September/October 2011
SPECIAL FOCUS | MACHINERY 2011 BORGHI ZAHORANSKY BOUCHERIE BIZZOTTO GIOVANNI AUTOMATION
Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine SERVING THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1912
Machinery Manufacturers Continue Innovations Borghi Zahoransky Boucherie Bizzotto Giovanni Automation
Prices Causing Concern In Yarn/Mesh Market Jones Companies Lemieux Spinning Inc. Patrick Yarn Mills Jason Mills
Sales Of Handles & Blocks Remain Steady PelRay Int. Zelazoski Wood Pds. FIMM USA Whitley-Monahan Handle Co. Amerwood
Raw Material Price Fluctuation Remains A Challenge First Half Of 2011 Sees Import/Export Increases
World renown manufacturer of specialized and custom yarns. LEMIEUX SPINNING INC. has been in the textile industry since 1906. The company opted out for marketing high added value products. They rely on the latest technologies and the qualification of their personnel to offer top quality custom products and services worldwide.
Synthetic rayon and cotton blended yarn for wet or dust mop.
For more information: 1-418-484-2169 | www.lemieuxspinning.com
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BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
September/October 2011
Broom, Brush & Mop A RANKIN PUBLISHING PUBLICATION
September/October 2011
FEATURES Machinery Manufacturers Continue Innovations In Product Development_____________________6 Raw Material Prices Causing Concern For Yarn/Mesh Market _____________________22 But Suppliers Have Nervous Eye On Washington
Volume 101, Number 5
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
Sales Of Handles & Blocks Remain Steady ____30
INTERNATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION 7373 N. Lincoln Avenue, Lincolnwood, IL 60646-1799 • (847) 982-0800
First Half Of 2011 Sees Import/Export Increases _38
INTERNATIONAL HOUSEWARES ASSOCIATION 6400 Shafer Court, Suite 650, Rosemont, IL 60018 • (847) 292-4200
Raw Material Price Fluctuation Remains A Challenge For Suppliers __________________48
STAFF
2011 National Broom & Mop Meeting Scheduled For November 17-18 _____________50
DEPARTMENTS Import/Export Overview ____________________38 June Imports & Exports ____________________40 Raw Material Roundup ____________________48 Industry News ________________________47, 50
CO-PUBLISHERS Don Rankin
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rick Mullen
drankin@consolidated.net
rankinmag@consolidated.net
Linda Rankin
GRAPHIC/PRODUCTION Missy Larson RECEPTION Sandy Pierce
lrankin@consolidated.net
EDITOR Harrell Kerkhoff rankinmag@consolidated.net
Rankin Publishing, Inc. 204 E. Main St., P.O. Box 130 • Arcola, Illinois 61910-0130, USA Phone: (217) 268-4959 • Fax: (217) 268-4815 Website: www.rankinpublishing.com
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ABMA ...............................................................................50
Lemieux Spinning Mill Inc. ................................................3
Amerwood .........................................................................28
Line Manufacturing, Inc....................................................45
Bizzotto .............................................................................17
Manufacturers Resource....................................................51
Borghi............................................................................9, 52
Mill-Rose...........................................................................25
Boucherie USA..................................................................19
Monahan Filaments .............................................................8
Briarwood ..........................................................................35
MonahanPartners ...............................................................26
Caddy & Co., Inc., R.E. ....................................................44
Patrick Yarn Mills .............................................................27
Crystal Lake ......................................................................37
PelRay International ............................................................5
Culivover & Shapiro, Inc. .................................................28
PMM..................................................................................29
Deco Products Co..............................................................31
Royal Paint Roller .............................................................24
Distribuidora Perfect, S.A. ................................................23
St. Nick Brush Co. ............................................................44
DuPont.................................................................................2
Vonco Products, Inc...........................................................21
Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. Inc. .............................................33
WorldWide Integrated Resources ........................................7
InterBrush..........................................................................15
Young & Swartz ................................................................43
Jewel Wire ...........................................................................8
Zahoransky ........................................................................13
Jones Companies .................................................................1
SPECIAL FOCUS | MACHINERY
Machinery Manufacturers
Continue Innovations In Product Development
By Harrell Kerkhoff, Broom, Brush & Mop Editor
T
oday’s producers of mops, brooms and brushes require the latest in innovations and automation to remain competitive. To answer this call, machinery manufacturers spend considerable time and money improving their equipment and customer service. Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine recently talked with several representatives of equipment suppliers to learn what is new with each company as well as how they are helping their customers become more productive in today’s global economy.
F
ocusing on new product development, building relationships and keeping a close eye on customer service remain vital objectives for officials at Borghi s.p.a., an Italian manufacturer of machinery that can make all types of brooms, brushes and mops as well as component parts. “Today’s customers are very diligent about thoroughly studying what type of machinery will work best for their companies before making an investment. It’s important they meet all the required improvements in the manufacturing process,” Borghi USA President Carlos Petzold said. “This is not necessarily new, but the intensity of how thoroughly today’s machinery purchases are studied has gone up tremendously during the past few years. “Companies in the past had a set of core products that they had manufactured for Carlos Petzold decades. Today, they are looking to improve their product offering. We, at Borghi, have developed a long understanding of past core products from customers and also have the technology in place to meet their new needs.” One major development that is scheduled to be completed during the first part of 2012 is a new facility built adjacent to Borghi’s headquarters in Castelfranco Emilia, Italy. The facility will create a new headquarters for three of Borghi’s partners: Techno Plastic s.r.l., manufacturers of machinery for the production of brush and broom monofilaments and strapping bands; Unimac s.r.l., manufacturers of power brush manufacturing machinery, metal handle manufacturing machinery and automation equipment; and Bellucci s.r.l., builders of custom industrial electrical cabinets. The facility will cover almost 70,000 square feet and create better synergy between the four companies, while also making it more convenient
for visiting customers, according to Petzold. “These companies will also be able to share technological developments by teaming up their engineering departments with the goal of introducing new innovations,” Petzold said. “Having everyone in one spot will capture all the benefits of each individual company at a more rapid and efficient pace. Customers will be able to get new ideas from each of these companies while visiting one location.” Product innovation at Borghi remains critical as customers continue to look for the most efficient ways to make a wide variety of brushes, brooms, mops and related products. To help answer this need, a completely new brush manufacturing machine model was introduced by Borghi in 2011 named JUPITER. This machine has been designed to make almost any type of staple-set brush that Borghi has encountered during its long history. This includes producing brushes over standard sizes found in various industry segments such as sweepers, large diameter disks, and long lag brushes; and with any combination of flare angles. “These extra large brushes have always presented a challenge to create from a 5-axis machine — until now,” Petzold said. He added that JUPITER delivers a great degree of versatility, while also providing short change-over times. This allows manufacturers to produce different types of brushes in shorter runs, fitting in well with today’s brush making trends. Meanwhile, Borghi’s revamped STAR-R32 features an innovative guarding system. The high-speed, 5-axis, double-head drilling and filling machine also includes quick-change capabilities from brush to brush. “The STAR-R32 has a completely new design with its frame and how it’s built. There are now fewer parts involved, allowing for a cost savings,” Petzold said. “Borghi constantly looks for ways to keep costs down with its machinery, yet still provides cutting edge technology that will satisfy today’s versatility, productivity, reliability and safety demands.” Along with the new JUPITER and revamped STAR-R32, Borghi produces a wide variety of other equipment for the brush and related industries, according to Petzold. He added that keeping up with advancements in automation is critical when helping manufacturers compete in a global marketplace. “We at Borghi feel there must always be reinvestment in new technology taking place for a company to be successful. Many of our customers understand this well. They put funds aside every year to invest in updated equipment. Companies that don’t do this will eventually get left behind,” Petzold said. “All equipment breaks down over time, no matter
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PAGE 8
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
how well it’s maintained. You can become obsolete if you rest on your laurels and don’t invest in new machinery and technology.� He added the Borghi experienced a resurgence in business in 2010 after the economic slowdown that took place in many parts of the world during 2009. “And 2011 is shaping up to be an even better year in North America for Borghi. Although we still hear in the news a lot of information indicating the U.S. economy remains slow, the overall brush business seems to be healthy and strong — at least for the technology and services provided by Borghi and Borghi USA,� Petzold said. When it comes to customer service for North American customers, Borghi USA, located in Aberdeen, MD, is staffed with experienced personnel who can help process orders and provide technical assistance soon after a request is made. “The rate at which people are willing to wait for something has greatly diminished with the advent of cell phones and the Internet,� Petzold said. “Therefore, we are all about trying to provide instant reply when it comes to providing spare parts. From the moment we receive an order, it’s already processed in the computer and a pick list is ready to be used in the warehouse for quick delivery. “Regarding technical support, it depends on the level of intensity as to how quickly an issue can be resolved. We work hard with Borghi’s support staff in Italy, as well as Matt Tompkins, who is the technical support director at Borghi USA. They provide a key role in technical support for our customer base.� Petzold also helps with technical support as does Barbara Lewis, who is Borghi USA’s accounts manager. “We are all crossed-trained to provide the highest level of service possible at Borghi USA,� Petzold said. As for the future, Petzold said Borghi continues to work on a global basis to satisfy the various needs of the brush and related industries.
September/October 2011
“Borghi, and its partner companies, are working hard to come up with the next, best machinery that will make life easier for customers,� Petzold said. “Many challenges remain the same. This includes minimizing costs and helping customers increase, or at least maintain, profit margins so that they can continue to be successful. “At Borghi and Borghi USA, we understand that the success of our customers is what drives our own success.� He added the Borghi continues to reinvest in the company for future growth. Officials also look forward to showcasing products during the 2012 InterBrush exhibition, held May 9-11. The event is held every four years in Freiburg, Germany. “We strongly encourage people to visit InterBrush,� Petzold said. “After the show, they might also want to consider coming to Italy to visit Borghi’s headquarters as well as our partner companies.� Contact: Borghi USA, Inc., 903 Cirelli Ct., Aberdeen, MD 21001. Phone: 410-272-9797; Fax: 410-272-0799. Email: carlos@borghiusa.com. Website: www.borghi.com.
R
eporting that business has been strong this past year with good orders from all segments is The Zahoransky Group. The company has been a leading supplier of brush making machinery, injection molds and blister packaging machines since 1902. “While we’ve seen a nice recovery at all levels of our company, the recent world economic crisis has no doubt left its mark,� Zahoransky USA CEO Frank Kigyos said. “During the crisis, Zahoransky took the time to develop new technology, make operational improvements and streamline certain internal processes. “In the long run, I am confident the changes made will help
Continued On Page 39
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SPECIAL FOCUS | MACHINERY
BORGHI
Borghi Of Italy … More Than Just Broom & Brush Manufacturing Machinery!
I
n 2011, Borghi s.p.a., of Castelfranco Emilia (Modena) Italy, started out the year with its “MORE THAN THIS” campaign during the ABMA annual convention. The message was clear and Borghi promoted the fact that although it is well known as a leader in the field of staple-set, anchor-set and twisted-in-wire brush manufacturing machinery, the company has so much more to offer. Borghi’s new display at the ABMA Suppliers Display had a message in its colorful graphic panels, which BOLDLY stated: PASSION: You will fall in Love with the Production Technology and the Care and Service we provide. Then you will
understand the Passion we have for every single thing we do, because we do it with pride and joy; ECOLOGY: Each year, throughout the world, the technology we provide to customers consumes 1.7 billion recycled plastic bottles, saving them from going into landfills. Each year we produce 250,000 Kwh of energy from the sun which is 70 percent of our energy consumption. We are Eco-Friendly; and, INNOVATION: With Experience, Know-How, Capability coupled with New Blood, Intelligence, Forward-Thinking and the relentless pursuit of perfection, we are re-inventing and solving your production needs.
