn boasts 2,000 total employees, many of whom have been with the company many years and have gained a high level of knowledge and expertise.

“We have always supplied training and education for our employees, but there are many who have been with the company so long that they have gained a level of understanding beyond what can typically be taught otherwise,” Naymik said.

“They know the products and the customers. With the bank of knowledge these veteran employees have acquired, they are able to take good care of customers.”

Lang agreed that having customer service and sales reps concentrating on specific markets is a good way to gain knowledge, and, just as

Chris Cooper is pictured in the conference room at the Richmond facility.

PAGE 12 importantly, a path to building lasting relationships.

“It makes it a lot easier to do business when our people establish relationships and knowledge based on years of phone calls, visits, etc.,” Lang said.

In 2012, Osborn re-branded the company, while making an investment in research and development and investing in its people, according to Naymik.

“Re-branding the company involved a whole culture change,” Naymik said. “This effort was a major thing for us last year. We introduced a couple of new products, and there are many more new products that will be coming out soon. We have made a major investment in R&D. “With our new Osborn brand comes a new vision and a new way of doing business — one that brings our customers the global strengths of Osborn and JacksonLea. JacksonLea is also part of Jason Inc., and is a world leading buff and compound manufacturer. JacksonLea provides quality products and technical support to the metal finishing industry. The company has manufacturing operations located throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with additional operations in China, Taiwan, Thailand, Europe, and Latin America.

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP Osborn’s investment in its employees includes training, hiring additional people and continuing education for people who want to go to school.

“We seek to make people want to stay and do great for the company,” Lang said.

Another aspect of investing in people is the company’s effort to inspire and attract younger generations to pursue careers in the industry called the Goldfish Program.

“All the organizations that fall under the Jason Inc. umbrella participate in the Goldfish Program,” Naymik said. “The program involves bringing in interns to work at Osborn.

Hopefully, some of them will become full-time employees. We are trying to attract some younger people by way of this initiative.”

Osborn Marketing Specialist Chris Cooper, who has been with the company a short time, began as an intern at Osborn headquarters in Cleveland.

Cooper described his experience as an intern: “It was not a ‘go get my coffee’ sort of situation — none of that. When I had a question or didn’t understand something, people in the office would say, ‘Come in and sit down’ and they would show me how to perform a task, or what to use. They were always eager to help.

“It is nice to have people who bring you in

January/February 2013 and teach you about the industry. When I was offered a job, of course I accepted, because I was comfortable here and I trusted everyone and their experience in the industry.”

Lang added: “It is great for those of us who have been in the business a long time to be exposed to a younger, fresher perspective. I really think it is a win for both the interns and the company.

“We take pride in the fact that Osborn is 125 years old, but we also realize that we want to keep on top of the game. We are always seeking to modernize without sacrificing the traditional commitments and values that have taken the company to this point.”

In the near future, Osborn plans to release a coffee-table style book commemorating its 125 years in the industry.

Looking After The Environment

L

ike many modern-day manufacturers, Osborn is concerned about dong its part in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainability. Both Lang and Naymik spoke of two important projects the company undertook during the past year along these lines.

Continued On Page 47

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BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

January/February 2013

PAINTBrUSH INDUSTry

ADAPTS TO FAST CHANGING BUSINESS CONDITIONS

| By Rick Mullen Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor

Broom, Brush & Mop recently spoke with executives from three North American paintbrush manufacturers who shared how their respective companies are dealing with modern-day issues impacting the marketplace.

Whether it is the consolidation of the paint segment or moving more into the retail or do-it-yourself market, these companies are successfully adapting to a fast changing business landscape.

C

orona Brushes, Inc., of Tampa, FL, is a manufacturer of high-quality handmade paintbrushes and paint rollers catering to the professional marketplace. The family-owned company’s painting tools are distributed throughout the United States and Canada, as well as internationally, and have been traditionally available through independent paint dealers.

In addition to high-end professional paintbrushes and rollers, Corona offers high quality home/maintenance, industrial, and promotional brushes. Corona also offers paint roller kits and trays, extension poles and accessories, marine products, and more.

“Except for a couple of months, 2012 was a good year,” Corona President Benjamin Waksman said. “We are looking forward to 2013 to be as good, or better.”

Vital to Corona’s success is the company’s veteran workforce. The majority of employees have been with the company 10 years or more.

But, planning for the future, there is also a mix

of new employees learning the business.

Corona employs between 50 and 100 people.

“We are constantly training new people because people retire, move, etc.,” Waksman said. “We are always in the market for good people. Sometimes we must go through many candidates before we find the right person who is going to fit our needs, and to find out if they like the work. Not everybody likes to work with their hands, and sometimes they don’t find out until they are actually doing the work.”

A conservative company, Corona has led the way in development of new products in both paintbrushes and paint rollers in a time consuming, methodical way.

“We want to make sure a product is right before we go to market,” Waksman said.

For the near future, Waksman reported that the company is looking at new materials from both U.S. and European sources to expand its product line.

“For paintbrushes, we are experimenting with different blends and materials to see what

is going to provide the best tool for the painter,” Waksman said. “It is a process that is a lot of fun and a never-ending challenge. The bulk of our business is still in the painter tool segment.

However, we want to expand our total business.

We don’t want to be pigeonholed into any one segment.”

On the raw material front, Waksman reported there have been some price increases in both natural and synthetic bristles.

“The availability has been fairly good and the quality consistency has been good, which was a concern a few years back, especially with the Chinese bristle,” Waksman said. “Some years ago, prices were rising and it was a challenge to get good quality. Now, it seems that the stability, at least in quality, seems to be there, even though prices are going up.”

Because of the drop in the use of oil-based paints, especially in the United States, synthetic filaments dominate the market. However, Corona still manufactures a complete line of natural China bristle brushes.

Visit Wolf Filaments homepage www.tidyfeel.com

PAGE 16

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

January/February 2013

“While the demand for China bristle is not as large as it once was, there is still a demand for good bristle brushes. And, we still do a lot of in-house processing to try to achieve that quality,” Waksman said.

Corona’s unique processes also extend to synthetic filaments. As important as processing is, so is selection.

One trend Waksman alluded to is that the continuing shrinkage of solventbased products in the household paint segment is not universal.

“This trend has not carried over to industrial finishes,” Waksman said. “The paints have really not been developed yet to replace all the solvent-base epoxies that are required in industry.”

When it comes to taking care of the environment, Waksman believes manufacturing a product that is efficient and long-lasting is the best way to go.

“The best way to safeguard the environment is to make a quality product that is not going to be thrown away after a couple uses — a product that is going to have a long working life,” Waksman said.

“It is a false economy to think that using recycled material to create a throw-away product is better for the environment. You try to safeguard the environment by being careful on how you Benjamin Waksman (left) and Albert Waksman dispense waste. You try to create a product that is going to have a longer working life and be most efficient with today’s paints.”

Corona Brushes, Inc.’s road to becoming a modern-day leader in the paintbrush industry began decades ago in post-World War I Russia when Jude Waksman learned the trade of processing hog bristles for paintbrush manufacturing.

Following World War I, the Bolsheviks seized power in Russia and Jude

“For paintbrushes, we are experimenting with different blends and materials to see what is going to provide the best tool for the painter. It is a process that is a lot of fun and a never-ending challenge. The bulk of our business is still in the painter tool segment. However, we want to expand our total business.”

- Corona President, Benjamin Waksman

Waksman left his homeland searching for a better life for his family. Immigration quotas at that time prohibited him from settling in the United States, so he made a new home for his family in Havana, Cuba.

Working initially as a laborer in Cuba, Jude Waksman was able to send for his wife and daughter. After reuniting in Cuba, two sons and another daughter were added to the family.

During World War II, Jude Waksman’s skill in processing hog bristle for making paintbrushes opened the door for him to start his own business. The war disrupted the supply of Chinese and Russian bristle to U.S. paintbrush manufacturers, so Jude Waksman built a processing facility outside Havana to supply the United States with bristle from Cuban hogs. The bristle processing plant eventually became Corona Brushes. With help from his sons, Gregory and

PAGE 18 David, the company grew into a major supplier of brushes and rollers in the Caribbean.

As the 1960s approached, political events once again intervened, motivating the Waksman family to seek a new home after Fidel Castro came into power in Cuba in 1959. Two years later, the Waksman family relocated to the United States.

Essentially starting over from the ground up, the company continued to grow. Under the leadership of Jude, David, and Gregory Waksman, the company established a reputation for making quality painting tools.

The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. Today, the company boasts a 70,000 square-foot facility in Tampa. Gregory’s sons, Ben and Albert, now lead the company.

“We feel very confident about the future,” Ben Waksman said. “Every era has it challenges and opportunities, and we will have fun dealing with ours.”

Contact: Corona Brushes Inc., 5065 Savarese Circle, Tampa, FL 33634. Phone: 800-458-3483; Fax: 813-882-9810.

E-mail: info@coronabrushes.com.

Web site: www.coronabrushes.com.

N

our Trading, of Waterloo, ON, is a leading Canadian manufacturer of professional painting tools and related products. The company has manufacturing

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP facilities in Canada, the Middle East and Vietnam. Nour sells to North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

The company was founded in 1978.

Nour uses synthetic and natural bristle for its professional bristle paintbrush products. The company sorts, cleans and mixes the bristle to create a high-quality, professional painting tool. Synthetic brushes are made with highquality polyester and nylon filaments.

The company also offers extension poles, trays and tray liners, foam brushes, wire brushes and more. In addition, Nour’s quality paint roller refills are hand wound to eliminate gaps and overlaps.

“Business has been very good,” said Nour Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bob Shaw. “Most of our business is in the Canadian market, but we also export to the United States, Australia, the Middle East and Europe.

“We have expanded our production in the Middle East, which is basically our feeder business into Europe. Our business in The United Kingdom has grown. Our product lines for The UK have also grown. The UK has different specifications, so we have had to gear

January/February 2013 our production to take care of the changes in that market.

“They are probably 10 to 15 years behind the change in paintbrushes from natural bristle to synthetic. They still use quite a bit of natural bristle brushes in The UK. Now, they are changing to synthetics; therefore, we have had to adjust our product line there to meet the demand.”

As a Canadian company doing business with the United States, the currency exchange rate between the two countries is a constant issue to be monitored.

“The rate of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar has been between 98 cents to $1.02 for the past 18 months with a couple of spikes here and there,” Shaw said. “It is always a concern for us going forward as it can dramatically impact costs. It has been relatively stable for the past 18 months and because of the fiscal situations of our governments, it will probably stay that way for a while.

“When the Canadian dollar is near parity with the U.S. dollar it kind of keeps things on an even keel for us. It is when it gets volatile that it is very tough on everybody — from the manufacturing end to retail.”

While traditionally catering to the

January/February 2013

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

PAGE 19

professional market, in recent times Nour has branched out into the do-it- of quality in the industry,” said Purdy Brand Manager Lisa Grdina.

“The company employs 450 people at its two locations. Our employees yourself (DIY) segment as well.

“New product development keeps everybody on their toes, and it is a are integral to Purdy’s success, not only in developing superior end healthy thing competitive-wise in terms of bringing new things to products that our customers can enjoy, but also in our day-to-day market,” Shaw said. “We are finding the professional contractor is having operations and manufacturing process.

“The Purdy product portfolio includes a wide selection of applicators a tough time, while the DIY market seems to be the only area of growth.

“As a result, we are doing a lot more business with box stores, building and tools, including paintbrushes, roller covers and frames, surface centers and home improvement stores, which have historically not been preparation tools and accessories.”

While Purdy began with making brushes, the company has expanded our strength, but we have had to adapt our business the past few years.

“The products we make that bring value to contractors are at the high into roller covers, mini-rollers, scrapers, putty knives, poles and wire end of the market, but now we are having to compete directly with brushes and, most recently, buckets.

“Purdy provides quality, durable tools for project-based solutions to importers. We have concentrated on DIY packaging instead of trade packaging, and the merchandising that goes along with going into the cover any need during the painting process,” Grdina said. “Categories include surface preparation, mass merchant business.” painting and cleanup. This Nour manufactures its own enables retailers to carry a handles and ferrels, and wide selection of products for performs much of its own “New product development keeps everybody on their the whole project or job.” filament processing with Indeed, Grdina said Purdy’s machines that the company toes, and it is a healthy thing competitive-wise in terms of focus is to be the painting tool builds. bringing new things to market. We are finding the category leader for each of the “Paint roller fabrics all come professional contractor is having a tough time, while the professional painter activities from the United States with a — prep, paint and cleanup. couple of minor exceptions,” DIY market seems to be the only area of growth.”

“While our company was Shaw said. “Raw material founded on the brush pricing has actually not been - Nour VP of Sales and Marketing, Bob Shaw category, we have worked that bad. Everybody undhard to be a one-stop-shop for erstands it is a tough env any painter’s needs,” Grdina ironment to be putting through said. “By demonstrating our price increases.”

Nour also looks out for the environment in several ways, including commitment to quality in all painting categories, we will continue to using recycled plastics in nearly everything the company makes. Nour strengthen the Purdy brand.” makes all of its own handles, including bamboo handles, which are manufactured in its facility in Vietnam.

“We now have a process for making bamboo handles when customers need them, although the demand is not that strong for bamboo handles because they are just too expensive to be a desirable handle,” Shaw said.

Nour’s veteran and stable workforce is another vital cog in the company’s success. The average length of service for Nour employees is from 13 to 15 years. Nour employs about 100 people in Canada and around 450 worldwide.