Borghi introduced the JUPITER in 2011, a completely new brush manufacturing machine model. The JUPITER is able to produce almost any flare angle for the tufts of fiber, into almost any shape of brush block.
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September/October 2011
TOGETHER FOR YOUR BUSINESS, We Offer Technology For: • Drilling and Filling for Brushes and Brooms; • Twisted-In-Wire Brushes; • Strip Brushes; • Mops; • Paint Brushes & Paint Rollers; • Flagging and Trimming; • Injection Molds; • Power Brushes; • Steel Wire Preparation; • Tube Mills; • Tube Plastic Coating; • Handle Assembling; • Extrusion of Synthetic Monofilament; and, • Extrusion of Strapping Bands.
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
PAGE 11
machine, was the catalyst for this new design. JUPITER is able to produce almost any flare angle for the tufts of fiber, into almost any shape of brush block, no matter if the brush block is 2 or 75 inches long. This is the goal that was reached with the introduction of JUPITER. No machine is limitless in what it can produce, but JUPITER has come closer to this challenge than any other staple-set brush machine, according to Borghi. Also introduced in 2011, the revamped Borghi brush machine model STAR-R32 with its innovative guarding system that is ergonomically designed to make it easy and convenient to run and work on, not to mention how appealing it is in appearance. The Italian flair for aesthetics is prevalent in the modern design. Furthermore, what is inside the machine is what really
Borghi, Unimac, Techno Plastic Then, to further emphasize the fact that Borghi, Unimac and Techno Plastic are all together, Borghi has announced the groundbreaking for a new building. Borghi will bring in house its three sister companies as a group, which will be housed in their new 6,000 m2 facility (approx. 66,000 square feet) to be built adjacent to Borghi’s existing 20,000 m2 headquarters (approx. 220,000 square feet) in Castelfranco Emilia, Modena, Italy. Unimac is a specialist in the production of power brush manufacturing equipment and metal handle manufacturing lines, while Techno Plastic is a specialist in production lines for monofilament (synThe STAR-R32 from Borghi is fully self-diagnostic and highly thetic brush fibers) and strapping bands as well as efficient with a very short index time. concrete reinforcement fibers. The third company that is part of the expansion, Bellucci, is a longtime supplier counts. The STAR-R32 is a high-speed, highly versatile, cutand partner to Borghi that builds custom electronic control cab- ting-edge, 5-axes of motion, double-head drilling and filling inets for use with industrial equipment. machine with quick-change capability from brush to brush. It is According to the company, even with so much going on at fully self-diagnostic and highly efficient with a very short Borghi, innovation cannot stand still. A completely new brush index time. manufacturing machine model Many other exciting develwas introduced in 2011, opments are in the works this named JUPITER. The concept year at Borghi, so be sure to of being able to make almost take an interest in the myriad of any staple-set brush that choices that Borghi and its partBorghi has encountered in its ners have to offer. Borghi… 60-plus years, all on one MORE THAN THIS!
Contact Borghi At: Borghi s.p.a.: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 12, Loc. Cavazzona, Castelfranco Emilia (Modena) 41013 ITALY Phone: +39-059-953-3911 Fax: +39-059-953-3999 E-mail: info@borghi.it Web site: www.borghi.com Contact: Paolo Roversi – Sales Mgr.
For Machinery Sales in the USA & Canada, Contact: Bodam International Ltd.: 903 Cirelli Court, Aberdeen, MD 21001, USA Phone: +1-410-272-9797 Fax: +1-410-272-0799 E-mail: bodam@bodam.com Web site: www.bodam.com
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For Spare Parts and Service for Borghi equipment for the USA & Canada, Contact: Borghi USA, Inc.; 903 Cirelli Court, Aberdeen, MD 21001, USA Phone: +1-410-272-9797 Fax: +1-410-272-0799 E-mail: info@borghiusa.com
SPECIAL FOCUS | MACHINERY
ZAHORANSKY
D
uring the course of its storied 109-year history, the ZAHORANSKY-GROUP of Germany has been a leading global supplier of brush making machinery and injection molds. With the latest innovations, ZAHORANSKY continues to demonstrate why it is the industry’s leading supplier of machinery and molds, according to the company. The following is a sampling of ZAHORANSKY’s latest developments for the industrial and household brush making industries.
Model Z.TIGER – Highest Staple-Set Productivity Z.TIGER, the most advanced dual head carousel machine on the market, according to ZAHORANSKY, guarantees highest productivity through the unmatched combination of increased tufting speed and extremely short stand-still times. These improvements, while beneficial for all brush production, are most noticeable in the production of smallware products with lower hole-counts The Z.TIGER is an advanced dual whereby fully autohead carousel machine. matic production results in lower unit costs. With the Tiger, all aspects of the brush production can be automated, including block and filament loading feeding as well as the tufting and finishing operations. In this case, the only manual labor required is an operator to pack finished brushes. For those in the market for a more flexible lower priced machine, then the 3-station Tiger with drill and fill operations only, is the appropriate configuration. With quick change carriages and tooling, combined with the powerful Brush Designer software, companies can produce a wide variety of brushes and brooms with extremely short change-over times. Depending on the requirements of a core business, the Tiger can be equipped with either 70 or 100mm stroke filling tools. The 70-stroke system can run 9.5inches long filament up to 600-plus rpm, while the 100-stroke system can run 12-inch long filament up to 500-plus rpm. Other advantages provided by the Tiger include its new energy efficient direct drive design which also makes for extremely quiet operation, and the new servo drill system, which monitors and prevents drill breakage by monitoring required drill forces. Model Z.LYNX3 Automatic Loop Handle Twisted Wire Brush Production ZAHORANSKY’s latest addition to its machine lineup for the production of industrial twisted wire brushes is the brand new Z.LYNX3. This fully automatic CNC-controlled machine for the production of either "looped handle" or "closed end" twisted-in-
wire brushes effectively reduces labor costs and achieves consistently high production quality of most twisted brush types, according to ZAHORANSKY. This guarantees a consistent high quality and cuts costs per piece compared with manual operated or semiautomatic machines. LYNX3 benefits: • Consistent high quality production of either "looped handle" or "closed end" twisted wire brushes; • Complete servo drive system providing maximum process repeatability and control over twisting as well as core wire feeding, straightening, forming and cutting; • CNC controlled precision trimming device with HSS cutter for automatic finishing; • Efficient and simple change over procedures enhanced by programmed servo settings for all critical processing movements including brush twisting and core wire feed/form/cut; • Processing of all material types including synthetic, wire and natural filament from either multi-strand spool system or pre-cut material stock box; • User-friendly touch screen HMI including operating, data acquisition, formula administration, brush programming and maintenance screens; and, • High output with fully automatic production without an operator. LNYX3 specifications and features: • Soft stem wires from 1,0 to 3,0 mm; • Capable of twisting both nylon and wire filament; • Trimmed brush diameters from 6,0 to 110 mm (nylon) / 12,0 to 110 mm (wire); • Trimming length 20 to 800 mm; • Loop diameter from 6,0 to 40 mm (noncircular shapes also possible); • Machine housing in accordance with EG safety standards; and, • The user-friendly touch screen control system for machine The Z.LYNX3 is designed for automatic operation and brush industrial twisted wire brush production. programming. Model Z.LYNX2 Automatic Closed-End Twisted Wire Brush Production Another ZAHORANSKY workhorse for the industrial twisted wire brush market is the proven Model Z.LYNX2 (formerly model GA10). This fully automatic system includes as many as 6 servomotors and is capable of producing continuous end brushes from most wire and synthetic filaments as well as with some yarns.
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BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
The LYNX2 can twist soft wire up to 3mm in diameter and overall brush lengths of approximately 150mm. Optionally, the LYNX2 can be set up to twist dual corewire (i.e. single/double) and can be equipped with a servo controlled finishing system, which includes cut-off, trimming and grinding operations. With the servo finishing system, trim diameters can be set as part of the CNC brush program, profiled and abrasive brushes can be produced, and brushes The Z.LYNX2 includes as can be cut off to precise lengths. many as 6 servo-motors. The machine is built on a heavyduty frame fabricated from welded tube steel, guarded completely around and has an estimated output of 8 to 12 brushes/min when using guide shells and 4 to 6 brushes per minute when trimmed. MODEL Z.WASP Economical Abrasive Tufting ZAHORANSKY says its proven abrasive stapling system has been a huge success for industrial brush manufacturers in the United States and around the world. The interchangeable picking and tufting system is now available on the entire WASP family of The Z.WASP includes an interchangeable machines. picking and tufting system. The WASP was designed for producing industrial staple-set brushes and brooms including various configurations such as cylinders, domes, discs, strips, plates and more. ZAHORANSKY’s abrasive tufting system, developed in 2005 and since improved in 2009, has also been a huge success. ZAHORANSKY first introduced the system to local companies in Germany, but recent years several machines have been successfully placed in the United States and Canada. Most grades of abrasive filaments can be run on the ZAHORANSKY system, which includes low-cost easy to change wear parts that are convenient to obtain or can even be produced “in house.” Since this system is interchangeable it can also be easily changed over to our standard high-speed picking and tufting system for natural and synthetic materials in as little as 15 minutes. SPECIAL NOTE: The Z.WASP with abrasive set-up and rotary disc carriage (option to add cylinder carriage), as seen at the ZUSA Open House, is available for immediate installation. Contact Frank or Kevin Kigyos for demonstration. Model Z.SAILFIN Automatic Twisting Of Medical & Dental Brushes Z.SAILFIN is ZAHORANSKY’S latest machine model for the production of interdental, mascara and medical twisted wire brushes.
September/October 2011
Incorporating the proven technology of the most recent DM models with its intelligent components, the Z.SAILFIN is a concept for the future with highest outputs of up to 60 brushes per minute. New servo motors replace the time consuming adjustment work to enable fast change-over as well as the highest productivity. Important parameters including wire feed, straightening, and spreading, along with twisting time and brush diameter are all entered comfortably on the machine’s touch screen interface. All programmed parameters can then be stored as a brush formula for subsequent production requirements. With the KO 32 vision inspection system in place, downstream processing is possible through integration of handle assembly machines M6D/M6M as well as the profile trimming machine MCT. ZAHORANSKY says the Z.SAILFIN constitutes an exceptional production concept which is able to meet the highest quality and performance requirements from customers, both now and in the future. SAILFIN features & specifications: • Interdental, medical and mascara brushes ranging from 16 to 40 mm length; • Wire diameter between 0.18 mm and approx. 0.75 mm; • Optional brush length 16-80 mm with wire diameters of 0.30.75 mm; • Filament length from 8 to 32 mm; • Brush diameter from 1.8 to 10 mm; • Reconfiguring to a container for shorter filaments is optionally available; • Brush twisting system with 2 counter-running servo motors; • Integrated trimming unit; • 5.7-inch color monitor (touch screen); and, • Performance of up to 60 brushes per minute. SAILFIN advantages: • Optional integration with The Z.SAILFIN produces assembly machines; interdental and other • Real output up to 60 brushtypes of brushes. es per minute; • 50 percent faster conversion time for complete sample change when compared to competition; • Change-over time for the filament spools approximately 1/3 faster when compared to the competition; • Best trimming results due to twisting and trimming taking place in same clamping; • Clean cut-off for brush stem during rotation for no burrs or wire forking at the end of the brush; • Absolutely even filament distribution by means of vibratory feeding; • Approximately 80 percent less wear and tear in comparison with the competition; • Narrowest bending radii with thin wires (according with international test criteria); • Less space required (approx 4 sq.m.); and, • 1 Operator for 2 machines.