Looking ahead, Shaw said some major consolidations among paint companies in the past year will have a major impact on the paintbrush manufacturing segment.

“The paint companies are one of the best ways to get through to the contractor business,” Shaw said. “This Hinge Mops Wedge W edge Mops and and Frames Frames Fr Angle ngle Brooms Br consolidation involving major paint companies has definitely changed the landscape in North America, and Gator Jaws I think everybody is going to have to adapt.”

I DIDN’T DIDN’T K KNOW NOW YOU Y OU C CARRIED ARRIED......

Contact: Nour Trading, 637 Colby Drive, Waterloo, ON N2V 1B4. Phone: 800-686-6687; Fax: 888-886-9744.

Web site: www.nour.com. E-mail: nour@nour.com.

Mop Connectors Connectors Conne

Spring a and nd Levers Lev evers ers

Braces Brac Br aces and a Hardware dware

P

urdy Corporation, of Portland, OR, was founded in 1925 by S. Desmond Purdy, who began making paintbrushes in a converted twocar garage in Portland.

“Today, Purdy makes premium painting tools with a staff of dedicated brush makers who apply a sticker of approval on each brush they complete, letting users know the tool in their hand was made to the highest level

pat@monahanpar tners.com pat@monahanpartners.com 200 2 0 0 N. N. O Oak, a k , Arcola, A r c o l a , IIL L 61910 61910 217-268-5754 2 17-268-5754

PAGE 20

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

January/February 2013

Purdy has also accomplished energy savings through lighting upgrades Purdy’s newest addition to its product lineup is the Dual Roll-Off 5gallon bucket. The bucket allows end-users to paint out of both sides, that include motion sensors, as well as locating and fixing air leaks.

“We also require monthly energy reports compared to other Sherwinresulting in higher levels of productivity and greater versatility as multiple painters can utilize the Dual Roll-Off simultaneously, according Williams’ facilities to incentivize first-place results. Employees are encouraged to re-use all ‘waste’ materials, some even weaving plastic to Grdina.

Grdina added: “We anticipate the Dual Roll-Off 5-gallon bucket will be strapping into baskets, crocheting with leftover string, using roller lint in a big hit with painters who are trying to improve productivity and save craft projects, and donating rubber bands and other materials to schools,” Grdina said. “Employees are also encouraged to carpool, and the ‘Green money by reducing wasted paint.

“Its high-efficiency grid pattern height and design contribute to faster roller cover loading, allowing professionals to complete jobs much quicker. Plus, the patent-pending grid pattern of the tread allows excess paint to go back into the bucket, reducing wasted paint and saving money.

“To continue with our success, we must remain relevant “The new bucket also features a pour spout for easy paint and top-of-mind with both the professional painter and transfer and an ergonomic handle, providing the ultimate comfort serious DIYers. To do this, we must continuously develop when transporting large quantities of paint on the job site.” premium, solution-oriented tools that consistently push Located in a state known for its geographical beauty, boasting of mountains, forests and seashores, Purdy has made important the envelope when it comes to quality end results.” strides in its efforts to safeguard the environment and promote - Purdy Brand Manager, Lisa Grdina sustainability.

“In 2009, the Purdy plant achieved ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ status, and was also recently awarded the 2012 City of Portland BEST award for its sustainability practices,” Grdina said. “The leadership and energy of our ‘Green Machine’ Team, as well as Machine’ Team rewards employees doing local community support, has propelled us to the forefront of green something ‘green’ with a ‘recycle buck’ that manufacturing, and a lifestyle of which we can be proud. can be used in the Purdy cafeteria.”

“Employee engagement and involvement has specifically been key in The company’s eco-friendly efforts also our achievement in obtaining and maintaining a Zero Waste to Landfill status. The commitment our employees showcase on a daily basis has extend to its product lineup, including the EcoPro by Purdy applicator series of products that are designed with recycled and renewable been crucial in keeping Purdy the strong organization it is today.” materials.

“These innovative, eco-friendly paintbrushes and roller covers are crafted to yield peak performance for do-it-yourselfers and professional painters alike, while maintaining a strong commitment to the environment,” Grdina said. “Knitted with 100 percent recycled roller cover fiber and backing materials, EcoPro roller covers are manufactured with the environment in mind and are sold in an economical three-pack design to minimize packaging waste. As part of the unique manufacturing process, the roller cover material is manufactured from recycled plastic soda bottles.”

Grdina said one of the needs in the paintbrush segment is paintbrushes that perform well with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or noVOC paints.

“Brushes need to pick up and deliver these coatings without losing their shape and absorbing moisture,” she said.

Looking down the road, Grdina said for Purdy to remain a leader in the industry it must continue to keep innovation at the forefront “To continue with our success, we must remain relevant and top-ofmind with both the professional painter and serious DIYers,” she said. “To do this, we must continuously develop premium, solution-oriented tools that consistently push the envelope when it comes to quality end results.

“Throughout our history, we’ve made it a point to continue to evolve our product offerings, which keeps our customers, both current and potential, invested in what we’re doing.

“Our success over the years can definitely be attributed to our loyal customer base of pros who demand quality paint products with superior performance and tested durability — and we deliver. Their support, input and encouragement have been a driving force.”

Contact: The Sherwin-Williams Company, 101 Prospect Ave. NW, Cleveland, OH 44115.

Phone: 800-547-0780; Fax: 800-380-9422.

Website: www.purdy.com.

E-mail: info@purdy.com.

PAGE 22

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

Toothbrushes:

By Harrell Kerkhoff | Broom, Brush & Mop Editor

January/February 2013

2 EXECUTIVES GIVE THEIR PERSPECTIVES

ON THE Tooth decay remains a big problem in both the developed and under-developed world. Properly and regularly using a quality toothbrush can go a long way in preventing serious issues with plaque, gingivitis, and, ultimately, tooth loss — not to mention that late night toothache that nobody wants to go through.

When it comes to brushes, few types are as personal as a toothbrush. It’s usually one of the first items a person will use in the morning and one of the last at night. Although it may be considered a simple product, toothbrush manufacturers/suppliers spend a lot of time, effort and money coming up with new concepts to help improve this tried-and-true item.

Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine recently interviewed two company representatives to learn more about the state of the oral health care brush industry.

INDUSTRY

T

he secret to successful brushing often centers around the proper relationship between toothbrush bristles, teeth and gums. If the user is not correctly positioning the bristles over his/her teeth at the gumline, then plaque, gingivitis and other periodontal diseases can occur.

To help win this ongoing battle, the “Deep V-Groove” bristle pattern of the Improve® Toothbrush was designed in such a way so that the product’s bristles would fit perfectly within the brushing position recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). The design of longer bristles placed toward the outer rows of the brush head and shorter bristles in the center earned a U.S. patent and received an ADA Seal of Approval many years ago.

Marketed and distributed by Prevent Care Products Inc., of Point Pleasant, NJ, the Improve Toothbrush comes in two bristle varieties: soft and gentle; and two sizes: adult and compact. These toothbrushes are made by a contract manufacturer in Morristown, TN. The Improve Toothbrush started with one version — a soft adult brush. As the company grew, dentists suggested that Prevent Care Products introduce more brush types, so a gentle adult version was added, which has “softer-than-soft” bristles designed for people with sensitive gums.

“Finally, we introduced our compact brushes because dentists were recommending our products for children, and suggested we use a smaller head size, which allows the toothbrush to be a more comfortable fit for a child’s mouth. There are also adults who like to use the compact head. In this way, we now cover nearly the entire range of users,” Prevent Care Products President/CEO George Fencik said. “We have been in business since 1984, which is saying something. Improve Toothbrushes are sold to dentists located throughout the United States, Canada, South America and Europe. There is also a large dental distributor in Tokyo.

“We provide a very unique product. It’s not your average toothbrush. Its deep grooves help position bristles at an exact 45 degree angle for the most optimal brushing.”

Fencik said the Improve Toothbrush was originally developed for people with periodontal issues.

“These problems will go away if a person uses our product on a regular basis. Our toothbrush was originally invented by a dentist looking for a better way to brush teeth. We (Prevent Care Products) bought the rights to the brush from him,” he said. “It’s the easiest brush to use, and especially good for kids as they often don’t pay attention to how The Improve Toothbrush comes in two bristle varieties: soft and gentle. well they brush their teeth.”

PAGE 24 Early on, Improve Toothbrushes were found in retail chain drug stores. Today, the primary users of these brushes are dental patients, and many new users have found the product at www.improvetoothbrush.com.

“We sell to dentists, and they, in turn, hand our toothbrushes out to patients. Unfortunately, as a small company, we just couldn’t compete in the retail marketplace. Our customer base is of approximately 10,000 people and is dentist-driven. Once we get (a dentist) in our data base, he/she is placed on a promotional cycle and receives two mailings a year. Most of those who buy from us are buying one to two dozen brushes at a time,” Fencik said.

He added that many dentists recommend the Improve Toothbrush to fellow dental professionals, thus helping the company increase business. Also, many dental patients who have moved will often request that their new dentists now recommend the product and provide starter samples, if they don’t already.

Fencik said business for the Improve Toothbrush, as of late, has been stable, with no great increases or decreases.

“There is not a lot of money spent on promoting our product. We mainly rely on word of mouth — people telling other people about the benefits of the Improve Toothbrush. However, a Facebook page about our product has been started and we hope it draws attention. We are also going to produce a YouTube video that will show how our product works,” Fencik said. “Prevent Care Products does send a lot of promotional material to consumers, dentists and hygienists. We have been doing

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

“Our customer base is of approximately 10,000 people and is dentist-driven.

Once we get (a dentist) in our data base, he/she is placed on a promotional cycle and receives two mailings a year. Most of those who buy from us are buying one to two dozen brushes at a time.”

– Prevent Care Products President/CEO George Fencik

January/February 2013 this from the start.

“Customer service remains a No. 1 priority at our company. We receive orders every day via the Internet and mail. These orders are filled the same day. We have one person who specifically handles customer service. This is basically what she does. Her job is to take care of our customers and our inventory. Customers know her by name and she knows a lot of them. She has been with us for seven years and has developed a great relationship with these people. It’s a good thing when you can call a company and the person on the other end knows your name.”

Fencik said he has noticed an increase in people using power toothbrushes, something that is not part of the Improve Toothbrush lineup. It’s a trend, he added, that can be both good and bad.

“Using a power brush can be good if the user positions the brush head correctly. That, however, is a big ‘if,’” Fencik said. “A lot of dentists who currently buy from us have recommended power toothbrushes to their patients in the past. They found, however, that these people were not using the power brushes correctly, and started recommending our Improve Toothbrush instead.”

Overall, Fencik said he is happy with the niche that Improve Toothbrush has been able to secure within the dental field.

“We are not out to take over the big toothbrush companies. This was never our mission. Our mission, rather, is to provide a product that does a great job,” he said. “Most of the people who use our Improve Toothbrush first went to either a dentist or periodontist.

They had a problem, started using our product and saw improvement.”

Contact: Prevent Care Products, Inc., 1006 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant, NJ 08742.

Phone: 800-443-6743.

Website: www.improvetoothbrush.com.

A

lthough not a traditional toothbrush, the Sulcabrush® is a unituft product specifically designed to be used by individuals as part of their overall oral hygiene program. The product has been proven better than dental floss for some parts of the teeth and gums, and equal to dental floss in other parts, for the removal of plaque and the reduction of gingivitis, according to Sulcabrush President Ira Florence. The product is named after “sulcus,” the space between gums and teeth.

Known as a gumline massager that helps in the prevention of bleeding gums while also cleaning between teeth, the manual Sulcabrush features nylon bristles placed on small, disposable brush tips that are located at both ends of a handle. The Pocket™ Sulcabrush®, meanwhile, is a shortened version of the original. Instead of featuring a brush tip at each end of the handle, the Pocket Sulcabrush comes with one tip and a shorter, but wider, handle. It also features one replacement tip. Both versions of the Sulcabrush can be used while doing other things such as watching TV, reading or traveling.

“We provide a very unique item that pretty much replaces dental floss,” Florence said. “The product is made in Canada from highly automated machinery. My late father, Dr. Max Florence, was a dentist and invented the Sulcabrush (nearly 30 years ago.) He felt that a small and firm interdental brush would do a much better job

PAGE 26 than dental floss.”

Soon, Ira Florence joined his father in promoting the product, taking it to various dental offices in an effort to find new customers. After years of hard work, the Sulcabrush took off in popularity.

“We were able to get the product into some major retail drug store chains in the United States and Canada,” Florence said. “I realized that I enjoyed marketing and was able to boost the business by a certain percentage. We actually peaked 10 years ago at about $3 million (in sales.) At the time, I had slowly taken on more employees and had 17 people working for us.”

However, competing products selling for less money made in China that Florence calls “knockoffs” started appearing, thus greatly reducing his company’s retail trade.

“I almost lost my businesses. The use of automation, however, saved the company,” he said.

“Today, we make the Sulcabrush from one location in Toronto. I can make it cheaper than China, but a product like this requires a lot of marketing. And marketing requires dollars.

“It’s very hard to find new customers. The product, however, helps solve gum disease, is easy to use and enjoys user loyalty.”

Sulcabrush is available at Walmart in Canada and through the Internet. Replacement tips can also be found via www.sulcabrush.com and www.toothbrushexpress.com.

“People in the United States who purchased our

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP product initially from retail sources and want to keep using it can do so by visiting these websites. I have found that our handles last for a very long time. It’s just the tips that need replacing. My new challenge, however, is to sell more overall brushes,” Florence said.