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SPECIAL FOCUS | MACHINERY
BIZZOTTO GIOVANNI AUTOMATION
T
he story of Bizzotto began in 1957, when the founder, Giovanni Bizzotto, turned his garage into a small artisan shop dedicated to the construction of small manual wooden brush making machines for local clients. Thanks to his passion for mechanical equipment, innovative machines and revolutionary technical solutions permitted improved quality and an increase in productionofthearticlesforwhichthemachinerywas designed to produce. Today, due to constant technological research and development, and putting to good use the precious experience achieved after many years of hard work, Bizzotto has evolved to become one of the most original realities in the mechanical, industrial sector. After half a century of dedication, passion and care for the manufacturing industry, Bizzotto continues to provide revolutionary and profitable technical solutions to customers all over the world. Understanding Customers’ Specific Needs And Providing State-Of-The-Art Solutions — This is Bizzotto’s philosophy, a family-owned company that has widened its horizons by presenting itself as a supplier of totally customized machinery for different industrial sectors. It has focused on quality with a complete partnership with the customer, which expresses itself in the capacity to understand the needs of customers and provide them with “made-to-measure” solutions.
Experience In The Sector, Complete Advice And State-Of-The-Art Solutions. Is This What You Are Looking For? Precise teamwork is what the Bizzotto Company puts into the field to support customers in every step of the production process and to implement truly customized solutions. This support includes: The Solution Area — A complete staff, with specific competencies that range from design to engineering, supports the customer in the evaluation of possible product ergonomic and technical improvements for which machinery and specific automation is to be created. This consultation can be very useful since it is based on the rich experience learned by the company. The Engineering Area — Once the final specifications of the item to be produced or to be assembled are identified, the team of designers
and electronic experts apply the most suitable technical solutions and automations for the machinery. A sophisticated computer net allows a strict cooperation between the different departments. This guarantees a constant updat-
ing in any phase of the project and the application of the most innovative and reliable technologies. Manufacturing — Each component of the machine is produced with great care, both within the in-house specialized departments and with the cooperation of reliable partners. After careful and accurate controls, the final assembly of the parts and the testing take place. All of this is carried out in total observance
of safety standards that are in force, with particular care taken to simplicity of use and of maintenance. Finally, a team of highly qualified technicians attend to the installation and startup of the machinery and any automation that is needed. This is done all over the world. Assistance: The availability of a technical staff for maintenance and service of machinery and automation in every part of the world is immediate.
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This is done in particular via modem directly on the electronic system or via the Internet, on IPnode, and tele-service supports (also with video conference) that allow the immediate location of the problem and any possible upgrade of the machine that can be carried out. Spare Parts Service: A spare parts warehouse is provided with a computerized system for the recording and the control of the availability of any spare part. This assures prompt retrieval and timely shipping to the customer. Bizzotto Is Specialized In Three Main Sectors Handle Machinery Sector: Sanders, chucking machinery (i.e. doming, tapering, tenoning, threading, end boring, cross boring, etc.); painting machinery (lacquering); labeling systems; and packing machinery for the production of wooden handles. Complete machinery lines for the production of metal handles, starting from the flat steel or aluminum band coil, including painting lines, machines forassemblingthevariousplasticinserts(hangertips, thread inserts, mop inserts, tapered inserts, etc.), boring, deforming and cutting, as well as labeling systems and machines for packaging with the use of different systems, even robotized. Woodworking Machinery Sector: Profiling and shaping machines; boring and tapping machines; and sanders for the production of broom and brush blocks, paintbrush handles and similar items. Industrial Automation Sector: Customized machinery for the preparation, positioning and assembly of particular products and accessories for the cleaning industry (mops, floor scrubbers, detergent dispensers, velvet lint brushes for clothes cleaning, adhesive lint brushes for clothes cleaning, toothbrushes/accessories, etc.,) automotive industry and the kitchen appliance industry. BIZZOTTO GIOVANNI AUTOMATION srl Via Buonarroti, 67 35010 Paviola di S. Giorgio in Bosco (Padova) – Italy +39 049 9451067 Fax: +39 049 9451068 Email: info@bizzottoautomation.com Website: www.bizzottoautomation.com
SPECIAL FOCUS | MACHINERY
BOUCHERIE
Tufting Machines For Brooms, Household, Industrial And Personal Care Brushes And Toothbrushes
B
oucherie’s Anchor Free Technology is available for the production of household and industrial brushes without the use of anchors or staples. The filament and block can be made of different materials. According to Boucherie, with two filling heads running continuously at 650 RPM (1,300 tufts per minute), brushes with 138 tufts are produced
stroke, is able to run at speeds up to 1,000 tufts per minute even with filaments as long as 420 mm (16 inches) unfolded. The TCU-T/CNC machine, with long stroke filling tools that are lined with a ceramic material, also comes with a sturdy carousel with heavy-duty support in the drilling and filling stations. The machine is designed for arduous applications with drill sizes to 12 mm, and with the use of heavy vegetable fibers. With the single-header SCU-CNC, Boucherie enters the market to produce machinery for making industrial brushes. The SCU will handle disk brushes as well as plate brushes, and can be converted to a household brush machine in a matter of minutes. The SCU-S/CNC is an economically priced, yet extremely sturdy and versatile single header, for the production of all kinds of brooms and brushes up to 62 cm (24-inches) long in 1 operation and 1 meter (39-inches) long in 2 operations. Toothbrush Production Lines And Work Centers Boucherie has developed a variety of toothbrush manufacturing equipment. Production machines range from the very affordable TB3-A/CNC, through the TB3-TS and TB3-FS, which are economically priced, full production lines for less demanding applications, to the highly automated and sophisticated TB3-FM and TB3-FM/L. All of these single header machines now run at continuous speeds up to 1,000 tufts per minute. For the highest production, Boucherie offers the double headed TB3-
The TCU-CNC is a high speed machine with ergonomic-friendly features.
at the rate of 600 pieces per hour. The indoor broom that was demonstrated at the last InterBrush show in Freiburg, Germany, requires a mere 50 percent of the weight in polypropylene of a regular brush block. Additionally, there are savings in filament waste since no trimming is needed and, of course, there is no wire. In this world of high energy costs and petroleum based materials, such savings cannot be considered to be trivial. These combined attributes have the potential to revolutionize the brush manufacturing industry. Boucherie’s TCU/CNC machines are capable of handling brushes from nailbrushes to 24–inch brooms, all at speeds up to 600 RPM or 1,200 tufts per minute. Boucherie’s modular concept, which permits a machine to be reconfigured for vastly different brushes, has now been well demonstrated. Moreover, these machines are available from being manually loaded all the way to fully The TB3-FM/L high speed machine comes with compact orientation automated production cells, equipped with fully autoof cascade handle feeder with multi-station finishing machine. matic handle feeders and industrial robots. The TCU-CNC range of machines has been further extended by the A2/CNC, TB32-FM4/CNC and TB42-FM/CNC numerically controlled introduction of the TCU-SL/CNC and the TCU-T/CNC. The TCU- machines, which will produce up to 50 finished brushes per minute. SLC/NC machine, with its unique fiber picking system and 95 mm Continued On Page 20 Advertorial
SCU-CNC QUICK AND EASY, VERSATILITY AT ITS BEST Boucherie has pushed the envelope once again when it comes to flexible machinery : the SCU-CNC can be converted from scrubbing brushes to toilet brushes, or from 24” brooms to tank cleaning brushes in a matter of minutes. It speaks for itself that, just like any other Boucherie machine, the output of the SCU-CNC is extremely high and the reliability is unsurpassed. > available as a manually loaded machine or with any customized automation level > single, double or triple fibre box > variety of quick-change brush holder turrets available > turret change with click-on system > anchor- or staple filling tools > user friendly computer interface with touch-screen > 3D software “WinBrush” for easy CNC program creation or modification > compact footprint with excellent accessibility
USA INC.
boucherie USA Inc. 8748 Gleason Road Knoxville,TN 37923 Phone 865 247 6091 Fax 865 247 6117 E-Mail john@boucherie.com Web www.boucherie.com
boucherie Latin America Kra. 104 No. 11-25 Apto 102 Puerto de Hierro Cali, Colombia Phone 57-2-333-6873 E-Mail andres@boucherie.com
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Boucherie continued from page 18 Anchorless Toothbrush Production Lines And Work Centers In the field of machinery for the oral care industry, with the introduction of the AFT/CNC machine, Boucherie clearly established a leadership position in anchorless technology. The AFT/CNC is the first machine for tufting toothbrushes without using anchors, according to the company. Block tufts, strip tufts and various combinations of tuft angles widen the range of design options for the toothbrush heads. The AFT/CNC features automatic handle feeding, Windows-based CNC controls, with pre-endrounding of bristles. No trimming is required. AFT technology may now be used to manufacture toothbrushes with tapered filaments. Available, too, is a less automated version of this machine: the AFT/SD line, in which the handle and bristle in-feed are accomplished manually. The AFT-IMT was the world’s first commercially available in-mold technology for the production of toothbrushes, according to Boucherie. Pre-endrounding filaments are picked and arranged in their final configuration prior to being transferred into a mold, where the brush head and handle are over-molded to produce the finished product.
IDM Machine The IDM is a compact carousel machine for the high-speed production of inter-dental and mascara brushes. With the new two-step twisting, it is now possible to produce up to 60 high quality brushes per minute, even while using the smallest wire sizes, since the brush remains in the same clamp throughout the whole production process. The IDM is available in versions with spool feed of the nylon, or with fiber boxes for pre-cut filaments. An integrated vision system for the automatic inspection of finished brushes is also available.
Injection Molds Boucherie produces single component molds; multi-component molds with manual or automatic transfer; and multi-component, high cavitation, valve gated, hot runner stack molds. Boucherie molds are used to produce a wide range of consumer, medical and engineering products.
Packaging Machines Form, fill and seal blister packaging machines are available in heat seal and high frequency seal versions for toothbrush and personal care brushes. They may be operated as stand-alone machines or integrated into one or two tufting machines. For the packaging of items like interdental brushes and toothbrushes in double-sided blister packs, the BM-A/DS was recently introduced.
Brief History Boucherie USA Inc., has been selling Boucherie brush machines, sophisticated multi-component injection molds and packaging equipment in North, Central and South America for over 30 years.
The AFT/HH
The AFT/CNC
Boucherie’s Anchor Free Technology now allows for the production of different types of brushes without the use of anchors or staples.
Boucherie Contact Information Boucherie USA Inc. John Williams - President 8748 Gleason Road Knoxville, TN 37923 Phone: (865)247-6091 Fax: (865)247-6117 E-mail: sales@boucherie.com Web Site: www.boucherie.com GB Boucherie Stuivenbergstraat 106 8870 Izegem, Belgium Phone: ++32 51 31 21 41 Fax: ++32 51 30 54 46 E-mail: info@boucherie.be Boucherie Latin America Andres Becker Kra. 104 No. 11-25 Apto 102 Puert de Hierro Cali, Colombia Phone: +(57-2)333-6873 Fax: +(57-2)333-6873 E-mail: Andres@boucherie.com Company Contact: John Williams Phone: (865)247-6091 Fax: (865)247-6117 E-mail: sales@boucherie.com
To better serve you • 8-colorPrinting Available
Raw Materials Prices Causing Concern
For Yarn/Mesh Makers By Rick Mullen, Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor
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s the U.S. economy strains to bounce back from the recent recession, executives from four manufacturers of yarn and/or knit mesh — representing one Canadian and three U.S. companies — discussed how their businesses have fared during the past year. When interviewed recently by Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine, all four executives expressed concerns about raw material prices. The American companies, in particular, are also keeping a wary eye on what is happening in Washington, D.C., concerning economic issues.
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ince 1936, Jones Companies, Ltd. (JCL), of Humboldt, TN, has focused on supplying the floor cleaning industry, with a primary focus on the mop segment, with yarns made with recycled postindustrial and post-consumer fiber. JCL also manufactures yarns and products for other industries as well, including antimicrobial, rayon blend, cotton blend and cellulose/synthetic blend yarns. JCL manufactures proprietary blend yarns to meet a customer’s application needs, from wet mops to high twist dust mops. “It has been a challenging year for many people,” said JCL Vice President of Sales Andrew Dailey. “We have had to deal with extremely volatile increases in raw material costs, particularly related to the cotton market. This has presented some challenges for us and the industry as a whole.” Dailey said the cause of spiking cotton prices is explained by a very basic “Economics 101” law — high demand, coupled with a limited supply, means higher costs. “Last year, the total pounds of cotton Andrew Dailey generated worldwide was low,” Dailey said. “This was primarily due to weather catastrophes and flooding that occurred in India and China, and somewhat in Pakistan. The government of India stepped forward to protect the country’s supply of cotton and placed restraints on the amount that could be exported. Therefore, the global supply somewhat shifted and that, on top of the fact that the yield for the harvest was lower, took valuable bales of cotton out of the marketplace.” High cotton prices were further exacerbated when speculators got into the act. “The situation with speculators somewhat mirrored what happened with the oil industry after Hurricane Katrina when oil prices were artificially inflated because of speculators,” Dailey said. Dailey explained the speculators are typically investors who are not the people who normally deal in the cotton market. Rather, they are just in the market to make a profit, but otherwise have no stake in the industry. “For example, it would be like if I bought a barrel of oil. I couldn’t do
anything with it except to try and resell it for a profit,” Dailey said. “Likewise, speculators moved into the cotton fiber marketplace and that helped to drive up the prices of cotton at a very rapid rate. “The good news is there is some indication that the extremes, at least, will be disappearing, even though I don’t think we will see a complete return to 2009 raw material cost levels. “The overall economy is such that there have been some good periods of the year that have been steady. Other periods, especially during typical slow times around the summer holidays and vacations, have been slower than we would have liked.” One of JCL’s foundational principles is its commitment to innovation. Through research and development efforts, JCL has added technology that allows spinning of a broader range of raw materials. In recent years, JCL has also expanded its lines of alternative substrates for use in conventional cut-end and looped-end wet mops. Among the products in this category is the company’s nWET (nonwoven edge trim) fabric yarn. According JCL, nWET is an alternative material that meets or exceeds the performance requirements of conventional economy spun yarns. The material is a blend of rayon and polyester, with a soft texture similar to the nonwoven fabric found in baby wipes. “Rising fiber costs have created an opportunity for people to look more seriously at alternatives,” Dailey said. “Our nWET line is certainly one of those opportunities that has stepped up and we are seeing it grow. “nWET fabric yarn may be limited to some specific applications in the marketplace, such as foodservice or any type of disposal situation where the mop is used a limited number of times and then thrown away. “Mop manufacturers have responded well to nWET. The product performs extremely well. It has a tremendous amount of absorption and does have some durability. The down side is, an nWET mop doesn’t look like a conventional mop.” Dailey compared nWET with other popular floor cleaning tools that have come into the marketplace in recent years that do not look like conventional mops, but have been well accepted by consumers. Last year, representing what the company calls a “rejuvenated commitment to the cleaning industry,” JCL launched a line of carpet bonnets, disposable dust mops, microfiber towels, microfiber tube wet mops and microfiber mitts. This group of products, called the NEXT GENERATION line, is part of the company’s strategy for the future, which includes a multi-faceted approach targeting innovative, value-added and performance tested products. “NEXT GENERATION products are doing very well, and this line continues to grow,” Dailey said. “One objective with these products is to offer items to manufacturers that they may or may not have. If they do have these types of products in their lines, they generally are imported and come with fairly high stocking inventory levels. “I think mop manufacturers expect Jones Companies to be innovative
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and bring new items to the marketplace, whether it is new fibers or new protections such as antimicrobial fibers. Mop companies have an expectation that they can source these types of yarns from Jones. As a result, we must be, not only reactionary, but also proactive in our exploration of what is the next best thing.” JCL’s AM™ anti-microbial yarns are based on the natural antibacterial properties of silver, according to the company. AM yarns are spun with fibers infused with silver nanoparticles. Silver ions are non-leaching, environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-allergenic and are safe for human contact. AM yarns are ideal for wet and dry mopping applications in foodservice, health care and commercial facilities with limited laundering capabilities. AM yarns resist the growth of destructive microbes that cause mop odor, yarn discoloration, yarn staining and fiber breakdown. “We recognize that the consumer marketplace changes,” Dailey said. “There are ideas and products that we want to continue to explore, and we would like to be in a position to supply new and innovative products to the mop industry.” Along with offering environmentally friendly products such as the AM line, JCL also operates its own landfill. “One benefit of our landfill operation was we were able to be involved in an erosion project,” Dailey said. “We utilized what we were carrying to the landfill to shore up some areas where erosion was occurring. We restored land where there are currently crops growing and cattle grazing. “We didn’t get involved in the erosion prevention project because we thought it was going to bring us additional customers. It was just something that we did as good stewards of what we have.” When it comes to customer service, cultivating relationships has been the foundation of this effort with both customers and suppliers. JCL’s mission, according to company literature, is “to be people oriented, service minded, quality driven and profit motivated. But, at no time should these aspirations sacrifice the dignity of the individual: be it associate, cus-
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tomer, supplier or owner.” Part of the company’s customer service effort is to assist customers with timely inventory management. JCL has also ramped up its e-commerce capabilities. Looking down the road, Dailey said he is “optimistic” about the future. Dailey also said he sees indications that more offshore manufacturing may return to the United States. “One of the things on our minds constantly is the ability of the U.S. manufacturer of mops to compete on a global scale,” Dailey said. “We feel very strongly that in the next couple of years we will see products being produced in the United States for U.S. market consumption that will maintain a competitive advantage. “We have also been reading and hearing more about the situation in China, where they are going to continue to have a challenge feeding their own population. We are seeing the potential of having the same acreage that would have been involved in growing commodity fibers possibly being shifted to grow vegetables. This could provide some revitalization of U.S. cotton farming, which would be beneficial to the mop industry.” Contact: Jones Companies, Ltd., P.O. Box 367, 312 S. 14th Ave., Humboldt, TN 38343. Phone: 800-238-8334; Fax: 800-235-9276. Website: www.jonesyarn.com; Email: inforequest@jonesyarn.com.
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emieux Spinning, Inc., of St. Ephrem, QC, is a leading North American manufacturer of yarns for cleaning supplies for institutional or commercial use, such as wet and dust mops. “The company also offers yarns for top-of-the-line tufted, braided and woven carpets, which are used in aircraft and other luxurious projects,” said Lemieux Spinning President Serge Lemieux. “Our array of products also includes top quality yarns used in the filtration industry, and high performance yarns used as protective knits. “Lemieux Spinning has been in the textile industry since 1906. The
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company opted out for marketing high added value products. We rely on the latest technologies and the qualification of our personnel to offer top quality custom products and services worldwide.” The company was founded by J.A. Lemieux, who was dedicated to offering first-rate service and high quality products. J.A. Lemieux’s son, Clément Lemieux, took over the reins of the company in 1945. Serge Lemieux took over from his father, Jean-Paul Lemieux, who had been president from 1986 to 2007. Serge Lemieux’s brother, Marc, is the company’s general manager. The company’s mission statement reads: “Lemieux Spinning is committed to offer its customers products of higher value than those of competitors. This commitment is achieved because of careful manufacturing, high quality products and a personalized customer service. Thanks to continuous innovation and constant cooperation with the client, (Lemieux Spinning) can create unique custom products to fit the clienSerge Lemieux tele’s specific needs.” Sales at Lemieux Spinning were up during the past year, but there were challenges dealing with the high cost of raw materials. “Raw material costs have increased on a monthly basis for about a year, and this has created a shortage of good fibers for mop yarns,” Lemieux said. “These escalated costs forced us to adjust our prices. Unfortunately, we were unable to adjust at the level of raw material costs — the market wouldn’t bear it.” Lemieux Spinning’s main product categories include: n Industrial and technical yarns — Applications include industry, filtration and high performance; n Specialized yarns — Applications include knitting and weaving;
September/October 2011
n Wool yarns and blends — Applications include manufactured tufted carpets, braided rugs or woven carpets. Also in this category is the company’s Eco-Natural Collection, which presents a range of quality yarns produced in natural wool. According to Lemieux Spinning, by using wool from a selection of British breeds and other wool types and blends, these yarns offer superior eco advantages to the carpet manufacturer. The wool is shorn annually and is fully sustainable and biodegradable without harm to the environment; and n Synthetic and cotton Yarns — Applications include cleaning products. “We are planning to launch a new product, which will differ from the original mop yarn,” Lemieux said. “Currently, we are sending samples to our customers. We will be able to talk more about the new product in the near future.” When it comes to customer service, Lemieux Spinning’s philosophy is the company is a “business partner” with customers. Incoming calls are fielded by a live person and any corrective action needed to solve a problem is done in a timely manner. Personalized service is paramount as each customer has an express phone line into the company. “What is really helping us to remain competitive is our ability to offer complete service right to the customer’s dock,” Lemieux said. “We are including in our price a worldwide door-to-door delivery, plus all customs logistics.” Traditionally, Lemieux Spinning has kept abreast with the latest in automation and technology, allowing it to lower production costs and enhance efficiency. This makes it available for the company to keep prices as competitive as possible. “Automation and new technologies have always been our top priority as a means to produce yarns at the lowest cost possible, without compromising our excellent quality,” Lemieux said. “The challenge moving
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
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forward is to provide our customers with added value products. This is our mission for the upcoming years. We believe innovation is the future for our company. Our Research & Development Department is working very hard to create new and refreshing products.” In looking ahead, Lemieux expressed optimism concerning the mop manufacturing segment. “We are pleased to see that mop manufacturers continue to be strong in their markets, even with aggressive competition coming from offshore,” he said. “We feel one of the primary reasons for the success of these companies is their commitment to high standards in offering quality products.” Contact: Lemieux Spinning, Inc., 125, Route 108 C.P 2039, St., Ephrem, QC, Canada G0M 1R0. Phone: 418-484-2169; Fax: 418-484-5561. E-mail: info@lemieuxspinning.com. Web site: www.lemieuxspinning.com.