To help with this, a television commercial for the Sulcabrush has been airing in Toronto and other Canadian markets in an effort to boost sales.

“The commercial has brought favorable responses. My hope is to start an advertising blitz as well in the United States in a couple of years to expand our marketplace,” Florence said.

From the company’s heyday of 17 employees, Florence himself now runs the automatic machinery to mold handles, tips and place nylon into the tips.

He employs one person to answer the phone and process orders.

“My main challenge is to find more customers.

I’m being very careful about new markets, however, because additional marketing is so expensive,” he said. “Being a dentist, my father cared about the oral health of his patients. This is why the Sulcabrush was invented. People can become very lazy when it comes to their teeth until problems occur. I’m committed to help these people thanks to the Sulcabrush. People who use it are very pleased.”

Contact: Sulcabrush Inc., P.O. Box 1066, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Phone: 800-387-8777.

Website: www.sulcabrush.com.

January/February 2013

“Being a dentist, my father cared about the oral health of his patients. This is why the Sulca brush was invented. People can become very lazy when it comes to their teeth until problems occur.

I’m committed to help these people thanks to the Sulcabrush.”

– Sulcabrush President Ira Florence

The Sulcabrush is a gumline massager and also cleans between teeth.

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PAGE 28

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

January/February 2013

ABMA To Hold

96TH AnnuAl ConvenTion AT

EDEN ROC IN MIAMI BEACH, FL

The 96th Annual American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) Convention is scheduled for March 13-16 at the Eden Roc Renaissance Resort & Spa in Miami Beach, FL. The ABMA event is billed as four days of networking, fellowship and information sharing. The theme of this year’s convention is, And The Best Get Better. It will include the awarding of the 2013 William Cordes Innovation Excellence Award, the Suppliers Display, divisional meetings, guest speakers, receptions and other key events. (A complete

schedule accompanies this article.)

Convention Program Highlights

W

ednesday, March 13, is the first full day of activities for the 96th Annual ABMA Convention. The Convention Committee Breakfast Meeting is scheduled from 8 to 9:20 a.m., followed by the Public Relations Committee Meeting from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m., and then the Membership Committee Meeting from 10:30 to 11:50 a.m.

ABMA Convention Registration on Wednesday is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Statistical Committee Lunch Meeting is set for noon to 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday, to be followed by a Safety & Standards Committee Meeting from 1 to 1:50 p.m.

This year’s ABMA Divisional Meetings are also slated for Wednesday.

The Industrial Maintenance Division Meeting will convene from 2 until 2:50 p.m.; the Paint Applicator Division Meeting from 3 to 3:50 p.m.; The Broom & Mop Division Meeting from 4 to 4:50 p.m.; and the Suppliers Division Meeting from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

Technical presentations will be incorporated into this year’s first three divisional meetings. Brian Crawford, of Carolina Brush, will discuss Polyester: Materials, Properties and Markets during the Industrial Maintenance Division Meeting; while Reinhold Hoerz and Ian Moss, representing DKSH and Brush Fibers, respectively, will talk about The Many Uses of Bristle, Hair and Vegetable Fibers during the Paint Applicator Division Meeting. A technical presentation during the Broom & Mop Division Meeting will be presented by Pat Monahan, of Monahan Partners, titled Building Your Brand Through Community Service the Lawn Rangers Way. Each divisional meeting is open to everyone who attends the convention.

Wednesday evening’s events include the New Members & First Time Attendees Welcome Reception from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the Welcoming Reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Dress is business casual for both events. A guest speaker will be part of the Welcoming Reception program.

Louis Ferrante will present Mob Rules: What the Mafia Can Teach the Legitimate Businessman. A former member of the mafia, Ferrante is now a writer.

A day earlier, on Tuesday, March 12, the Directors Finance Meeting will take place from 5 to 6 p.m., and will be followed by the 100th Anniversary Task Force Meeting from 7 to 9 p.m.

The main program to start Thursday, March 14, will be the Opening Business Session from 8 to 8:50 a.m. The event will feature a welcome by ABMA President Ian Moss, of Static Faction, Inc., and Brush Fibers.

Prior to the Business Session, a continental breakfast will be available from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. and remain until 2 p.m.

Following the Business Session there will be an ABMA All-Attendee Educational Institute from 9 to 10:45 a.m. The event features Dave Barry, who will present a program titled, My Life and the Lawn Rangers. For 25 years, Barry was a syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad. He won the Pulitzer

PAGE 30 Prize for commentary in 1988. He has also marched with the Lawn Rangers, a renowned precision lawn mower drill team from Arcola, IL. A Suppliers Display set-up time is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, while the ABMA Golf Scramble Tournament will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Miami Beach Golf Club. The tournament cost includes greens fees, golf cart rental, range balls and prizes.

Participants are asked to make their own club rental arrangements directly by calling 305-532-3350 to be connected to the pro shop.

Thursday’s Mid-Convention Reception is slated for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner is open.

A full day of activities are planned for Friday, March 15, starting with a continental breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m.

Registration is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

One highlight will be the ABMA Suppliers Display, which will begin at 8 a.m. and run until noon. This event provides a showcase for ABMA members to see the latest products, ideas and components offered by exhibiting suppliers. In addition, the event is another opportunity for members to network.

From 9 to 10:30 a.m., meanwhile, the ABMA Companion Program will take place, featuring a session titled, The Perfume Experience.

A buffet lunch is slated for noon until 1 p.m. and will be followed by a Water Taxi Tour of the Miami area from 2 to 4 p.m.

Friday evening’s featured event will be the Suppliers Reception, which takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. The theme is Celebration of the Eden Roc Glory Days Featuring Frank, Dean and Sammy from the Rat Pack. The event includes entertainment and an area for dancing. Dress is business casual. Jackets are optional. Attendees are urged to come dressed in early 1960s wear complete with skinny tie.

The final day of the convention is Saturday, March 16, beginning with a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and followed by the Closing Business Session, Election Of Officers and the William Cordes Innovation Excellence Award presentation. This all takes place from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

After the award presentation, Saturday’s ABMA All-Attendee Educational Institute is scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Kelly McDonald will present a program titled, How Changing Demographics Are Affecting Your Business. During her presentation, attendees will learn, among other demographic issues, the five biggest

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

findings from the recent U.S. Census and what they mean for today’s business owners.

From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the ABMA Board of Directors Luncheon and Meeting is scheduled. The final event of the 2013 ABMA Annual Convention will be the Board of Directors Dinner from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Hotel Registration, Dress And Weather Information The Eden Roc Renaissance Resort & Spa is located at 4525 Collins Avenue, in Miami Beach, FL 33140. The phone number for reservations is 1-800-468-3571.

For ABMA events, comfortable and casual dress is appropriate. Daytime attire is casual and sportswear is customary (golf shirts and slacks or shorts for men; slacks, shorts or skirts/dresses for women).

Evening activities feature “nice” informal or daytime business casual attire and may include sport coats for men; pantsuits, slacks, skirts/dresses for women.

Located in southeastern Florida, Miami Beach has average daytime temperatures during March in the high 70s to low 80s.

Nighttime temperatures average in the lowto mid-60s. Call 720-392-2262 or visit www.abma.org for additional information on this year’s ABMA Annual Convention.

Innovation Award Candidates

O

ne of the three following candidates will be presented with the William Cordes Innovation Excellence Award during a ceremony scheduled for 9:20 a.m. on Saturday, March 16. This will be part of the ABMA Closing Business Session.

The award, which recognizes innovation of manufactured products, components or services in the broom, brush, mop and roller industry, is named after William Cordes, who served as the first ABMA president from 1917-1928. This award serves as a reminder that new and exciting endeavors have beginnings that connect with real people. The 2013 candidates are:

January/February 2013

PAGE 32

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

January/February 2013

Monterey Mills’ Seamless™ & Coreless® Paint Roller Cover

Purdy Ultra Finish™ Roller Covers Purdy® has introduced a line of Ultra Finish™ roller covers, designed to achieve an ultra-smooth finish for all interior painting projects.

In addition to delivering an ultra-smooth finish, the new Ultra Finish roller covers are made from high-quality microfiber, which holds more paint, allowing users to complete a project faster, according to Purdy. The Ultra Finish covers provide an even release of paint and deliver a consistent application throughout the entire project as the microfiber fabric prevents the paint from building up on the cover, which can result in an uneven appearance.

The new covers are available in a 9-inch length and varying nap thicknesses, including 3/8- and 1/2-inch. Ultra Finish covers, which can be used with all types of paints, are designed to deliver the best results with satin, semi-gloss and gloss paints and finishes.

SHUR–LINE Stain System SHUR-LINE’s technology works to solve common deck staining frustrations. Its new fully assembled Stain System features a spray trigger that allows the user to control the flow of stain, easing the common staining issues of pooling, splattering and dripping. The easy-to-fill reservoir holds a half gallon of stain, eliminating the need for a tray or tray liner.

The user fills the reservoir and pulls the spray trigger to begin the flow of stain. The stain is dispensed uniformly into the pad for even, streak-free coverage. The pad wraps around the edges of the tool for increased durability, and can be cleaned and reused for future projects.

The Stain System works with many types of stain — including transparent, semitransparent and solid — as well as sealants.

The SHUR-LINE Stain System cleans easily with water. Users can flush the system with water until it runs clear, then dry and store for the next staining project.

Monterey Mills is introducing its Seamless™ & Coreless® paint roller. The Seamless™ innovation is a novel way to provide fabric for paint rollers, according to Monterey Mills spokespeople. Instead of supplying fabric that is slit to a desired width and helically winding the material around a core to make a paint roller, Seamless™ provides fabric in a sock form.

According to the company, benefits of the innovation include: ■ Reduced Costs — Fabric costs are lower as tubular technology that is used eliminates several finishing processes in manufacturing fabric.

Core materials used are less expensive than polypropylene, 100 percent recyclable and fluctuate less than current material. The Seamless™ technology eliminates common defects such as dog-ears, gaps and overlaps. Also, labor savings exist in the fabric manufacturing process as well as in the manufacturing of the roller; ■ Improved Performance — Elimination of the seam in a paint roller removes the largest culprit associated with shedding of a cover. Also, adjusting fiber orientation perpendicular to the core (elimination of helically wound fabric) increases pick-up and release in much the same way a sheepskin cover performs; ■ Ease Of Use – Spiral wound paint rollers require angled rollout on the surface (painting in a “W”) and then back rolling throughout the surface. This is a process not necessarily conducive to new fast drying paints. The Seamless™ cover does not require angled rollout and easily paints vertically; ■ Flexibility — Fabric delivered in this form can be placed on traditional preformed phenolic or polypropylene rigid cores or new core materials such as foam, paper, plastic, etc., with more flexible characteristics; and, ■ Collapsibility — One of the benefits of this innovation is the possible elimination of the core. Converting paint rollers into a flexible core will reduce shipping expenses, reduce the space allocated by painters to store their covers, allow for cost effective exporting as eight times as much product will fit in a 40-foot container, and reduce the shelf space required by the retailer by up to 75 percent for the same amount of merchandise, according to Monterey Mills.

PFERD Extends COMBIDISC® Program

Cequent Consumer Products Buys Harper Brush Works

PFERD has extended its COMBIDISC program with the new COMBIDISC® ACONTOUR. Unlike the previous COMBIDISC tools, the CONTOUR abrasive discs have a scalloped-edge pattern which, the company says, allows for a perfect finish without fear of cutting in or gouging the metal.

With their soft outer contour, the COMBIDISC®-CONTOUR abrasive discs are suitable for finishing tight contours and concave surfaces with radius transitions.

According to PFERD, these tools improve productivity by eliminating any rework or extra finishing time. They also reduce vibration, noise and dust to give operators a safe and more ergonomically comfortable working environ ment.

A-CONTOUR discs are 2 3/8-inches in diameter, made from aluminum oxide and are

Harper Brush Works, Inc., has completed a going concern sale transaction with Cequent Consumer Products, Inc., of Solon, OH. Founded by Alphonso “A.K.” Harper 112 years ago, Harper Brush Works, Inc., has sold a variety of products for the home, commercial and industrial settings including brushes, push brooms, buckets/dust pans, automotive cleaning tools, long handled cleaning tools, mops, housewares, microfiber/dusting tools, and food service products. Harper Brush Works continues to manufacture its own hardwood blocks for many of its core products in the United States.

Following more than 25 bids, Cequent Consumer Products, Inc., was named the successful bidder. Almost all of the 55 full-time employees were retained.

Equity Partners CRB, a Maryland-based investment banker, handled the sale.

intended to be run on 2-inch diameter backing pads with industry standard locking mechanisms such as Turn-On, PSG, Roloc,™ and Lockit.

PFERD says the COMBIDISC® ACONTOUR is ideal in tool and mold making, modeling, mechanical engineering, automotive and aerospace applications.

Visit www.pferdusa.com and click on “New Products” for more information.

MARCH 12 - 16, 2013 EDEN ROC RENAISSANCE RESORT & SPA | MIAMI BEACH, FL

TUESDAY, MARCH 12 5 to 6 p.m.

Directors Finance Meeting 7 to 9 p.m.

100th Anniversary Task Force Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 8 to 9:20 a.m.

Convention Committee Breakfast Meeting 9:30 to 10:20 a.m.

Public Relations Committee Meeting 10:30 to 11:50 a.m.

Membership Committee Meeting 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Registration / “Gathering Place” Noon to 12:50 p.m.

Statistical Committee Lunch Meeting 1 to 1:50 p.m.