September/October 2011
The Patrick family’s tradition of rising to challenges and commitment to community and success are deeply ingrained in the Kings Mountain area. Their ancestors fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain, which is considered a decisive battle in the Revolutionary War. Continual innovation and investment in technology has proven a successful combination in these ever-changing economic times. “Business for 2011 has been good, yet challenging,” Patrick said. “With the unprecedented rapid spike in raw materials earlier in the year, our team was challenged to absorb, re-engineer or pass on raw material increases in a fashion that kept our customers competitive, while keeping us at sustainable margins.” Patrick explained that raw material issues, particularly pricing, have been a fact of life in the industry up and down the supply chain. “Unfortunately, with the increasing demand for raw materials in emerging markets like China and India, not to mention the manipulations of Wall Street, I think this new volatility in raw material pricing will probably become the new normal in this economy,” he said. Patrick Yarns product offerings in the mops/janitorial category include: n MicroPOWER® wet mop: Through their research in the field, atrick Yarn Mills, of Kings Mountain, NC, was founded in 1964 Patrick Yarns discovered using microfibers by H.L. Patrick to manufacture synthetic mop yarns for the janin wet mops made of typical yarn construcitorial market. Today, the company has expanded its capabilities to tion delivered disappointing results. This become a global supplier of yarns for filtration, protective wear, gaskets, type of mop exposed delicate micro denier geo-textiles, composites and other technical textile applications in a wide fibers to abrasive floor surfaces creating range of industries. snagging, fraying, breaking and splitting “Patrick Yarns was built on customer partnerships and product innovathe fibers. This approach greatly reduces tion, coupled with investment in the latest manufacturing and processing performance and increases labor costs. technology, all focused on providing our customers with innovative and With MicroPOWER®’s patent pending profitable solutions,” said Patrick Yarns President Gilbert Patrick. technology, the micro denier fibers are “This has been the bedrock of our company’s success and we plan to conGilbert Patrick spun within the center of the yarn, thus tinue on this path. That said, we don’t cater to every industry or to whoever calls with an order. We choose our partners and help them find solu- protecting them from the abrasiveness of floor surfaces, and providing a powerful wicking ability. Liquids distribute evenly and quickly throughtions for their growth.” out the yarn structure, resulting in superior performance and durability; n MicroPOWER® dust mop yarns: According to the company, most dust mop yarns have been constructed of standard fiber blends with conventional deniers or diameters. Patrick Yarns’ MicroPOWER® technology blends the wedge-shaped micro denier fibers within the yarn mass. This multitude of small wedge-shaped nylon fibers gives the yarns more fiber surface area, which produces increased cleaning performance; and n FiberTAC® mop yarns: According to Patrick Yarns, rough, non-slip tile floors used in today’s fast food restaurants and consumer oriented businesses are a big challenge to the professional cleaning industry. The naturally abrasive surface of these floors quickly shreds and destroys conventional mops. FiberTAC® patented technology uses a blend of fibers engineered for enhanced cleaning performance and then tacks them together to minimize linting, shedding and unraveling of the yarns. Patrick Yarns’ capabilities now go way beyond mop and cleaning yarn products. “We recently completed a major installation of modern spinning equipment for proprietary yarns focused on protective and environmentally friendly fashion wear,” Patrick said. “Our family of X13 and X14 performance yarns for cut protection is doing very well. Also doing very well are our eco-friendly Earthspun® yarns, which are made from recycled PET (RPET) plastics found in soda pat@monahanpartners.com and beer bottles, X-rays, and food trays, combined with recycled cotton or other eco-friendly fibers.” 200 N. Oak, Arcola, IL 61910 Sustainability and the environment are key components 217-268-5754 of the company’s manufacturing mission. “We just commissioned the largest privately held solar
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Same Great People Place Products Prices Performance Plus working together to make THE PIE BIGGER
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power installation within the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. As a corporation we have always worked diligently to be environmentally friendly. Today, all our yarns are exceptionally friendly, and, as we like to say, they are ‘Spun by the Sun™.’” According to a news release from Patrick Yarns, the new solar installation generates 140,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) per year of clean photovoltaic power — equivalent to the power generated by 11,310 gallons of gasoline or 234 barrels of oil, and enough to power 14 average-sized homes. Patrick Yarns also has highly efficient lighting and motors in place. The company says it produces no greenhouse gases in its processes, and is working toward a zero landfill goal. Indeed, the company has a history of introducing innovative products and practices into the marketplace and remains committed to this strategy as it moves forward. “As a company, we continue to stress innovation, partnership, state-ofthe-art-manufacturing processes and a manufacturing team with a ‘can do’ attitude,” Patrick said. “This company vision and message should continue to separate us from other yarn providers that want to sell from a printed sales sheet of available yarns. Our clients need us to provide solutions, and that is what our team delivers. “It goes without saying, many manufacturing companies must become more savvy in processing and distribution. However, just doing what you have been doing and thinking you can do it faster or more automated and stay competitive is writing a death warrant for your company in this market. In today’s global business environment, you have to add innovation to the equation if you are to have a successful long-term business plan. “We are a significant supplier in a multitude of global markets and we continually invest in R&D and capital equipment to stay ahead. Interestingly enough, what we learn in one market, such as protective wear or performance apparel, can extrapolate to other areas such as
Brand Handles and Dowels Honduran and Domestic Pine Hardwoods P.O. Box 330065 Fort Worth, Texas 76133 USA
800-442-6353 (800-4-HANDLE) Phone: 817-361-8180 Fax: 817-361-8658 E-mail: amerwood@sbcglobal.net
September/October 2011
janitorial, fiber optic, geo-textile yarns and much more. With the rapid advancement of new fibers and technologies, the future advancements we foresee are exciting. “Our company faces the same challenges as many other manufacturers in the United States in that we see no clear path, direction or policies pertaining to energy, health care, taxes or other employment costs coming from Washington, D.C.,” Patrick said. “As manufacturing in this country suffers, so does our economy, our communities and our nation as a whole. “Until Congress addresses unfair trade issues, our economy will struggle, employment will struggle, and our deficits will continue to balloon. We need Congress to supply U.S. industry with a level playing field, so we can create jobs and wealth here in America, and not ship more jobs overseas than we are creating here. “There are two ways people can help determine the direction our country takes — with the ballot on Election Day, and how they spend their dollars. It’s not much more to buy American, which supports companies and creates jobs here. “Challenges notwithstanding, I still foresee a good future for both the mop yarn and mop companies that have invested wisely and practice good business sense. As unemployment continues to be an issue, I think we will continue to experience a resurgence of demand for U.S. made products.” Contact: Patrick Yarn Mills, P.O. Box 1847, 501 York Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. Phone: 704-739-4119; Fax: 704-739-9276. Website: www.patrickyarns.com.
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riginally founded as an apparel company in the mid 1970s, Jason Mills, LLC, of Milltown, NJ, has evolved into a leading producer of knit mesh for the mop industry, serving a wide range of manufacturers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. “We are a manufacturer/convertor of knit industrial textile products,”
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said Jason Mills President Michael Lavroff. “We service many different niche markets including the wet mop industry. Our niche within the industry is supplying customers who require a heavier abrasive fabric.” The company also focuses on industrial and custom fabric applications and is an industry leader in dye processing, finishing, slitting and dye cutting on both stock and custom fabric. Jason Mills also manufactures and distributes various types of sports netting, bird netting and agricultural shade cloth. Lavroff, who has more than 25 years experience in the textile industry, purchased the company in 2007. “Sales have remained steady as compared to about this time in 2010,” Lavroff said. “However, wet mop/squeegee sales are off as compared to the same time frame of last year. “Certainly the U.S. growth rate is extremely disturbing, as is the global economy. The proposed KORUS FTA (The Republic of Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement) will only make textile manufacturing more challenging.” As its name implies, the KORUS FTA is an agreement between the United States and the Republic of Korea. The treaty was first signed June 30, 2007, with a renegotiated version signed in early December 2010. The agreement has yet to be ratified by the National Assembly of South Korea or the United States Congress. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, “Under the KORUS FTA, nearly 95 percent of bilateral trade in consumer and industrial products would become duty free within three years of the date the FTA enters into force, and most remaining tariffs would be eliminated within 10 years. “For agricultural products, the FTA would immediately eliminate or phase out tariffs and quotas on a broad range of products, with almost two-thirds (by value) of Korea’s agriculture imports from the United States becoming duty free upon entry into force.” For the mop segment, Jason Mills primarily offers the 5-inch harness or saddle that goes on the base of a mop. The company sells 5-, 1 1/4- and 1 3/4-inch mesh fabric. The company’s fabric is consistently about 3.5 ounces per square yard. The mesh is the abrasive part of the mop. It is run to a crisp finish and it serves to encircle the sponge and create an abrasive fabric. According to the company, Jason Mills continually strives to be innovative and forward-looking in its manufacturing processes. “One goal for 2011-2012 is the elimination of formaldehyde in the finishing process,” Lavroff said. “The challenge will be to maintain the stiffness of the material that our customers and the market have come to expect. To date, there has not been a cost effective replacement to the melamine. In addition, a product line of fabric made from recycled polyester is something that has been in development. “Also, as a convertor, our greatest asset is our production software. Having a firm understanding of our cost structure — from yarn procurement through fabric slitting — allows us to price accordingly.” As Jason Mills moves forward, there are challenges to be overcome. One of the more immediate challenges is the spiking costs of raw materials. “Raw material costs, yarn in particular, have gone up exponentially,” Lavroff said. “Supply has not been a huge problem, but costs have become a major headache, with some yarn deniers increasing 40 to 50 percent in a very short period. In addition to raw material costs, imports and macro manufacturing growth are the greatest challenges. “Unfortunately, mop supply is trending slightly downward for this year. We hope it doesn’t go the commodity route like the laundry bag. Our success will continue to come from product diversification, value added specialty finishing, such as antimicrobial and fire resistance, and the development of technical fabrics and textiles.” In the effort to remain competitive during the recent recessionary economy, many companies ratcheted up their customer service efforts. As customer service at Jason Mills has historically been a top priority, the company also intensified its efforts in this area, and continues to do so. “Currently, we are doubling down on our sales efforts, attending more tradeshows, seeking more rep involvement and establishing a greater online presence,” Lavroff said. Contact: Jason Mills, LLC, 440 S. Main St., Milltown, NJ 08850. Phone: 732-651-7200; Fax: 732-651-7222. E-mail: mike@jasonmills.com. Web site: www.jasonmills.com.
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But Suppliers Have Nervous Eye On Washington
Sales Of Handles & Blocks Remain Steady By Rick Mullen, Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor
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hen Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine spoke recently with executives representing five U.S. companies that supply blocks and handles to the broom, brush and mop industry, two primary themes emerged. One was that sales of blocks and handles are steady or steadily improving, but are still down from pre-recession times. A second underlying theme had to do with recent events in Washington, D.C., concerning economic issues, which have caused some anxiety and uncertainty in the business world.