Safety & Standards Committee Meeting 2 to 2:50 p.m.

Industrial Maintenance Division Meeting & Technical Presentation by Carolina Brush 3 to 3:50 p.m.

Paint Applicator Division Meeting & Technical Presentation by DKSH and Brush Fibers 4 to 4:50 p.m.

Broom & Mop Division Meeting & Technical Presentation by Monahan Partners 5 to 5:30 p.m.

Suppliers Division Meeting 6 to 7 p.m.

New Members & First-Time Attendees Welcome Reception Dress: Business Casual 7 to 9 p.m.

Welcoming Reception Speaker: Louis Ferrante “Mob Rules: What The Mafia Can Teach The Legitimate Businessman”

THURSDAY, MARCH 14 7 to 8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration / “Gathering Place” 8 to 8:50 a.m.

Opening Business Session - President’s Welcome 9 to 10:45 a.m.

ABMA All-Attendee Educational Institute

Speaker: Dave Barry “My Life And The Lawn Rangers” 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Suppliers Display Setup 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lunch on Own 1 to 6 p.m.

Golf Scramble Tournament 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Mid-Convention Reception 7:30 p.m.

Dinner on Own

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 7 to 7:45 a.m.

Suppliers Display Setup 7 to 8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast 7:30 a.m. to Noon Registration / “Gathering Place”

8 A.M. TO NOON ABMA SUPPLIERS DISPLAY 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Companion Program — The Perfume Experience Noon to 1 p.m.

Buffet Lunch 2 to 4 p.m.

Water Taxi Tour of Miami Area 7 to 10 p.m.

Suppliers Reception Theme: Celebration of the Eden Roc Glory Days featuring Frank, Dean and Sammy from the Rat Pack.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Continental Breakfast 8:30 to 9:20 a.m.

Closing Business Session / Election of Officers 9:20 to 9:30 a.m.

Innovation Award Presentation 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

ABMA All-Attendee Educational Institute Speaker: Kelly McDonald “How Changing Demographics Are Affecting Your Business” 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Board of Directors Luncheon & Meeting 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Board of Directors Dinner

January/February 2013

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

PAGE 35

ADVERTORIAL

Wolf filAMenTs desCriBes THe CoMpeTiTive AdvAnTAges of ABrAsive BrusHes Given the increasingly intense competition in the sector of industrial brushes, the ultimate winners can only be those who focus on product quality and marketing position for the competitive advantages.

Being in a niche industry, customers do not have much knowhow about abrasive brushes. They only pay attention to the brushes when the work efficiency or product quality are negatively affected by the abrasive brushes. Therefore, it is crucial for a sales person to know all the competitive advantages and find the correct marketing strategy to enter the market.

The first thing is to analyze the grinding process of target customers, e.g. dry/wet condition, RPM, pressure, temperature, appropriate filament length, surface, processing key points, former supplier and reasons of scrapping. Only a detailed and professional analysis will lead to a successful entry point to win a customer’s trust and ultimately his order.

How do we make the best use of our own competitive advantages? Shall we enter the market with low price, or with reasonable price plus stable quality, or with high price plus high quality? The answer is based on a thorough analysis of the industry, technical requirements and work conditions of the target customer. Combining our own competitive advantages with the customer analysis, we can define the correct strategy

Shown are Sally Lee of Tidyfeel Filaments ‘ and Michal Kosinski of ANA Biuro Handlowe.

Quality is the key. A good product must be produced with good material. Good abrasive filament to a good brush is like the relationship of a sharp blade to a knife.

and successfully recommend the appropriate products to the customers.

As a rule of thumb, low price strategy is appropriate for common and general brushes. Reasonable price plus stable quality strategy is the most competitive proposal and meets most of the customers’ demands. High price and high quality strategy is suitable for such applications as key components, under high wheel speed, or in industries with high output or high added value.

Quality is the key. A good product must be produced with good material. Good abrasive filament to a good brush is like the relationship of a sharp blade to a knife.

Unfortunately, some of the brush makers have very little understanding or even misunderstanding on the quality of abrasive filaments. Some of them misuse the grit size or diameter, and some customers simply choose the cheap filaments. As a matter of fact, abrasive filament is a functional product. Quality is the most important factor for abrasive filament.

“WOLF” Filaments is devoted to helping brush makers identify the right abrasive filament for their brushes. WOLF officials believe that the successful development of a company depends heavily on professional expertise. They suggest that brush makers invest more efforts in observation, comparison analysis and communication to be a real expert in the field.

Furthermore, using familiar material with a well known brand is the best way to keep stable product quality. A professional, cooperative and trustworthy supplier is always important for a company’s success as this type of supplier also provides good product quality, technical support and customer solutions.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. “WOLF” Filament is your best strategic cooperation partner.

Visit www.tidyfeel.com for more information.

PAGE 36

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

IMPORTS/EXPORTS

IMPORTS UP & DOWN — EXPORTS INCREASE

January/February 2013

the first 10 months of 2011.

Mexico shipped 6.6 million brooms to the United States during the first 10 months of 2012.

The average price per broom for October 2012 was $2.36, down 1 percent from $2.39 for October 2011. The average price per broom for the first 10 months of 2012 was $2.44, up 2 percent from the average price for the first 10 months of 2011 of $2.40.

By Rick Mullen, Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor U.S. government trade figures for the first 10 months of 2012 indicate raw material imports were down in both categories outlined in this issue, compared to the first 10 months of 2011. For October 2012, raw material imports were up in both categories outlined, compared to October 2011.

Import totals for the first 10 months of 2012 were up in two of the three finished goods categories outlined from the same time period in 2011. In October 2012, all three categories outlined recorded increases, compared to October 2011.

RAW MATERIAL IMPORTS Broom And Mop Handles The import total of broom and mop handles during October 2012 was 1.9 million, up 27 percent from 1.5 million for October 2011. During the first 10 months of 2012, 14.5 million broom and mop handles were imported, down 24 percent from 19 million for the first 10 months of 2011.

During the first 10 months of 2012, theUnited States received 4.8 million broom and mop handles from Brazil, 3.3 million from Honduras, 3.3 million from Indonesia and 2.6 million from China.

The average price per handle for October 2012 was 57 cents, down 44 percent from the average price for October 2011 of $1.01. The average price for the first 10 months of 2012 was 78 cents, down 6 percent from the average price for the first 10 months of 2011 of 83 cents.

Metal Handles The import total of metal handles during October 2012 was 2.9 million, up 81 percent from 1.6 million for October 2011. During the first 10 months of 2012, 23.5 million metal handles were imported, down 13 percent from 27 million for the first 10 months of 2011.

During the first 10 months of 2012, Italy shipped 13.9 million metal handles to the United States, while China sent 6.6 million.

The average price per handle for October 2012 was 55 cents, down 40 percent from 92 cents for October 2011. The average price for the first 10 months of 2012 was 65 cents, down 11 percent from 73 cents for the first 10 months of 2011.

FINISHED GOODS IMPORTS Brooms Of Broom Corn Valued At Less Than 96 Cents Imports of brooms of broom corn valued at less than 96 cents per broom during October 2012 totaled 9,384, up 28 percent from 7,332 brooms imported during October 2011. During the first 10 months of 2012, 182,936 brooms of broom corn were imported, up 13 percent from 162,216 for the first 10 months of 2011.

Mexico sent 138,216 brooms to the United States during the first 10 months of 2012, while China shipped the remainder.

The average price per broom in October 2012 was 78 cents, down 8 percent from 85 cents for October 2011. The average price per broom for the first 10 months of 2012 was 85 cents, up 5 percent from the average price for the first 10 months of 2011 of 81 cents.

Brooms Of Broom Corn Valued At More Than 96 Cents The United States imported 649,594 brooms of broom corn valued at more than 96 cents per broom during October 2012, up 2 percent from 638,541 for October 2011. During the first 10 months of 2012, 6.8 million brooms of broom corn were imported, down 6 percent from 7.2 million for

Toothbrushes The United States imported 84.4 million toothbrushes in October 2012, up 22 percent from 69.2 million imported in October 2011. During the first 10 months of 2012, 888.2 million toothbrushes were imported, an increase of 19 percent from 745.4 million imported during the first 10 months of 2011.

China sent 682.2 million toothbrushes to the United States during the first 10 months of 2012.

The average price per toothbrush for October 2012 was 22 cents, down 2 cents from the average price for October 2011. The average price for the first 10 months of 2012 was 20 cents, down 13 percent from 23 cents for the first 10 months of 2011.

EXPORTS Export totals for the first 10 months of 2012 were up in all three of the categories outlined, compared to the first 10 months of 2011. In October 2012, all three categories also outlined reported increases in exports, compared to October 2011.

Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable Materials The United States exported 5,888 dozen brooms and brushes of vegetable materials during October 2012, up 34 percent from the October 2011 total of 4,397 dozen. Exports of brooms and brushes of vegetable materials during the first 10 months of 2012 were 100,148 dozen, up 43 percent from 70,025 dozen for the first 10 months of 2011.

The United States sent 31,966 dozen brooms and brushes to Brazil during the first 10 months of 2012 and 29,528 dozen to Canada.

The average price per dozen brooms and brushes was $48.40 in October 2012, up 10 percent from $44.11 for October 2011. The average price per dozen brooms and brushes for the first 10 months of 2012 was $38.49, a decrease of 25 percent from the average price per dozen for the first 10 months of 2011 of $51.35.

Toothbrushes During October 2012, the United States exported 16.2 million toothbrushes, up 98 percent from the total recorded in October 2011 of 8.2 million. During the first 10 months of 2012, 124.1 million toothbrushes were exported, up 51 percent from 82 million exported during the first 10 months of 2011.

The United States exported 50.3 million toothbrushes to Canada during the first 10 months of 2012, and 18.5 million toothbrushes to Mexico.

The average price per toothbrush for October 2012 was 41 cents, down 35 percent from the average price for October 2011 of 63 cents. The average price per toothbrush for the first 10 months of 2012 was 48 cents, down 21 percent from 61 cents for the first 10 months of 2011.

Shaving Brushes The United States exported 1.8 million shaving brushes during October 2012, up 6 percent from 1.7 million for October 2011. During the first 10 months of 2012, 20.3 million shaving brushes were exported, up 6 percent from 19.1 million during the first 10 months of 2011.

Mexico imported 12.3 million shaving brushes from the United States during the first 10 months of 2012.

The average price per shaving brush for October 2012 was 67 cents, down 11 percent from 75 cents for October 2011. The average price for the first 10 months of 2012 was 64 cents, up 5 percent from 61 cents for the first 10 months of 2011.

January/February 2013

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

Broom and Brush

EXPORTS October Exports By Country

Domestic Merchandise 1404902000 Broomcorn (Sorghum Vulgare Var. Technicum) Used Primarily In Brooms Or In Brushes, Whether or Not In Hanks or Bundles October Year To Date Country Net Q/Ton Value Net Q/Ton Value Venez 2 11,500 Belgium 1 4,175 France 18 69,120 Germany 1 3,250 Austral 8 29,553 TOTAL 30 117,598 9603100000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or Other Vegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles October Year To Date Country Net Q/Dozen Value Net Q/Dozen Value Canada 2,636 105,843 29,528 1,106,465 Mexico 201 6,625 1,074 41,336 Guatmal 333 15,215 Hondura 102 8,877 Nicarag 79 3,636 89 6,277 C Rica 162 2,700 805 45,006 Panama 61 23,644 1,552 61,447 Bermuda 604 23,832 Bahamas 135 41,709 1,707 143,851 Jamaica 348 13,890

Dom Rep St K N S Lucia S Vn Gr Barbado Trinid Curaco Colomb Venez Ecuador Peru Chile Brazil Sweden Norway U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium Andorra France Germany Austria Poland Italy Slvenia Lebanon Iraq Israel S Arab Arab Em India Malaysa Singapr China

PAGE 37

229

6,937

80

2,643

42 303

3,965 14,406

186

13,227

240

26,355

16 409 206 180 176 165 163 1,801 2,421 109 368 80 31,996 90 200 5,577 692 6 408 10 258 1,722 83 671 504 774 28 21 688 3,015 192 810 7 939 371

Royal Paint Roller Royal Paint Roller — a name known in the industry for over 35 years for top quality products, fine service and competitive prices.

Manufacturer of paint rollers in ALL SIZES—from Slim Jim to Jumbo 21⁄4” I.D. in VARIETY OF FABRICS—including lambskin, kodel, lambswool, synthetic blends & “Lint Free” woven line.

Also a complete line of frames, trays, paint brushes & painting accessories for the professional and Do-It-Yourself markets.

Specializing in private labeling at competitive prices.

ROYAL PAINT ROLLER 248 Wyandanch Avenue West Babylon, N.Y. 11704 Tel: (631) 643-8012 • Fax: (631) 253-9428

5,280 11,513 6,321 5,946 6,974 8,816 5,364 27,239 82,595 3,600 12,144 7,066 1,077,669 2,970 6,606 314,231 39,000 8,966 10,404 3,099 31,574 53,150 9,000 24,225 7,983 25,516 5,654 3,494 34,022 163,260 15,827 26,701 3,540 36,416 12,222

PAGE 38 Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral Egypt Guinea Nigeria Rep Saf TOTAL

Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Belize Salvadr Hondura C Rica Panama Bermuda Bahamas Jamaica Haiti Dom Rep B Virgn Antigua S Lucia S Vn Gr Grenada Barbado Trinid

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP 335 4,258 131 1,842 1,720 32 31 169 332 100,148

16,310 92,337 4,320 76,955 60,722 11,112 3,708 13,596 11,528 3,855,171

9603210000 Toothbrushes October Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 5,975,201 2,526,744 50,279,828 1,810,421 639,549 18,451,608 5,700 42,072 5,700 68,616 39,931 3,900 9,188 20,880 9,605 2,837,701 7,272 1,276 13,058 13,032 21,504 6,627 359,167 12,878 159 5,630 358,907 350 877 4,983 19,476 17,302 593 3,368 593 275 72 2,757 18,404 71,808 48,619 629,568

Value 24,257,212 6,367,594 42,072 47,504 139,376 40,155 15,101 1,697,951 2,645 67,455 242,984 11,292 215,756 3,577 24,156 31,777 3,368 6,463 61,243 463,905

1,339

29,069

195

4,212

5,888

284,971

Supplier of Raw Materials to Manufacture Brooms, Mops, and Brushes • Galvanized & tinned wire for brush - broom - mop production • Processed Broom Corn & Yucca • Wood Broom - Mop - Brush Handles • Craft Broom Corn And Supplies • Other Materials - Broom Twine, Broom Nails, Mop Hardware We ship by pup or truck load direct from Mexico, or LTL/ UPS from our Greensboro warehouse.

P.O. Box 14634 • Greensboro, NC 27415 336-273-3609 800-213-9224 Fax: 336-378-6047 E-mail: sales@recaddy.com

S Maart Curaco Aruba Colomb Venez Guyana Surinam Ecuador Peru Chile Brazil Paragua Uruguay Argent Iceland Sweden Finland Denmark U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium Andorra France Germany Czech Hungary Switzld Latvia Poland Kazakhs Italy Slvenia Bulgar Turkey Cyprus Lebanon Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait S Arab Arab Em India Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Indnsia Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Algeria Egypt Nigeria Rep Saf TOTAL

January/February 2013

24,840 11,448 43,568

8,964 5,250 46,892

1,440

4,896

7,690 492 277

78,673 5,504 2,829

12,820 432,000 1,200

27,170 146,828 2,943

628,134 988,416

200,315 474,135

2,023,138

315,605

1,115

11,404

5,180

4,948

1,083,720 98,760

359,844 10,962

380 5,483 6,000 2,980 1,287,218 422,875 852,030 163,732 140,507 47,722

3,883 10,460 4,620 32,535 857,776 225,257 341,198 97,234 36,418 51,015

16,201,656

6,670,570

4,320 129,006 19,128 224,241 664,248 14,609 947 40,320 1,678 9,967 581,376 414 33,942 2,201,163 708 11,277 14,000 7,920 78,179 5,197,814 15,836 12,592 628 12,766 3,239,140 3,903,465 843,318 8,068,826 3,701 919 5,208 119,640 31,544 281 8,160 5,180 7,000 631 7,921 2,517 14,856 68,172 92,120 3,163,621 229,737 21,300 13,164 63,694 6,489 7,493 3,708,760 7,045,423 8,326,856 689,371 1,072,156 884,885 13,498 4,585 12,072 6,750 5,288 124,108,516

8,318 66,068 11,332 583,704 457,668 64,902 12,964 11,693 17,169 19,515 384,446 4,236 89,041 872,003 8,525 17,829 6,860 12,631 442,733 2,578,798 30,181 41,912 6,425 14,926 1,539,630 2,355,761 408,813 1,934,642 19,100 9,402 12,473 83,364 24,640 2,880 10,024 4,948 16,672 6,000 44,993 25,750 26,047 121,495 131,233 2,131,297 154,098 23,250 12,450 131,295 9,620 77,271 2,083,564 3,694,245 3,603,931 333,473 443,395 902,591 10,697 46,915 4,358 3,000 42,357 59,991,139

9603290000 Shaving Brushes, Hairbrushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use on the Person October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q./No. Value Canada 727,076 396,010 2,567,552 3,434,591 Mexico 536,101 185,031 12,288,769 3,451,732 Guatmal 67,288 64,690 Salvadr 38,503 40,757 Hondura 53,825 39,428 C Rica 1,586 10,747 77,202 72,899

January/February 2013 Panama Jamaica Dom Rep S Vn Gr Trinid Colomb Venez Ecuador Peru Bolivia Chile Brazil Paragua Uruguay Argent Sweden Denmark U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium Luxmbrg France Germany Hungary Switzld Poland Russia Ukraine Spain Portugl Italy Turkey Cyprus Lebanon Israel Jordan Kuwait S Arab Qatar Arab Em Thailnd Malaysa Singapr Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Rep Saf TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

224

8,116

1,002

10,894

201,190

56,041

2,595

7,197

6,240 227,406

10,142 69,718

16,419 1,742 584

19,797 15,930 13,251

28,707

87,346

59

2,676

12,540 19,585

34,193 83,617

5,617

51,364

175

4,939

533 11,425

4,870 5,313

570 5,718

21,000 58,500

4,317

43,438

9,118 1,820,529

11,188 1,211,318

14,824 602 2,380 200 26,700 440,285 1,403,512 358 2,990 139 73,123 1,439,663 16,136 25,700 550,091 584 1,231 127,698 33 1,989 14,709 414 69,265 100,117 3,300 3,816 975 168 4,246 14,126 2,056 6,268 2,722 1,488 561 5,617 709 6,180 61,377 1,993 11,957 2,737 737 7,427 17,034 139,605 10,552 19,299 426 514,207 27,181 1,020 14,331 20,287,997

118,989 31,932 18,395 3,300 280,813 218,788 674,969 3,276 16,608 3,086 126,610 524,718 39,064 57,460 202,940 13,251 19,155 431,982 3,094 22,505 108,307 5,757 294,640 427,667 4,884 34,832 8,916 5,202 38,827 71,107 3,326 89,750 38,631 3,746 3,916 51,364 40,547 82,437 128,340 18,225 136,794 31,500 2,566 72,034 43,776 334,240 111,947 156,735 3,900 407,552 272,810 3,834 29,633 12,982,774

PAGE 39

9603300000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes and Similar Brushes for the Application of Cosmetics October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 419,970 1,198,908 4,841,412 11,753,359 Mexico 28,297 121,522 471,456 1,658,263 Guatmal 21,672 59,426 Salvadr 10,766 23,398 Nicarag 14,255 52,596 C Rica 1,090 5,699 30,670 85,663 Panama 18,312 38,992 Bermuda 4,916 13,431 Bahamas 60 3,000 132 5,531 Dom Rep 6,314 23,297 B Virgn 3,312 4,787 Antigua 640 3,437 Grenada 1,617 5,968 Trinid 1,877 5,234 S Maart 2,214 6,190 Colomb 4,366 16,109 24,060 94,944 Venez 8,757 67,903 Peru 2,636 9,725 Chile 1,000 15,812 11,898 57,322 Brazil 47,264 58,546 271,407 623,338 Paragua 6,397 24,175 Uruguay 8,000 10,032 Argent 11,873 39,880 Iceland 2,774 13,774 Sweden 8,276 47,188 Norway 701 6,641 35,879 116,846 Finland 18,995 40,983 U King 84,092 226,879 988,237 2,506,517 Ireland 778 2,872 4,230 15,609 Nethlds 1,258 4,640 18,788 74,020 Belgium 2,440 9,003 26,915 105,511 France 62,247 150,819 Germany 2,601 15,093 33,632 122,329 Switzld 1,366 7,011 11,407 44,058 Estonia 1,104 4,073 6,640 24,502 Latvia 181 8,399 181 8,399 Poland 2,488 11,314 Russia 748 4,129 18,479 70,762 Azerbjn 1,507 5,559 Spain 3,987 14,709 8,075 25,884 Italy 27,472 101,362 111,295 477,045 Turkey 42,361 130,970 Lebanon 1,634 9,577 Israel 4,218 15,563 28,056 62,491 Kuwait 2,500 22,200 S Arab 1,093 4,033

%!

MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED &(

&$ &''

#&%"

PAGE 40 Arab Em Bngldsh Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Moroc Tnzania Rep Saf TOTAL

Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Salvadr Hondura C Rica Panama Bermuda Bahamas Jamaica Cayman Dom Rep Trinid S Maart Aruba Colomb Venez Guyana Peru Chile Brazil Argent U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium Germany Russia Spain Italy Serbia Iraq Israel S Arab Arab Em Bahrain India Thailnd Malaysa Singapr Indnsia Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Fiji Kenya

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP 665

3,326

18,575 1,016 13,526 2,155 4,086 13,596 3,000 358,515 87,618 93,277 19,040 28,720 290,767 1,882 921 921 1,296 8,149,193

69,882 3,750 70,250 7,950 17,176 60,107 2,831 1,116,932 1,148,900 455,964 87,854 129,730 1,666,798 6,945 3,400 3,400 10,760 23,619,910

40

2,600

9603402000 Paint Rollers October Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 45,375 103,570 1,114,478 27,827 53,045 743,918 3,480 1,440 1,435 12,060 16,923 12,756 6,643 8,840 6,980 11,257 1,788 2,323 68,546 12,529 4,198 10,113 19,294 10 2,582 519 9,116 34,663 7,786 650 40,091 3,050 2,327 3,075 36 3,787 2,968 756 2,368 11,933 20,530 6,627 516 9,043 33,220 15,350 39,698 15,350 83 400 1,062 600 797 21,791 5,016 3,812 31,805 806 5,585 2,689 3,844 99 3,252 383 1,295 260 4,555 429 4,720 46 2,206 28,299 34,065 276,407 31,165 4,740 6,176 4,740 1,960

Value 2,195,224 1,525,468 5,954 6,120 12,974 62,627 121,402 27,757 15,743 16,326 12,446 316,966 26,145 2,607 5,839 41,322 58,831 5,645 38,472 36,405 12,644 8,809 27,461 13,274 107,917 8,542 77,471 39,698 4,992 3,479 3,422 3,058 13,992 40,154 54,475 6,096 43,517 47,186 28,715 4,501 11,456 6,715 5,037 12,619 105,290 4,400 42,150 646,647 96,532 6,176 3,780

42,087 3,800 8,393 210 2,345 37,501

155,285 32,312 35,087 4,116 16,013 234,168

513 728,547

2,541 2,325,418

Rep Saf Namibia TOTAL

Country Mexico C Rica Panama Bermuda Dom Rep Antigua Trinid Venez Ecuador Peru Brazil Uruguay Finland Denmark U King Ireland France Romania Israel Kuwait S Arab Thailnd Malaysa Singapr Kor Rep Austral Fiji TOTAL

January/February 2013 117,596 800 2,646,246

81,141 4,041 6,109,660

9603404020 Paint Pads October Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 17,667 104,767 46,466 672 530 24 397 2,820 3,393 1,560 52 7,227 52 26,784 2,497 17,722 6,281 48 4,952 8,943 1,260 390 1,794 1,020 370 2,625 1,915 1,163 146 2,644 1,346 9,553 1,386 1,500 2,290 600 46 5,664 3,773 34,966 4,956 22,377 149,666 160,218

Value 204,588 20,160 12,231 3,480 24,090 10,956 7,227 71,843 44,582 35,883 3,692 13,374 14,904 6,423 25,898 8,259 5,184 18,771 15,825 28,425 55,015 29,688 5,451 14,234 26,785 67,708 5,895 780,571

145,667

364,439

9603404050 Paint, Distemper, Varnish or Similar Brushes (Except Brushes of 9603.30) October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 46,437 769,610 766,101 8,501,107 Mexico 1,636 16,528 12,100 172,720 Guatmal 434 6,689 Belize 1,181 25,721 Salvadr 150 9,959 Hondura 819 19,081 5,148 95,895 Nicarag 400 7,885 1,754 33,367 C Rica 485 11,245 2,776 60,326 Panama 467 30,239 14,549 311,710 Bermuda 1,076 22,322 Bahamas 360 9,735 1,304 26,944 Jamaica 2,676 64,124 Cayman 1,432 30,214 Dom Rep 127 2,624 5,741 146,033 B Virgn 2,310 47,917 3,900 80,904 St K N 260 5,400 Antigua 5,822 44,646 12,149 94,724 S Lucia 329 6,823 569 14,235 Grenada 2,142 44,429 Barbado 549 18,697 Trinid 3,679 18,804 13,743 230,167 S Maart 173 3,580 173 3,580 Curaco 881 10,412 Aruba 284 6,203 Martinq 186 3,862 Colomb 1,055 21,885 5,877 136,053 Venez 3,901 80,903 4,430 93,270 Guyana 482 9,999 Surinam 50 5,100 Ecuador 27,504 165,154 Peru 429 15,979 8,879 55,451 Chile 1,520 31,521 4,142 85,900 Brazil 3,247 62,195

January/February 2013 Uruguay Argent Sweden Finland U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium France Germany Austria Czech Switzld Lithuan Poland Russia Ukraine Italy Turkey Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait S Arab Arab Em India Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Samoa Fiji Sier Ln Ivy Cst Ghana Nigeria Rep Saf Namibia TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

1,300

12,415

17,718 398

367,511 11,391

707

18,350

55 290 1,225

2,693 6,008 25,414

3,421 1,289

17,723 5,552

887 4,443

1,350

3,081 41,237

23,190

755

15,660

103,787

1,689,230

25 3,887 2,236 5,339 130,117 2,926 199,590 3,514 1,317 27,611 73 132 85 115 2,179 1,225 254 504 4,380 1,289 3,862 1,506 382 12,082 7,884 3,317 889 6,936 8,926 36,326 10,072 25,534 6,474 2,045 4,131 21,601 18,472 157 254 364 457 603 260 755 1,400 1,467,356