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erving manufacturers of brooms, brushes and mops worldwide, PelRay International, LLC, of San Antonio, TX, sources supplies from 5 continents and from more than 20 countries. PelRay’s inventory includes wood handles, made with hardwood and pine, and metal handles that are powder painted and plastic coated. In addition, the company offers mop and brush hardware and mop yarns. “Our business has been steadily improving,” said PelRay CFO Bart Pelton. “Business has been recovering here the past couple of years and it seems, most months, it is getting a little bit better. It is certainly better than last year at this time.” Pelton said perhaps some of the doom and gloom over the economy that is sometimes portrayed in the national media is a Bart Pelton little misleading. “You can spend too much time watching the news on TV. Sometimes you just have to go with what your customers are telling you and how you are doing,” Pelton said. “I think the economy is doing a little better than advertised. It is not back to where we were in 2007 and early 2008, but business seems to be improving steadily. You just have to continue to manage your business better and work harder. Working harder and smarter is key in competing in a soft economy.” Doing business on a global scale has its own set of unique challenges including dealing with fluctuating currency rates, environmental concerns, supply chain issues and pricing, as well as various governments. PelRay’s managers and sales staff have more than 100 years combined experience in the industry and are experts in doing business with foreign markets. Perhaps the most popular source for hardwood handles coming into the United States is Brazil. Brazilian tauri hardwood is prized by many U.S.
handle makers and importers. PelRay primarily imports hardwood handles from Brazil. Therefore, the company keeps a close watch on the currency rates of the U.S. dollar against the Brazilian real. “The Brazilian real had been on an upward trend most of the year until a few weeks ago,” Pelton said on Sept. 20. “From June of last year to July of this year, the real went up about 22 percent, which has been reflected in handle prices. The real peaked July 26 at 65 cents, and since has fallen to 56 cents. “This 15 percent drop is the result of the Brazilian Central Bank taking steps to stop the appreciation of the real. However, the decline brings it back to where it was a year ago. I have not seen this decline result in any lower prices, at least not yet. It is certainly going to keep any increases
“Prices … in Brazil have gone up. Now we can sell U.S. made hardwood and pine handles for about the same price or less than Brazilian hardwood and pine. We have developed some domestic supplies of handles that we are now using.” — PelRay CFO Bart Pelton from happening for awhile, and we could even see prices back down somewhat.” Another factor affecting the price of Brazilian hardwood handles is, ironically, that country’s fairly strong economy. This has resulted in an increase in construction in that country, which, in turn, has increased the demand for lumber. “As a result of the local economy doing well, prices of logs and lumber in Brazil have gone up, not just in American dollars, but also in Brazilian currency,” Pelton said. “Now we can sell U.S. made hardwood and pine handles for about the same price or less than Brazilian hardwood and pine. We have developed some domestic supplies of handles that we are now using. As a result, we are importing slightly fewer handles from Brazil. Pine handles out of Honduras are still cheaper than Southern yellow pine handles, but they are also not as good in quality.” Another source for hardwoods that PelRay has explored in the past is the Indonesian market. As with Brazil, there are currency rate issues to manage. “Although prices from Indonesia have been attractive, we haven’t imported any hardwoods from Indonesia recently, because the quality has
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not met our standards,” Pelton said. “Also, there have been some concerns about complying with the Lacey Act with the Indonesian hardwoods.” The Lacey Act combats trafficking in “illegal” wildlife, fish, and plants. The 2008 Farm Bill (the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008), effective May 22, 2008, amended the Lacey Act by expanding its protection to a broader range of plants and plant products. The Lacey Act now, among other things, makes it unlawful, effective Dec. 15, 2008, to import certain plants and plant products without an import declaration, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). PelRay also deals in FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) handles. FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. It is a certification system that provides internationally recognized standardsetting, trademark assurance and accreditation services to companies, organizations, and communities interested in responsible forestry, according to www.fsc.org. FSC is represented in more than 50 countries. “Currently, we have both FSC pine and Eucalyptus available. It is not in great supply, but there is some available,” Pelton said. “We import our FSC handles from Brazil. The biggest challenge is the pricing is not competitive with the domestic wood at this time. However, there are still some people who are buying FSC handles. The mill that we work with has been FSC certified and one of our sister trading companies has received FSC certification.” PelRay also imports metal handles from Italy, which brings the U.S. dollar rate versus the euro into play. “The euro, in spite of all the problems in Greece, has held its value surprisingly well,” Pelton said. “It has been volatile, but it hasn’t been persistently weak. It has traded down as low as $1.29, and it has also been almost as high as $1.50. “Since the end of August, the euro has been weakening. It has been down to $1.46 to $1.37. These prices are competitive, but not overwhelmingly competitive. You can save a little money importing from Europe, but it is not a huge savings. There are other places to import metal handles from, but Italy is by far the largest resource. “Steel prices jumped up earlier in the year, but at the moment they seem to be stable. None of the mills are complaining about the cost of steel, which means it is not going up. “It would be nice if the people who are running the economy in Washington, D.C., and on Wall Street realized a stable dollar is probably better than a weak dollar or a strong dollar. If there were a little more stability, I think the economy would be better.” PelRay’s customer service philosophy is “have what the customer wants, when he or she wants it.” This commitment to customers has served the company well over the years and continues to be a hallmark for the business. In dealing with imports from overseas, much planning is required as turnaround times on imports can be weeks or even months. However, the uptick in companies seeking to do business back in the United States and other factors have made PelRay’s task of getting supplies to customers when they need them a little easier. “It is still the name of the game here to keep customers happy and to win more business by having the right products and the right price at the right time,” Pelton said. “Transit and lead times are shortened considerably when doing business domestically. I am happy to say we are filling orders faster and more accurately and with better quality than we were at this time last year.” To further enhance the company’s customer service efforts, Pelton announced the company has hired Raul Gonzalez as the company’s freight and logistics manager. “I feel positive about the future,” Pelton said. “There is an ongoing market for cleaning products and it is not going away. From what I am seeing, domestic manufacturers are getting more competitive in the global marketplace than in recent years. I think our manufacturing sector is
September/October 2011
going to be OK. “When products are ‘made in the USA,’ it is so much easier to stay supplied and to supply customers with what they want, when they want it. I see a comeback for domestic suppliers.” Contact: PelRay International, LLC, 610 Lanark Drive, Suite 202, San Antonio, TX 78218. Phone: 210-757-4640; Fax: 210-650-8103. Website: www.pelray.com.
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elazoski Wood Products, Inc., of Antigo, WI, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of broom and brush blocks. ZWP also makes other wood items such as cutlery racks, furniture parts, special wooden parts, baseball bats, game calls, fishing lure bodies and the occasional farm related item. Business at ZWP during the past several months has been sort of a good news/bad news story, according to ZWP Secretary Ben Zelazoski. The good news is the brush block business has been steady. The bad Ben Zelazoski news is, while business has been steady, it has also been down somewhat — what Zelazoski called “not a good steady.” However, the company’s ability and flexibility in handling smaller, specialized projects has been beneficial in staying competitive during the slow economy. “People are still pretty cautious,” Zelazoski said. “We are looking at ways to trim prices. We haven’t hired anybody for a while, but we haven’t laid anyone off either. We are kind of holding our own. It is a long way from where we were 15 years ago. We are only running with about half the people, but most of the overhead is still there. It is kind of hard to make a profit this way. “What concerns me the most is what is happening in Washington, D.C. We are all fighting budget crunches. In Wisconsin, the federal government has cut back funding to the states and the states have cut back to the counties and cities. This can mean reducing the fire department, the police department and other support people in a community. I think we could all function much better if Washington would just make up its mind and give us a game plan.
“I’m hoping U.S. manufacturers will take a look at the actual cost of the products that they are importing. If they do, we will be better off and if our government ever decides to buy U.S. products instead of going offshore, that will help too.” — ZWP Secretary Ben Zelazoski “I’m hoping U.S. manufacturers will take a look at the actual cost of the products that they are importing. If they do, we will be better off and if our government ever decides to buy U.S. products instead of going offshore, that will help too.” As the economy turned for the worse when the recent recession took hold, ZWP took an aggressive approach to increasing its overall sales and branched out into machining plastics; imprinting, such as hot stamping and branding; and finishes, such as tinted lacquer and stains. “We found that we can accomplish much of the plastic machining with the same cutters and machines that we use to machine wood,” Zelazoski said. “We are doing more with specialty items. Up here, there is a lot of ice fishing and so we made a board for ice fishing tip-ups. It is the first time we have made this product and it is doing OK.” Antigo is located in northern Wisconsin about 70 miles northwest of Green Bay in close proximity to regional forests and the area’s lumber
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industry. As the economy went south, mills in the area closed and fewer people were engaged in logging. The result was ZWP had to look for other sources of wood, especially beech, primarily in Kentucky and Tennessee, which increased costs. However, the situation has changed for the better and there is, at least for now, an ample amount of wood being cut in the north. “The mills that are still around are producing pretty well. The supply, for the time being, is doing OK,” Zelazoski said. “I am hoping that the shortage of northern hardwood bottomed out in the past year or so, but I don’t know for sure. I just heard that one of the large paper mills in the area has filed for bankruptcy.” Several years ago, those involved in the wood industry in central and northern Wisconsin, including ZWP, began a project to build the Wood Technology Center of Excellence in Antigo. The purpose of the center is to train and acclimate people to wood processing and to help provide skilled workers in related fields. The $3 million project, a joint effort with the wood industry, Langlade County and Northcentral Technical College of Wausau, WI, received a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Economic Development Administration. Ground was broken for the facility in the summer of 2010. According to local news reports, the project is expected to eventually create 430 jobs and generate $14 million in private investment for the community. Today, construction is complete and the center is conducting classes. “It is going great,” Zelazoski said. “Historically, during the summer, the National Hardwood Lumber Association has run three classes a year for lumber graders out of its headquarters in Memphis, TN. A couple of years ago, they started running one class in the summer in different parts of the country. We were able to host their class here this year and we had 16 students. We are also starting our first wood technologies class. We have full enrollment and, in fact, there is a waiting list of students who want to take the class. “We hired a great instructor for the class. He is young, but he has a lot of experience. I think students will learn a lot from him. I’ve learned a lot from him already. The center is going to be a real asset, both to the wood industry and to our local area. It will attract people to the area. Some people will look for jobs in the area. While they are here they will eat and sleep and participate in other activities, which will help the local economy.” Another positive sidebar to ZWP’s story the past couple of years involves Major League Baseball. While ZWP has traditionally made wooden baseball bats, the company began working in conjunction with a company called RockBats, founded by Roland Hernandez, a wood scientist and baseball enthusiast. As result, ZWP began making major league quality baseball bats. Last season, some Milwaukee Brewers players began using bats made by ZWP. When the story broke in the local news media in the spring of 2010, it stirred up some excitement and boosted community pride. This season, with the Brewers perched at the top of the National League’s Central Division as of late September, some of the Brewers have been using RockBats from time to time, and one player has been swinging a RockBat exclusively. “There are also some of the Colorado Rockies players using RockBats this season,” Zelazoski said. Research has found that a baseball hit by a “broken in” metal composite bat comes off the bat at much higher velocities than if it were hit by a wooden bat. New rules concerning the construction of metal bats are calling for metal bats to behave more like their wooden counterparts, primarily for safety reasons. “This is the last year that metal bats can have more ‘pop’ than wood bats,” Zelazoski said. “We are seeing more people showing an interest in wood bats, which will hopefully help sales. RockBats is a small part of our business, but one that has sparked a lot of interest.” As the economy slogs along for now, Zelazoski remains optimistic about the future
September/October 2011
“We will be here in some shape or form,” he said. “There are not many U.S. wood producers left. Orders are smaller and they are more involved. I think there will always be a market for these value-added type orders. “When people don’t have much money to spend, they make that brush, or broom last just a little bit longer. “Things could be better, but I have seen them a lot worse. We will ride it out. We are Americans — we will make it.” Contact: Zelazoski Wood Products, Inc., 835 Ninth Ave., P.O. Box 506, Antigo, WI 54409. Phone: 800-240-0974; Fax: 715-627-2347. Web site: www.zwpi.com. E-mail: mail@zwpi.com.