3,055 80,627 44,116 32,754 1,734,867 36,851 4,170,319 104,825 14,577 275,850 3,062 3,199 2,607 5,631 27,212 25,414 5,265 10,455 37,613 5,552 94,864 31,233 3,365 94,538 147,706 68,786 18,457 59,232 120,059 384,824 229,866 522,451 118,068 39,857 29,909 139,370 154,885 3,250 5,278 5,000 9,479 12,515 5,388 15,660 9,512 19,580,269

9603900000 Hand-Operated Mechanical Floor Sweepers, Not Motorized, Mops & Feather Dusters; Prepared Knots & Tufts for Broom or Brush Making, NESOI October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 245,690 2,602,278 2,174,874 24,228,075 Mexico 67,348 1,022,826 709,182 9,761,721 Guatmal 395 6,397 3,497 59,497 Belize 891 11,184 Salvadr 756 14,893 Hondura 834 13,249 Nicarag 1,035 16,024 C Rica 6,802 33,835 23,791 179,552 Panama 292 7,225 24,334 284,556 Bermuda 320 3,040 368 7,000 Bahamas 360 5,738 28,908 113,045 Jamaica 385 3,968 1,999 29,920 Cayman 1,862 29,988 Haiti 166 2,698 Dom Rep 410 6,648 1,653 31,915 St K N 1,224 17,124 Antigua 281 4,553 S Lucia 1,398 6,390 S Vn Gr 1,020 3,465 Trinid 1,482 23,446 S Maart 165 2,676

Curaco Aruba Colomb Venez Guyana Ecuador Peru Chile Brazil Paragua Uruguay Argent Iceland Sweden Norway Finland Denmark U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium Luxmbrg France Germany Austria Czech Slovak Hungary Switzld Estonia Latvia Lithuan Poland Russia Azerbjn Moldova Spain Portugl Malta Italy Macedon Greece Turkey Lebanon Israel Jordan Kuwait S Arab Qatar Arab Em Yemen Oman Bahrain Afghan India Pakistn Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Indnsia Phil R Maldive China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral New Gui N Zeal Samoa N Caldn

PAGE 41

1,362 6,239

21,502 97,288

785 686 10,036 1,128

12,740 15,065 176,896 9,547

224

4,475

1,994 243 276 12,064

42,439 3,943 11,771 40,748

974 41,017 201 3,347

32,976 660,146 3,263 54,279

1,294

14,159

218 630 4,526

3,533 3,704 44,231

3,498

71,275

569

9,221

308

4,994

534 4,609 52,272 2,229

8,671 52,503 209,115 36,139

6,344 3,216 1,647 60 7,324 12,732 276 3,078

86,958 56,339 23,299 7,000 75,368 185,779 4,483 56,491

48

3,568

1,657 10,763 10,206 27,947 724 19,190 68,994 26,506 70,246 1,200 616 1,475 278 948 3,146 3,007 41,114 113,918 11,583 38,170 51,111 922 4,185 62,823 201 12,239 266 283 7,702 728 349 397 976 11,245 437 360 1,341 472 5,406 22,607 202 1,211 410 720 3,511 1,430 1,519 62,624 60 44,894 172 213 3,416 6,402 12,514 1,140 3,490 6,160 5,843 15,133 69,437 4,515 983 31,811 43,369 18,252 8,337 96,924 75,966 992 16,459 356 48

28,623 77,971 149,956 437,602 11,742 131,520 434,545 399,223 802,835 7,560 6,599 23,930 7,336 28,663 38,586 48,764 204,206 1,076,338 151,644 435,201 361,808 43,377 102,677 949,789 3,263 200,372 4,313 4,585 71,317 11,813 5,674 13,603 16,313 150,477 7,087 2,678 15,684 7,647 30,565 277,520 2,878 16,797 10,378 4,869 84,423 7,771 17,193 679,939 2,525 289,812 2,796 3,461 17,392 108,997 200,871 13,541 65,762 103,434 86,292 202,489 311,349 75,056 15,947 439,346 385,473 205,597 124,076 881,959 1,041,275 7,418 159,529 2,921 3,568

PAGE 42 Marshal Microns Tunisia Egypt Eq Guin Nigeria Angola Rep Saf TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP 620 583 214

973 510,380

10,061 9,460 3,464

15,783 5,874,631

620 309 1,174 1,056 1,459 423 950 4,007 4,163,969

10,061 5,009 12,183 17,126 23,665 6,855 15,415 45,439 47,335,264

Broom and Brush

IMPORTS October Imports By Country

Country Thailnd China TOTAL

0502100000 Pigs’, Hogs’ or Boars’ Bristles and Hair and Waste Thereof October Year To Date Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG 671 20,682 416,118 301,518 20,682 416,118 302,189

Country Canada Denmark U King

0502900000 Badger Hair and Other Brushmaking Hair and Waste Thereof October Year To Date Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG 454 69 72

Value 34,916 3,946,661 3,981,577

Value 4,050 14,104 96,892

France Germany Thailnd China Japan TOTAL

January/February 2013

27

86,541

4,850

86,973

4,877

173,514

1 122 2,127 33,057 9 35,911

6,433 207,191 132,039 772,676 29,639 1,263,024

0511993300 Horsehair and Horsehair Waste, Whether or Not Put Up As A Layer With or Without Supporting Material October Year To Date Country Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG Value Paragua 9,792 131,515 Belgium 2,500 28,120 Germany 15,181 186,044 Italy 90 5,448 China 22,144 249,559 227,161 2,776,205 Austral 2 2,776 6 8,442 TOTAL 22,146 252,335 254,730 3,135,774 1404903000 Istle Used Primarily In Brooms or In Brushes, Whether or Not In Hanks or Bundles October Year To Date Country Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG Value Mexico 20,419 111,514 363,991 1,847,296 TOTAL 20,419 111,514 363,991 1,847,296 4417002000 Broom and Mop Handles, 1.9 CM or More In Diameter and 97 CM or More In Length, Of Wood October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 15,392 11,874 19,543 22,638 Mexico 162,164 128,395 Hondura 528,357 204,836 3,250,746 1,574,349 Colomb 141,744 58,375

January/February 2013 Brazil Italy Sri Lka Vietnam Malaysa Indnsia China Taiwan TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

532,865

635,157

9,216

7,818

724,084 122,532

182,991 58,635

1,932,446

1,101,311

4417004000 Paint Brush October Country Net Q/Variable Germany Czech Poland Italy Thailnd Indnsia China Kor Rep Taiwan TOTAL

Country Canada Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam China TOTAL

Country Canada Mexico Colomb Brazil U King Nethlds France Germany Spain Italy India Thailnd Vietnam Indnsia China

4,779,115 8,912 169,656 52,344 41,950 3,308,285 2,567,432 17,679 14,519,570

5,636,001 3,867 213,301 44,632 48,370 2,173,695 1,382,217 40,247 11,326,087

and Paint Roller Handles, Of Wood Year To Date Value Net Q/Variable Value 98,358 32,512 65,955 11,880 31,138 103,328 5,410,101 7,401 103,714 84,456 1,125,062 306,961 2,113,085 18,400 71,816 546,538 9,037,629

4417006000 Brush Backs, Of Wood October Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 393,830 156,585 3,025,823 218,042 137,863 3,253,313 114,452 92,064 248,880 63,781 595,584 860,752 358,229 7,081,236 4417008010 Tool Handles of Wood October Year To Date Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable 2,370 3,875 358,352

55,671 39,041

'*(%

Value 1,275,553 1,730,733 35,798 79,754 166,985 3,288,823

Value 138,589 103,217 4,983 4,420,205 5,050 2,122 10,102 2,361 66,123 4,549 2,432 9,424 441,965 127,245 661,669

!&*$!")*'#'(

" ! "

" "

" "

YOUNG & SWARTZ, INC. +

Taiwan TOTAL

PAGE 43 58,280 517,589

350,964 6,351,000

4417008090 Tools, Tool Bodies, Broom or Brush Bodies, Shoe Lasts and Trees, of Wood October Year To Date Country Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable Value Canada 56,655 663,135 Mexico 52,746 372,488 Chile 170,671 5,439,081 Brazil 9,125 U King 27,573 120,567 France 93,499 Germany 15,974 Russia 3,406 Spain 19,866 Italy 10,585 55,459 Romania 4,969 4,969 India 53,329 2,231,535 Sri Lka 4,742 64,123 Vietnam 26,811 117,874 Indnsia 54,557 335,229 China 338,463 2,972,708 Taiwan 9,851 110,040 Japan 473,901 3,912,822 TOTAL 1,284,853 16,541,900 7326908576 Metal Handles For Brooms, Mops, Paint Applicators October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 52,000 11,637 Mexico 182,204 79,881 1,255,231 551,741 Brazil 11,760 8,960 79,935 68,461 Denmark 1,050 14,793 5,029 72,806 U King 4,120 11,339 Luxmbrg 58 5,371 Germany 4,000 4,972 Spain 641,088 286,215 1,524,576 751,659 Italy 1,583,768 819,287 13,855,292 8,755,340 Israel 6,096 6,034 India 1 6,655 Sri Lka 19,192 18,516 72,078 51,819 China 441,355 366,177 6,584,022 5,013,629 Taiwan 28,755 48,240 TOTAL 2,880,417 1,593,829 23,471,193 15,359,703 9603100500 Wiskbrooms, of Broom Corn, LT=.96 EA. Prior to Entry or Withdrawal for Consumption of 61,655 Dozen In Calendar Year October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 3,384 2,891 50,024 45,591 Ukraine 5,880 3,132

PAGE 44 China TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

3,384

2,891

20,400 76,304

18,384 67,107

9603104000 Other Brooms, of Broomcorn, LT=.96 EA, Prior to Entry or Withdrawal For Consumption of GT=121,478 Dozen in Calendar Year October Year To Date Mexico 15,360 11,569 TOTAL 15,360 11,569 9603105000 Other Brooms, of Broomcorn, LT=.96 EA, at Entry or Withdrawal For Consumption of GT=121,478 Dozen in Calendar Year October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 9,384 7,280 138,216 112,542 China 44,720 43,668 TOTAL 9,384 7,280 182,936 156,210 9603106000 Other Brooms, Of Broomcorn, Valued Over .96 Each October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 632,158 1,484,644 6,563,360 16,015,908 Hondura 17,436 48,852 210,492 488,237 Italy 4,620 12,648 China 7,200 8,249 TOTAL 649,594 1,533,496 6,785,672 16,525,042 9603109000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or Other Vegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles, NESOI October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 360 2,509 8,960 40,974 Mexico 1,260 3,843 14,934 29,838 Guatmal 10,800 16,225 Denmark 100 2,966 U King 2,441 9,472 Germany 2,200 6,810 Czech 1,400 3,676 Estonia 94,746 55,040 Armenia 9,000 18,300 Portugl 1,920 2,867 1,920 2,867 Italy 5,111 24,550 Turkey 1,500 4,002 India 34,835 23,242 Bngldsh 100 4,066 Sri Lka 77,775 110,692 920,854 946,298 Thailnd 2,875 6,574 96,132 148,284 Vietnam 6,200 5,822 141,004 157,350 Phil R 1,860 4,182 20,710 33,345 China 35,940 40,987 280,285 405,543 Kor Rep 1,780 7,399 Japan 1,080 9,892 Fiji 1,260 2,542 3,240 5,863 TOTAL 129,450 180,018 1,653,132 1,956,002 9603210000 Toothbrushes, Incl. Dental-Plate Brushes October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 73,809 22,400 295,672 186,267 Mexico 604,528 252,611 3,125,154 1,361,513 Guatmal 78,400 30,838 Dom Rep 2,875,040 122,605 Curaco 55,440 101,493 Brazil 346,320 91,755 3,655,314 978,151 Sweden 97,475 97,431 Norway 50,400 10,572 Denmark 3,800 3,580 3,800 3,580 U King 27,982 43,499 Ireland 31,680 42,129 1,188,457 1,097,460 Nethlds 214,565 28,831 France 15,000 13,914 Germany 2,262,644 1,490,522 22,538,324 14,396,399 Hungary 19,152 26,204 114,365 190,056

Switzld Spain Italy Turkey S Arab Arab Em India Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Indnsia China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral TOTAL

January/February 2013 4,446,162

1,940,688

3,226

38,331

2,237,676 762,480 3,499,980 420,000 72,000 69,211,674 241,188 65,864 96,600 2,880

265,494 115,189 258,646 23,474 4,187 13,900,618 53,910 15,291 108,245 2,416

84,401,663

18,655,690

59,010,836 10,000 1,675,554 41,867 4,500 21,600 36,500,151 9,987,688 51,414,060 3,210,952 1,745,459 682,171,724 2,068,820 746,768 739,029 4,500,999 1,000 888,186,395

24,568,666 5,102 360,409 43,106 2,702 5,301 6,346,289 1,611,469 3,271,188 309,753 138,647 124,089,718 535,965 221,756 634,570 1,002,158 2,388 181,811,796

9603294010 Hairbrushes, Valued Not Over .40 Each October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Vietnam 7,200 4,099 China 6,957,209 1,987,220 47,239,748 12,662,736 Kor Rep 6,600 2,497 Hg Kong 130,464 22,878 722,544 107,190 Taiwan 24,048 6,947 TOTAL 7,087,673 2,010,098 48,000,140 12,783,469 9603294090 Shaving Brushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use On The Valued Not Over .40 Each October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Mexico 226,725 30,231 7,163,650 Germany 856,837 167,083 6,009,173 Switzld 17,112 4,295 17,112 Italy 804,950 China 3,219,964 492,886 43,927,893 Kor Rep 40,000 10,450 2,936,956 Hg Kong 19,060 Taiwan 102,640 30,032 1,150,640 Japan 87,500 24,894 776,500 N Zeal 207,372 TOTAL 4,550,778 759,871 63,013,306

Person,

Value 652,959 1,195,102 4,295 134,076 5,438,376 93,488 7,662 79,083 211,938 79,018 7,895,997

9603302000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application Of Cosmetics, Valued Not Over .05 Each October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 172,500 5,652 347,500 11,377 Mexico 1,056,572 23,059 8,468,381 291,633 France 165,000 6,838 165,000 6,838 Germany 3,782,000 155,975 30,311,125 1,314,000 Italy 7,584,400 84,378 92,445,873 1,057,864 India 150,000 7,404 728,000 30,238 China 9,946,244 282,651 113,188,125 3,268,224 Kor Rep 3,700,000 92,652 19,435,000 432,373 Hg Kong 3,622,088 85,482 Taiwan 1,254,985 55,852 TOTAL 26,556,716 658,609 269,966,077 6,553,881 9603304000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application of Cosmetics, Valued Over .05 But not Over .10 Each October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 79,285 6,236 Mexico 6,524,491 510,343 56,882,692 4,467,800 Brazil 96,000 8,712 96,000 8,712 Germany 1,547,000 113,589 24,500,410 1,746,904 Italy 50,000 2,770 India 34,200 2,518 878,915 67,072 Thailnd 176,148 17,450

January/February 2013 China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

21,255,063 554,700

1,637,528 38,835

315,632 30,327,086

22,414 2,333,939

146,282,680 4,710,511 4,141,200 4,375,992 242,173,833

11,022,215 366,384 335,256 307,949 18,348,748

9603306000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application Of Cosmetics, Valued Over .10 Each October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 1,063 29,654 7,802 151,777 Mexico 11,481,190 1,928,655 121,489,843 19,950,775 Dom Rep 146,789 175,219 1,142,336 1,351,798 B Virgn 1,900 6,169 Brazil 20,712 24,368 U King 53,348 199,090 1,143,602 2,123,715 Ireland 15,000 36,898 15,000 36,898 Nethlds 2,042 15,028 France 52,208 328,776 793,670 3,402,314 Germany 1,099,980 450,508 11,340,641 4,537,090 Austria 450 2,183 Switzld 1 6,099 8,306 109,580 Spain 8,712 39,552 125,859 627,338 Portugl 2,980 26,185 Malta 2,916 11,545 Italy 8,880 89,578 133,077 669,714 Greece 99,756 60,329 99,801 63,452 Israel 1,824 6,941 8,798 33,339 India 745,446 321,434 6,735,787 2,883,239 Sri Lka 150,444 55,814 1,604,260 678,481 Thailnd 354,852 197,729 2,825,355 1,833,672 Vietnam 150,000 24,354 1,376,460 189,178 Malaysa 7,000 3,441 7,000 3,441 Indnsia 53,999 75,654 China 28,546,633 22,078,904 216,376,745 156,053,431 Kor Rep 386,719 629,822 2,315,309 1,907,287 Hg Kong 281,423 159,791 2,936,530 1,837,557 Taiwan 362,109 115,959 3,150,262 932,011 Japan 275,738 1,497,670 3,041,055 13,262,095 Austral 8,976 30,036 Mauritn 5,213 19,774 49,514 195,193 Rep Saf 500 6,272 TOTAL 44,234,328 28,455,991 376,821,487 213,030,815

Country Canada Mexico Brazil Sweden U King Nethlds France Germany Austria Italy Vietnam China Taiwan Japan TOTAL

9603402000 Paint Rollers October Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 448,500 10,649 463,713 443,449 246,779 9,400,281 2,952 7,676 12,660 2,000 10,940 9,400 4,106 5,457 35,046 20 1,000 261,176 123,102 2,307,933 600 155,290 57,115 155,597 5,500 3,866,918 1,515,608 40,050,790 27,685 6,434 28,885 20,114 5,212,076 1,983,760 52,491,539

Value 42,090 3,055,639 19,346 47,890 71,573 6,989 7,604 601,362 2,652 80,543 3,250 19,921,096 13,460 20,733 23,894,227

9603404020 Paint Pads (Other Than Of Subheading 9603.30) October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 5,762 3,249 U King 58,800 26,254 65,440 65,045 Greece 5,000 8,014 Pakistn 25,200 2,657 300,800 32,643 China 295,228 252,153 9,712,917 6,306,009 Taiwan 3,002 22,611 TOTAL 379,228 281,064 10,092,921 6,437,571

PAGE 45

9603404040 Natural Bristle Brushes, Other Than Brushes Of Subheading 9603.30 October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 17,571 16,738 211,445 183,747 U King 13,000 35,191 116,887 305,388 Nethlds 612 4,444 Germany 1,180 14,691 14,483 92,914 Czech 25,758 12,956 Italy 22,648 98,626 609,304 454,976 Turkey 200,291 394,879 India 12,408 14,789 Thailnd 76,528 31,182 Vietnam 13,316 17,763 Indnsia 5,071,814 899,842 51,028,581 8,622,692 China 1,930,670 509,521 7,311,147 2,392,759 Taiwan 756 4,128 645,720 220,413 TOTAL 7,057,639 1,578,737 60,266,480 12,748,902 9603404060 Paint, Distemper, Varnish/Similr Brushes Exc Subheading 9603.30 NESOI October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Canada 4,426 7,264 28,044 Mexico 2,000 Guatmal 66,744 Colomb 26,640 28,397 26,640 Brazil 5,700 4,482 5,700 Iceland 397,008 57,332 397,008 Sweden 54,227 Denmark 746 U King 16,145 15,759 448,870 Belgium 100 4,523 915 France 7,001 Germany 3,765 21,187 155,288 Switzld 33 Spain 2,185 Italy 816 2,816 16,298 Turkey 87,636 India 4,000 Pakistn 12,096 8,316 12,096 Sri Lka 14,400 18,601 135,192 Thailnd 15,726 18,059 17,106 Vietnam 85,824 20,275 288,998 Indnsia 2,277,348 448,648 23,898,011 Phil R 297,396 92,394 298,435 China 12,487,789 4,268,207 171,067,932 Kor Rep 170,027 Hg Kong 4,523 Taiwan 1,200 3,175 856,908 Japan 3,000 3,812 316,880 Austral 2,060 TOTAL 15,649,379 5,023,247 198,371,503

Brushes of

Value 64,511 5,311 67,051 28,397 4,482 57,332 47,766 2,194 210,000 41,683 14,612 337,085 2,734 4,535 43,137 320,625 2,767 8,316 160,538 21,483 74,291 4,771,737 104,066 56,920,418 74,809 21,000 235,646 244,704 12,755 63,903,985

Country Mexico Colomb Germany China Hg Kong TOTAL

9603908010 Wiskbrooms October Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 18,462 13,500 1,150 5,422 1,600 107,252 87,782 688,062 2,000 108,402 93,204 723,624

Value 17,338 15,014 7,591 730,311 17,238 787,492

Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Hondura Colomb

9603908020 Upright Brooms October Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 966 87,226 102,957 587,175 18,300 21,595 166,645 17,184 21,528

Value 7,411 686,024 245,454 15,272 26,974

PAGE 46 Brazil Argent Germany Italy Israel India Sri Lka Vietnam China Taiwan Moroc Egypt TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP 3,498

9,736

19,640

36,526

43,044

87,435

825,422

954,408

997,130

1,212,657

71,382 5,120 560 410,152 1,584 5,244 371,244 330 8,612,574 18,259 34,560 5,976 10,330,483

300,721 13,527 8,337 525,972 2,246 2,884 737,333 15,850 10,698,714 116,194 20,708 4,367 13,427,988

9603908030 Push Brooms, 41 CM or Less in Width October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 697 6,516 Mexico 3,240 11,932 56,316 202,301 Hondura 25,596 43,949 Sri Lka 65,866 212,596 593,179 1,999,308 China 6,024 23,469 129,990 456,864 Taiwan 420 3,613 840 7,326 TOTAL 75,550 251,610 806,618 2,716,264

Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Salvadr Dom Rep Colomb Brazil Denmark U King Czech Switzld Russia Spain Italy Turkey Israel India Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam Phil R China Taiwan Austral TOTAL

9603908040 Other Brooms, NESOI October Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 302,026 689,996 1,966,460 509,130 805,885 5,955,442 30,000 23,715 221,532 62,628 67,806 251,980 37,164 35,736 41,362 771,417 37,842 65,223 273,748 2,550 2,567 33,600 26,353 317,856 4,800 1,310 8,624 16,993 82,504 222,511 187 6,508 4,000 3,199 16,360 96,132 170,215 886,138 7,500 14,043 58,580 3,760 11,604 135,324 6,000 659,170 1,485,326 5,011,613 5,860 9,878 15,050 24,662 1,796,008 3,431,598 16,272,263

Value 3,486,922 10,034,439 215,079 312,650 43,887 310,121 480,478 17,255 61,457 313,373 4,720 4,500 152,767 322,764 4,953 21,495 21,499 1,420,486 104,922 167,932 7,659 11,114,959 42,084 127,787 28,794,188

9603908050 Brooms, Brushes, Sqeegees, Etc., NESOI October Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 2,351,277 19,886,111 Mexico 5,031,228 44,995,700 Guatmal 29,184 Salvadr 222,515 Hondura 1,474,305 12,944,340 Dom Rep 336,134 Colomb 83,206 1,000,296 Brazil 23,325 400,703 Argent 112,392 112,392 Sweden 22,140 143,512 Finland 280,841 Denmark 233,501 1,968,800 U King 46,927 455,937 Ireland 2,880 Nethlds 73,265 3,299,262 Belgium 61,574 1,052,645

France Germany Czech Lichten Switzld Estonia Latvia Lithuan Poland Russia Spain Italy Slvenia Romania Turkey Israel India Pakistn Bngldsh Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Indnsia Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal N Caldn Egypt Niger Rep Saf TOTAL

January/February 2013 13,995 195,035 13,126 32,279

26,625 51,379 17,464 95,889 161,406 16,285 42,417 63,411 393,259 4,595 233,178 375,792 13,906 38,406 66,336 3,337 33,112,960 313,901 391,229 1,004,608 108,878 108,593 7,279

46,418,708

72,287 2,563,081 316,697 18,909 255,310 18,208 48,922 407,989 513,848 118,985 1,048,193 2,595,731 3,390 169,601 72,790 167,071 477,380 3,579,004 54,373 1,704,023 2,654,588 156,414 411,817 40,147 1,320,991 12,670 347,236,472 2,656,620 6,095,027 11,888,888 728,964 1,158,153 28,504 3,808 123,170 73,601 22,185 475,949,063

Zahoransky Features iPad And Smartphone Apps Zahoransky officials have announced two new apps, allowing customers to be up-to-date on industry trends and new products from the company — available for iPad and PDF. Topics in the areas of brush production, mold making, packaging machines and systems are all covered. This technology keeps readers up-to-date.

No matter if it’s about an advanced toothbrush machine, a new mold concept for injection molding applications or general information about markets and the company — extensive image galleries, technical information and additional links help illustrate and provide customers greater knowledge beyond each article.

The iPad app link is: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zahoransky-contact-digital/id524330142; The PDF link is: http://zahoransky-group.com/menu_news/news/n_pressev.cfm.

After the 2012 InterBrush, officials from Zahoransky focused on further developing the company’s smartphone app.

The new version offers a news area which displays the latest coverage from the company’s website at a single glance. Users can now also access the Zahoransky Facebook page directly from the app. The new version, which includes additional innovations, is available in the app store.

Available for the Android and Apple iOS operating system.

Android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=equinoxe.zahoransky; iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zahoransky/id521701593.

January/February 2013

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

PAGE 47

Osborn: Continued From Page 12

“Many of our products on the industrial side were packaged in plastic clam shells, which are expensive and very hard to dispose,” Lang said.

“What we have done is convert the plastic clam shell packaging to a recyclable box, which will make disposal a lot easier and is much less expensive.”

A second project was the introduction of Osborn’s FlexSweep push broom brace. The FlexSweep brace is designed to prevent the common problem of the handle breaking where in meets the broom head. The FlexSweep eliminates the need for metal braces and is designed to flex on impact, working as a shock absorber for the broom.

“One of the challenges with push brooms is the handles continually break, so people are constantly ordering new handles,” Lang said.

“The FlexSweep’s connector will flex with the broom and keep it from breaking.”

The FlexSweep also comes with a thicker handle, which is more difficult to break, thus cutting down on the amount of wood the company uses.

The product is also assembled with wing nuts, eliminating the need for screws to put it together.

Naymik explained that many automotive plant customers, especially those with labor unions, would require a millwright to assemble the broom if it came with screws. With the wing nuts, the maintenance people who initially receive the brooms can put them together without causing conflict with union rules.

Osborn’s eco-friendly practices also involve the use of chemicals.

“On the compound side of the business,

we have done away with some of the chemicals we were using that were not as environmentally friendly, or question able,” Lang said. “What we will continue to do on that side is look for other ingredients to use to cut down on some of the chemicals.”

From Humble Beginnings To Global Player

W

hen Osborn was founded in 1887, Grover Cleveland was president. It all began when an engineer, John J. Osborn, left his job as superintendent at the National Carbon Company in Cleveland and started making products ranging from horse and butcher block brushes to street cleaning brooms.