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manufacturer of metal handles for brooms, mops, push brooms and other applications, FIMM USA, of Arcola, IL, came into being following the purchase of Handles USA last year by FIMM ITALIA S.p.A. Handles USA was a division of The Thomas Monahan Company, of Arcola. FIMM USA is housed in the same facility in Arcola that was the home of Handles USA. FIMM USA also manufactures metal tubing for yard implements, such as rakes and shovels, and for other products, including curtain, shower curtain and drapery rods. The company offers several diameters of metal tubes with various finishes as well as telescoping handles. “After a year and a half of ownership, Jim Monahan FIMM officials have fully integrated their philosophies,” said FIMM USA Sales Consultant Jim Monahan, who was the former vice president of Handles USA. In addition to Monahan, FIMM USA officials include President Enrico Spinelli and Executive Manager Fabio Meli. Along with its locations in Italy and the United States, FIMM ITALIA also has metal handle operations in Mexico (FIMM MEXICO) and China (FIMM CHINA). FIMM ITALIA is part of the Spinelli Group, a machinery manufacturer. “We are working on improvements in the molding operation of specific caps and threads,” Monahan said. “The company had implemented some new technology to improve efficiency in the molding of caps and threads, while offering customers new designs. Becoming more efficient and providing customers with excellent customer service is an ongoing goal.”
“It used to be steel mills were very reluctant to shut down blast furnaces because they wanted the production. But now, it seems like the big companies are much more knowledgeable on inventory levels and they don’t seem to mind shutting down a blast furnace to stop over production. In this way, the steel companies try to control the market a little more than they were able to in the past.” — FIMM USA Sales Consultant Jim Monahan The retention of much of the former Handles USA staff has resulted in a smooth transition to the new ownership, and has also helped in the area of customer service. “FIMM USA continually strives for plant efficiency, which involves making long runs and quick changeovers,” Monahan said. “The company works with suppliers and customers to plan ahead to allow customers to
September/October 2011 make blanket orders or long-term commitments. This, in turn, makes it available for FIMM USA to reap the benefits of the long runs and efficient production. This can translate into lower pricing for the customer. “FIMM USA has heavily invested in upgrading equipment and improving production capability in both the metal tubing and finishes, and also for the molding operation for parts. “The company is working hard to gain new business and to take costs out of the system by being more efficient in providing on-time service to customers, along with top quality products.” As a domestic supplier, FIMM USA is able to facilitate just-in-time deliveries of handles to customers who are trying to keep their inventories as low as possible as a cost-cutting measure. Also, as a domestic company, FIMM USA is able to spare customers some of the hassles of importing from overseas, among which are fluctuating currency exchange rates. “Obtaining handles domestically takes a lot of the risks out of the ordering process,” Monahan said. A company may have a need to change the specifications of an order, such as the color of the handles, etc., after the initial order is placed. As orders for overseas containers are many times made months in advance, this kind of last-minute adjustment to an order is not possible, Monahan explained. “A company can be much more flexible if it is working with a domestic supplier,” he said. In the current economic climate, raw material prices have been a challenge the past several months. “Prices in the oil, steel and plastic resin markets jumped considerably. However, at the moment, it looks like steel and plastic prices have stabilized,” Monahan said. “Plastic resins, which are involved with the finishes of end fitments, and the cost of steel are the company’s two main raw materials. “It has been a difficult year as far as pricing is concerned, and there have been some increases. FIMM USA is hoping it can hold the line on prices so no more increases will be forthcoming.” FIMM USA uses a specialty steel called “full hard light gauge steel,” which is very strong for the thickness required for the company’s handles. In past years, full hard light gage steel has been somewhat difficult to find in inventory. “Full hard light gage steel is still a little difficult to find. Domestic production in the steel industry has seen a lot of peaks and valleys,” Monahan said. “It seems like the steel market is now controlled by a few of the giant steel mills. In the past, we have had many more options of where we could buy steel, as there were many regional manufacturers in the market. “It used to be steel mills were very reluctant to shut down blast furnaces because they wanted the production. But now, it seems like the big companies are much more knowledgeable on inventory levels and they don’t seem to mind shutting down
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP a blast furnace to stop over production. In this way, the steel companies try to control the market a little more than they were able to in the past. In the old days, they just produced. If they couldn’t sell the steel, they just cut the price until it did sell.” While Monahan expressed concerns about the state of the economy and the political climate in Washington, D.C., he is optimistic about the future of FIMM USA. “FIMM USA is doing very well,” Monahan said. “Company officials are optimistic the company will remain very competitive in the metal handle market with the modernization of the plant and the emphasis on production technologies and efficiencies. “Moving forward, we think the economy could play into FIMM USA’s hands because of the fluctuations in the currency exchanges and the everpresent concerns about ocean freight and lead times from overseas. Company officials have invested in the plant to reinforce their optimism.” Contact: FIMM USA, 202 N. Oak St., Arcola, IL 61910. Phone: 217-268-5753. Web site: www.fimmusa.com.
T
he Whitley-Monahan Handle Co., of Midland, NC, offers hardwood and softwood handles for the broom, brush and mop industry in partnership with The Thomas Monahan Company, of Arcola, IL. Whitley-Monahan imports most of its raw material from Brazil, which is the leading source of tauri hardwood for handle manufacturing in the United States. “The wood handle business has been steady, but not quite as strong as it has in previous years,” said Whitley-Monahan Sales Manager Jim Monahan. “There have been price increases as a result of ocean freight charges. In addition, exchange rates with Brazil have been a major factor as the dollar has changed considerably against the Brazilian real. This has caused some fluctuations in raw material prices, which have been passed onto customers in the United States. There are other sources of wood for handles in the world, but Brazil is by far the dominant supplier to the United States.” With the rainy season approaching in South America, there is always a concern that the weather may impact the availability of tauri coming out of Brazil. “The rainy season is beginning in the next few months in Brazil, but it looks like there is an ample supply of tauri available this year,” Monahan said. “There is a lot of wood stocked under cover, so I don’t think there will be much of an issue with shortages. I don’t think we will ever see wood shortages out of Brazil. There are plenty of logs in the pipeline and Brazilian mills are working; however, they certainly could be busier.” While Brazilian tauri remains the most popular raw material for the manufacture of wood handles, Monahan said there has been
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an increased interest for “made in the USA” products in the past year. “People in marketing departments are looking for an edge against their competitors and it looks like ‘made in the USA’ is starting to gain a little more momentum,” Monahan said. “Whitley-Monahan offers domestic poplar, which is a hardwood, and also domestic Southern yellow pine, a softwood. Poplar is typically a little higher priced than the tauri and pine softwood is a little cheaper. These domestic woods offer alternatives to end-users looking for ‘made in the USA’ handles.” As sustainability and other environmental issues have become marquee issues in recent times, Monahan reported that there has been an emphasis placed on these factors in Brazil. In recent years, at the behest of environmentalists and the Brazilian government, there is an increased awareness concerning the responsible cutting of trees in that country. Whitley-Monahan has also done its part in making sure its suppliers are legally logging and replanting the forests. “Our major suppliers in Brazil are fully complying with government regulations concerning the cutting of timber and are following the reforestation process,” Monahan said. While Brazil is a primary source for hardwoods, Honduras supplies much of the pine, a softwood also used in making handles. Amerwood, of Fort Worth, TX, deals in the Honduran pine market. Amerwood Division Manager Wayne Pringle reported that handle imports from Wayne Pringle Honduras are slightly down from this time last year. Weather can play a major role in the Honduran market this time of year, as it is the hurricane season and the start of the rainy season in Central America. “There are places getting rain every day now, and that affects the drying capability of squares that are used in the production of handles,” Pringle said. “August and the first half of September weren’t too bad as far as shipping, but I think we are going to see it slow down, and we hope and pray we don’t have a hurricane. “The demand for wood handles slowed somewhat during the summer months, but as things get a little tight during the rainy season, we can expect it to pick back up toward the end of the year. Raw material prices have been fairly steady except for some increases in ocean and inland freight costs.” Whitley-Monahan is able to offer many options to customers including the processing of Brazilian tauri and domestic hardwoods and softwoods at the Midland plant. “As a domestic supplier, we can accomplish quick turnaround times and supply small quantity orders,” Monahan said. “We have the capacity to gear up for surges and promotion business that comes unplanned or not in time to order the raw materials. “We have had several customers visit our facility and they were impressed with our machinery. We are taking steps to constantly upgrade and modernize our equipment and to become more efficient in the production of wood handles. “If a customer needs a specialized handle or specialized packaging or labeling, we can meet the need. We will also work with customers to set up a program to either maintain inventory for them or develop a release schedule to ship as they request.” While there are always challenges in good times and bad in the business world, one obvious challenge is the current economy and how economic issues are being played out in Washington, D.C. “There is a lot of uncertainty right now. There is a lot of focus on Washington and what is going to happen there,” Monahan said. “It would be nice if the politicians in Washington would check the politics at the door and all work together to get something done. “I am hoping that in the next few months, with the committee that is reviewing cost reductions and programs to reduce the national debt,
September/October 2011
that people gain a little more confidence that Washington does function. “I am also hoping the government makes a better atmosphere for tax incentives for the small business people, which probably includes much of the brush and mop industry. I think Washington has to give us some incentives so small business people will feel more confident and start investing in the future. “It seems like a lot of people are in kind of a defensive mode right now and are just kind of holding on. Their attitude is, we are going to hunker down and see what is going to happen over the next few months. “One of these days, people are going to have to get aggressive and make some investments and try to grow their businesses. We are hoping that government will give us a game plan that will encourage people to invest. I think it would mean better business for everybody involved in our industry, from the suppliers to the manufacturers to the end-users.” While the economy certainly has a way to go and, in the meantime, poses some serious challenges ahead, Monahan and Pringle remain opti-
“Amerwood doesn’t employ a lot of people in the United States, but it impacts a lot of people, including Hondurans who are working in the wood processing factories there. We impact customs people, the shipping business, trucking — it just goes all down the line. You would be surprised how much a small business can influence other businesses.” — Amerwood Division Manager Wayne Pringle mistic about the future. “We feel, given the times in which we live, people need a good quality supplier,” Monahan said. “They need a supplier they know they can trust for quick turnarounds and long-term planning to work on programs that will reduce prices.” Monahan is also encouraged by evidence that consumers are showing more interest in “made in the USA” products. “Several customers have told me that inflation and pricing in China are on the increase and there are concerns that China may not be the future low-cost producer,” Monahan said. “Furthermore, there are indications that some people who are deciding whether to ‘make or buy’ are coming back to the United States to manufacture products here rather than buying overseas. “Hopefully, there is wave of momentum building that will encourage people to look hard at ‘made in USA.’ Whitley-Monahan stands ready, as a domestic supplier of handles. “We are in an economic battle and we are confident that America will unite as it has in the past and establish some programs that will help the small businessman and promote job growth, which will mean more business for everybody.” Pringle added, “I feel pretty good about the future. We need a spurt in the economy. Right now, it is on cruise control, but I don’t see it getting much worse. “Amerwood doesn’t employ a lot of people in the United States, but it impacts a lot of people, including Hondurans who are working in the wood processing factories there. We impact customs people, the shipping business, trucking — it just goes all down the line. You would be surprised how much a small business can influence other businesses.” Contact: The Thomas Monahan Company, 202 N. Oak, P.O. Box 250, Arcola, IL 61910. Phone: 217-268-4955; Toll Free: 800-637-7739; Fax: 217-268-3113. Web site: www.thomasmonahan.com.