Three years later, the young company was taken over by F. Wayland Brown. In 1892, Brown was considering selling the company when he discovered his friend, Franklin G. Smith, was interested in buying Osborn. Upon completing a deal, Brown and his brother, Milton, owned 50 percent of the Osborn

Wire products, power brushes and buffing wheels are manufactured at Osborn’s facility in Richmond, IN. Manufacturing Company, while Smith owned 48 percent. Smith bought his share of the company with $2,100 borrowed from his uncle Henry Sherwin, founder of Sherwin-Williams Company. Sherwin and a secretary in the office owned the remaining 2 percent.

In 1894, the Brown brothers decided to sell their Osborn shares to Smith. When the deal closed in 1895, Smith owned 97 percent of the business. Smith would continue to be actively involved in Osborn’s operations until his death in 1968 — making his tenure with Osborn an astounding 76 years.

In May 1968, Smith passed away, and soon after his son, Norman, who had been president since 1951, decided to retire. On September 3, 1968, the Sherwin-Williams Company of Cleveland acquired Osborn as a wholly owned subsidiary.

A significant change in Sherwin-Williams’ long-term growth objectives shifted the focus to their retail presence rather than their industrial operations. As a result, in October 1975, Osborn became a wholly owned subsidiary and later a division of Giddings & Lewis, Inc., a machine tool manufacturer headquartered in Fond du Lac, WI. In June 1979, Osborn acquired its own subsidiary, the Jackson Buff Company of Conover, NC, which today is known as JacksonLea. When Giddings & Lewis restructured in 1982, Jackson Buff became a separate division of G & L. In July 1982, AMCA International acquired Giddings & Lewis and Osborn Manufacturing.

Soon Osborn and Jackson Buff were both included in AMCA’s Aerospace Division.

AMCA International decided to divest itself of several companies in 1985, including Osborn Manufacturing, Jackson Buff and Janesville Products, a Norwalk, OH, maker of automotive trim products. Two AMCA executives, Vincent

Martin and Mark Train, resigned from AMCA and joined with the three division presidents to form a new company to acquire these three businesses. They named their new company Jason Incorporated.

In November 1985, Jason purchased the operating assets of Osborn, Jackson Buff and Janesville Products, effective January 1, 1986.

Strong Leadership, Dedicated People Key To Success

I

n discussing the future of Osborn, Lang and Naymik said the company’s wide array of products and markets, along with a tradition of strong leadership, will continue to pave the way for a bright future.

“We are very heavy in the automotive and aerospace segments; however, we do business in many other areas,” Lang said. “As markets change, so will our products. Considering how long we have been in business and all the good things that we are doing, I think we are looking at a strong future.”

Naymik added: “We’ve been fortunate. When we researched the history of the company for our 125th anniversary book, we looked back at the people who have been at Osborn all these years. Their commitment to the company has been strong since the 1800s, which is amazing.

“Franklin Smith is the person who had the longest tenure at Osborn, and really built the company into what it is today — a successful global player.”

Contact: Osborn, A Unit Of Jason Incorporated, 1100 Resource Drive, Suite 1, Brooklyn Heights, OH 44131.

Phone: 800-720-3358; Fax: 216-361-1913.

Email: marketsupport@osborn.com.

Website: www.osborn.com.

PAGE 48

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

January/February 2013

INDUSTRY MOURNS LOSS OF LIFE-LONG VETERANS

EDWIN (ED) LEE COLLINS Longtime broom corn industry professional Edwin (Ed) Lee Collins, retired president of the John L. Denning Broomcorn Co., Inc., of Wichita, KS, died on Dec. 15, 2012. He was 94.

After serving in Germany during World War II with the Adjutant General Department Machine Records Unit attached to the U.S. 3rd Army, Collins joined his father-in-law, John L. Denning, in the family business. Collins bought and sold broom corn for many years, traveling to various regions throughout the United States and Mexico. He eventually became president of the business.

Collins and his father-in-law were credited with developing the standard for grading broom corn. The broom corn business led to Collins’ involvement with the Wichita Industries and Services for the Blind, now known as “Envision.” Collins was president of the organization’s board of directors for 20 years.

Envision honored Collins by naming a building after him.

After the John L. Denning Broomcorn Co., Inc., closed in 2005, the company’s broom corn memorabilia collection was donated to the Wichita Historical Society. Papers from the company, meanwhile, were donated to Wichita State University due to the importance of the broom corn industry in the area. This included a large library of Broom and Broom Corn News issues (later known as Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine) through the 1950s.

Ed Collins was born to Joseph Tolbert Collins Jr. and Sarah Belle (Coppock) Collins on Feb. 15, 1918, in Campbellsville, KY. He moved to Wichita and attended Allison Intermediate and Wichita High School East where he played football, basketball, and met his wife, Edwana Denning.

Collins was preceded in death by his father and mother; one brother, Joseph Coppock (J.C.); two sisters, Nancy Pierpont and Jane Phipps; and his wife of 51 years.

He is survived by a daughter, Janice Bailey; granddaughter, Julia Bailey Martin; two great grandchildren, Benjamin Martin and Bailey Martin, all of Wichita; two sons, Kim of Baltimore, MD, and Timothy and two

granddaughters, Emily Collins and Claire Collins, of Santa Clara, CA. Along with his work in the broom corn industry, Ed Collins was a director for the Union National Bank, in Wichita, from 1949 to 1960. He was a licensed pilot and co-owner of a plane which he used for business and pleasure.

Collins was a longtime member of the Downtown Lions Club, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served several terms on the facilities committee. He was also a member of the Retired Business and Professional Men's Club.

A family burial was held at Old Mission Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Feb. 15, 2013, at Larksfield Place in Wichita.

Memorials have been established with the First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Broadway, 67214; the Special Collections Library at Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmont, 67206; and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, 67202.

Condolences may be offered at www.devorssflanaganhunt.com.

Wöhler Managing Director Matthias Peveling added: “We will remember Brian for all the years of working and travelling together.

He was a great character, and will surely be missed by many in the brush and bristle business.”

Connors, of Upper Saddle River, NJ, is survived by his wife Weiping Wang; daughters Eileen and Jennifer Connors; step-child Xiang Ye; brothers Barry Connors, Kevin Connors and Jeffrey Connors; and sister Cathy MacDowell.

Donations to the Upper Saddle River Ambulance Corp., 368 W. Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458, in his memory would be appreciated.

KATIE PELTON

BRIAN J. CONNORS Brian J. Connors, former Wöhler Brush Tech GmbH U.S. representative, died on Jan. 21, 2013. He was 57.

Connors started his career at the Paul Marsh Trading Company in New York, NY, Wöhler’s U.S. representative at the time. In 1997, he founded Connors & Company Inc., representing both Wöhler and the Desco Bristle Group, one of the biggest importers of bristles and silk. Connors retired as Wöhler representative in 2012 due to illness.

“We were filled with sadness to hear that Brian had lost his fight against cancer,” Wöhler Managing Director Rudolf Brenken stated.

“Our thoughts are with his family, especially with his wife and children.

“During the years of working together with Brian, he became more than just a business partner, he was also a friend. Elisabeth Wöhler particularly remembers the kind support he gave following the death of her husband Dr. Fritz Wöhler.”

Brenken added that many people at Wöhler have fond memories of Connors’ warm-hearted nature.

Katie Mae Delcambre Pelton, 96, died on Jan. 15, 2013, at home in Fort Worth, TX. She grew up in rural Louisiana and was an honor graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

She married Allen Lincoln Pelton on April 8, 1942. They began their married life in Charleston, SC, where he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Pelton, age 103, sur vives. The couple later moved to Fort Worth where Mr. Pelton eventually served as president of the National Broomcorn Company (now known as PelRay Int ernational, LLC).

Also surviving are their children and spouses, Alice Posey (and husband Wayne), Julie Miers (and husband Gene) of Fort Worth, and Bart Pelton (and wife Patsy) of San Antonio, TX; daughter-in-law Deanna Harbin Pelton of Boise, ID; grandchildren; greatgrandchildren; two sisters; two brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Katie Pelton was preceded in death by a son, Bill; siblings, Hildred and Sampson; and infant granddaughter, Eden Dickey.

A family celebration of her life will be held in February. Mass will be offered in her memory at Holy Family Catholic Church at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 10.

Memorials may be made to Home Instead Senior Care as well as Vitas Hospice, both of Fort Worth.

PAGE 50

RAW MATERIAL Harrell Kerkhoff, Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine Editor

here are many different raw materials needed for the production of brushes, brooms and mops. These raw materials come from different sources — both foreign and domestic — with their own set of advantages and challenges. Representatives from two manufacturing companies and two suppliers recently discussed the current status of different raw materials used within the stick goods industry.

John Lewis, of Tucel Industries, Inc., in Forestdale, VT, said the overall availability of the main raw material needed for the production of his company’s various hygienic cleaning tools has not been an issue as of late. Tucel Industries produces such items as fused brush products used for the foodservice, infection control, sanitary maintenance and janitorial market segments.

“We use polypropylene (polypropylene homopolymer) 99.9 percent of the time. Both our brush fiber and blocks are made from this material,” Lewis said. “There is no glue or metal in these products. Everything we make is 100 percent recyclable and reusable. We have a complete line of brush products where bristles are fused into the block with no staples used.

Total value of the 56 short tons was $205,698, with an average cost per ton of $3,673 ($1.84 per pound).

For the first 11 months of 2012, government figures indicated that 647 short tons of broom corn were imported into the United States. All of these imports came from Mexico. Total value was $1,866,927, with a cost per ton average of $2,886 ($1.44 per pound).

Caddy said he expects the final U.S. broom corn import figure for 2012 to be near the 700 short ton mark once December’s total is announced. He noted this will be lower than the final figure of 2011, which was 739 short tons.

Although the last Torreon broom corn harvest of 2012 ended several months ago, Caddy added that he is still able to import the material from Mexico.

“The big question is, ‘Will there be an issue with availability of Mexican broom corn by this spring?’ I don’t have a particular issue right

“We do not have a problem with the supply of polypropylene. It’s very plentiful, made from oil which is still one of the most abundant raw materials under ground in the world.”

He added there is usually broom corn grown in the Apatzingan region of southern Mexico that is harvested in February and March. Some of this broom corn is usually available for import into the United States, although not normally in large quantities.

Regarding yucca fiber that can also be used in natural broom production, Caddy said the material is available with lead times at a few weeks. Pricing, however, is up.

“Yucca fiber pricing is following the price of broom corn, which is higher. Everything we seem to buy right now from a fiber standpoint is more expensive,” Caddy said.

Bart Pelton, of PelRay International, LLC, in San Antonio, TX, said the 647 short ton U.S. broom corn import mark for the first 11 months in 2012 was a little higher than he anticipated.

Meanwhile, November’s total of 56 imported short tons is close to monthly broom corn consumption in the United States, Pelton added. He also felt the total value of the month’s import was accurate, which factors out to $1.84 per pound.

“The pricing depends a lot on the mix between imported hurl and imported insides. There is a lot of fluctuation in the valuation (of

T

From an environmental standpoint, Lewis said polypropylene comes from a non-contaminating type of chemistry, which is why it’s also used in the production of pill bottles and solvent containers.

“With polypropylene, nothing can get into the container and nothing can get out of the container. Therefore, the material is often used for storage purposes,” he said. “At Tucel, we can use the material from many different countries as long as it’s polypropylene homopolymer.”

Richard Shapiro, of Culicover & Shapiro Inc., in North Bay Shore, NY, said his company uses such raw materials as wood and plastic blocks as well as tampico and horsehair fiber. The company’s product line features a wide variety of brushes, brooms and mops.

“The raw materials that we use seem to be in relatively stable supply right now. Years ago, tampico became a bit scarce, but we are now able to regularly receive this material,” Shapiro said. “Tampico comes from Mexico, while most of the plastic we use arrives from domestic sources. Our wooden brush blocks, meanwhile, come from North American suppliers as well as those from overseas.”

Shapiro added that the average raw material lead time right now is two to three weeks, a little longer than in the past. On the plus side, pricing for most of these materials has been fairly stable.

“We have been able to keep up with demand by filling orders in a timely fashion, while also building inventory. I would describe overall business as being ‘decent,’” Shapiro said. “It’s important to stay ahead of the curve by keeping track of product trends. This helps our company continue to grow.”

Reporting on recent broom corn and yucca fiber activity for the production of natural brooms was Richard Caddy, of R.E. Caddy & Co., Inc., in Greensboro, NC. A total of 56 short tons of broom corn was imported into the United States during November 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. All broom corn imports for the month arrived from Mexico.

now with getting broom corn, although pricing keeps going up,” Caddy said.

imported Mexican broom corn) right now, depending on how much hurl and how much insides are being imported,” Pelton said.

As of early February, he added, Mexican broom corn activity has been quiet due to low supplies and high prices. Pelton doesn’t expect a lot of broom corn harvested in the Apatzingan region of Mexico during February to make its way to the U.S. market. This broom corn is also typically heavy to insides, he added, which doesn’t alleviate a current shortage of Mexican hurl.

Looking ahead toward this spring’s planting of broom corn in the Torreon region of Mexico, Pelton noted that the ongoing drought in the area remains a serious issue.

“We are hoping that northern Mexico gets some very much needed rain.

Water is needed for irrigation,” Pelton said.

He also noted that yucca fiber prices have leveled off some from a large increase that took place a few months ago.