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September/October 2011
First Half Of 2011 Sees Import/Export Increases By Rick Mullen Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor U.S. government trade figures for the first half of 2011 indicate raw material imports were up in both categories outlined in this issue, compared to the first half of 2010. For June 2011, raw material imports were also up in both categories outlined, compared to June 2010. Import totals for the first half of 2011 were up in two of the three finished goods categories outlined from the same time period in 2010. In June 2011, two of the three categories outlined recorded decreases, compared to June 2010. RAW MATERIAL IMPORTS Broom And Mop Handles The import total of broom and mop handles during June 2011 was 2.4 million, up 9 percent from 2.2 million for June 2010. During the first half of 2011, 11.7 million broom and mop handles were imported, up 22 percent from 9.6 million for the first half of 2010. During the first half of 2011, the United States received 5 million broom and mop handles from Brazil. The average price per handle for June 2011 was 74 cents, up 4 percent from the average price for June 2010 of 71 cents. The average price for the first half of 2011 was 79 cents, up 11 percent from 71 cents for the first half of 2010. Metal Handles The import total of metal handles during June 2011 was 3.6 million, up 20 percent from 3 million for June 2010. During the first half of 2011, 17.9 million metal handles were imported, up slightly from 17.8 million for the first half of 2010. During the first half of 2011, Italy shipped 7.7 million metal handles to the United States. The average price per handle for June 2011 was 66 cents, up 32 percent from 50 cents for June 2010. The average price for the first half of 2011 was 69 cents, up 41 percent from 49 cents for the first half of 2010. 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 June 2011 totaled 40,680, compared to 2,448 brooms imported during June 2010. During the first half of 2011, 94,560 brooms of broom corn were imported, up 90 percent from 49,968 brooms imported during the first half of 2010. All the brooms were imported from Mexico. The average price per broom in June 2011 was 76 cents, down 10 percent from 84 cents for June 2010. The average price per broom for the first half of 2011 was 80 cents, down 5 percent from the average price for the first half of 2010 of 84 cents.
Brooms Of Broom Corn Valued At More Than 96 Cents The United States imported 725,689 brooms of broom corn valued at more than 96 cents per broom during June 2011, down 15 percent from 853,922 for June 2010. During the first half of 2011, 4.3 million brooms of broom corn were imported, down 10 percent from 4.8 million imported during the first half of 2010. Mexico shipped 4.2 million brooms to the United States during the first half of 2011, while Honduras sent the remainder. The average price per broom for June 2011 was $2.31, down 2 percent from the average price for June 2010 of $2.35. The average price per broom for the first half of 2011 was $2.42, down 2 cents from the average price for the first half of 2010. Toothbrushes The United States imported 73.8 million toothbrushes in June 2011, down 5 percent from 77.3 million imported in June 2010. During the first half of 2011, 445.3 million toothbrushes were imported, an increase of 2 percent from 435.5 million imported during the first half of 2010. China sent 302.2 million toothbrushes to the United States during the first half of 2011. The average price per toothbrush for June 2011 was 23 cents, up 2 cents from the average price for June 2010. The average price for the first half of 2011 was 22 cents, up 1 cent from the average price for the first half of 2010. EXPORTS Export totals for the first half of 2011 were up in one of the two categories outlined, compared to the first half of 2010. In June 2011, one of the two categories outlined aslo reported increases in exports, compared to June 2010. Toothbrushes During June 2011, the United States exported 7.6 million toothbrushes, down 10 percent from the total recorded in June 2010 of 8.4 million. During the first half of 2011, 48.9 million toothbrushes were exported, down 6 percent from 52 million exported during the first half of 2010. The United States exported 19 million toothbrushes to Canada during the first half of 2011. The average price per toothbrush for June 2011 was 58 cents, down 3 percent from the average price for June 2010 of 60 cents. The average price per toothbrush for the first half of 2011 was 59 cents, down 18 percent from 72 cents for the first half of 2010. Paintbrushes The export total of paintbrushes during June 2011 was 200,188, up 4 percent from 192,289 paintbrush exports recorded for June 2010. During the first half of 2011, 1.2 million paintbrushes were exported, up 21 percent from 994,556 during the first half of 2010. Canada imported 825,665 paintbrushes from the United States during the first half of 2011. The average price per paintbrush for June 2011 was $8.15, down 24 percent from $10.79 for June 2010. The average price for the first half of 2011 was $9.55, down 20 percent from $11.87 recorded for the first half of 2010.
September/October 2011
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
Machinery Manufacturers continued from page 8 improve productivity and make us a more competitive and qualitydriven company.” The Zahoransky Group currently operates out of seven facilities located in Germany, Spain and India — with its headquarters in TodtnauGeschwend, Germany. Additional sales and service facilities are located in the United States, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Zahoransky USA (ZUSA), headquartered in Sugar Grove, IL, was formed in 2006 as a wholly-owned division of Zahoransky Germany, and is headed by officers Frank and Kevin Kigyos. Other members of the ZUSA team include Service Manager Jack Kee and Parts Frank Kigyos Manager Bobbie Springborn. ZUSA held an open house in May for customers and supplier colleagues to showcase new products available to the marketplace. Frank Kigyos was pleased with the event’s turnout. “We feel this strong showing was a good indicator that the U.S. Main Street economy is ready for recovery,” Frank Kigyos said. “We are also very excited about some of our new machine offerings. For example, the LION-2114 is a single-head staple-set machine, providing 4-axis control for high speed drill and fill of brush blocks up to 16-inches long (32-inches long in two operations), and stock lengths up to 12.5-inches long. “What I really like about this machine is that it comes complete with double stock box, quick change clamping plates, filling tool, and suction unit at a surprisingly low price.” He added the machine is ideal for producing short-runs and should be viewed as a bargain when one considers the multitude of brush styles that can be produced. Other machines that Frank Kigyos highlighted were Zahoransky’s Lynx2 and Lynx3 for the automatic production of industrial twisted-inwire brushes. “The Lynx2 is designed to produce ‘closed end’ brushes, while the Lynx3 has been designed to produce ‘looped’ handle twisted-wire brushes. Both machines are essential to any custom or industrial twisted-wire brush operation,” he said. In an effort to help household brush manufacturers better compete with demands for high volume/low margin production, Frank Kigyos added that Zahoransky has developed a new method for molding pre-cored blocks. This makes tufting machinery less expensive and far more productive than the traditional drill and fill machines, he said. Customer service also remains essential for those involved with The Zahoransky Group and ZUSA. “We have made it a priority at ZUSA to provide customers with domestic after-sales service for all product lines,” Frank Kigyos said. “With both Kevin (Kigyos) and Jack (Kee) providing mechanical and electrical service for our twisted-wire and staple-set product lines, we are well on our way to achieving this goal. “In the future, we will continue to train and add qualified staff so that the vast majority of technical services provided in the United States will come from Zahoransky USA.” Zahoransky will exhibit its latest machinery developments for the production of personal care, household and industrial brushes and brooms during the 2012 InterBrush. According to Frank Kigyos, “Our goal during the event will be to demonstrate why Zahoransky is the ideal partner for providing valueadded brush manufacturing solutions. To achieve this, we plan to demonstrate innovations that are the result of world class engineering, machine building, software programming and customer service.” Contact: Zahoransky USA, Inc., 1981 Bucktail Lane, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Phone: 630-466-1901; Fax: 630-466-1902.
PAGE 39 E-mail: frank.kigyos@zahoransky-group.com. E-mail: artur.seger@zahoransky-group.com. Website: www.zahoransky-usa.com.
P
roviding high-tech products and new developments has always taken center stage at GB Boucherie, a major focus that will continue in the years ahead. “Newly developed technologies from Boucherie give our customers the tools to be innovative themselves, and only innovation can give a company sustained growth,” Boucherie USA President John Williams said. GB Boucherie, of Izegem, Belgium, has been in business building machinery for the brush making industry since 1928. The company builds staple-set machines for the household/industrial market, advanced machines for making toothbrushes, and stapleless machines for both the oral care and household markets. It also builds both single- and multimaterial molds for a variety of industries. “We are currently working on several new developments, as well as improvements to existing machines, to be showcased during the 2012 InterBrush exposition,” Williams said. “Boucherie has always been a company that has showed the newest trends in brush making machinery. In the past, this has included the carrousel machine, 5-axis controlled brush making machines for household brushes, the high speed continuously running turret machines for toothbrushes, and more recently, anchorless brush technology. “Our focus remains on technology, and we will continue to push in that direction.” With today’s production batches from customers trending smaller, Boucherie also places a strong focus on making autoJohn Williams mated machines that are more flexible and easier to change over. “We are always happy to provide customers advice as well on how their product lines can be designed to streamline production,” Williams said. He reported that business has been “excellent” for Boucherie during the past year. According to Williams, concerns remain over the health of the world economy, but many companies see a need to develop new products even during these uncertain times. “For example, stapleless products continue to play an important role,” Williams said. “The need for cost improvements drive automation in the developed world. Automation seems to become more important as well in countries where labor costs were low but are now rising. “There are three domains where we try to take the lead — flexible automation, product cost reduction and product innovation through anchorless technology.” Along with producing highly automated equipment, officials at Boucherie take pride in the level of service the company offers after its machines and molds have been delivered. Williams said Boucherie will continue to provide quality customer service, whether in response to requests for spare parts or technical and service issues. Among the challenges facing Boucherie, as the company moves forward, are succeeding in a time of high labor costs and being able to continually find highly skilled workers in Europe. He noted, however, that Boucherie enjoys close and personal relationships with customers throughout the world. This helps build a feeling among the company’s work force that Boucherie is a leader in the industry, and helps in attracting new employees as well. “With the economy slowing down again, there are certainly other challenges ahead, but as long as we keep improving our products and supplying customers with improved tools that respond to their needs, there will
Continued On Page 49
PAGE 40
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
EXPORTS June 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 June Year To Date Country Net Q/Ton Value Net Q/Ton Value Hondura 3 12,278 France 6 23,328 32 120,960 Germany 1 3,020 Croatia 1 9,330 TOTAL 6 23,328 37 145,588 9603100000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or Other Vegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles June Year To Date Country Net Q/Dozen Value Net Q/Dozen Value Canada 2,814 133,961 18,242 677,170 Mexico 251 8,271 456 17,718 Salvadr 104 3,444 Hondura 80 2,626 Nicarag 12 2,851 C Rica 324 7,498 Panama 68 3,196 723 27,025 Bahamas 156 49,200 590 155,674 Jamaica 486 14,255 Dom Rep 21 6,956 Dominca 5 2,859 Colomb 267 9,388 Venez 5 5,940 Chile 2 3,597 32 8,310 Brazil 517 23,345 Uruguay 8 3,260 U King 263 17,448 7,094 908,899 Ireland 1,886 38,748 Nethlds 269 2,953 Belgium 46 4,520 386 15,722 France 140 29,443 Germany 683 30,086 Poland 378 15,556 Russia 4 2,689 4 2,689 Spain 4 4,719 Portugl 18 9,675 18 9,675 Kuwait 117 3,446 117 3,446 S Arab 1,746 47,097 Qatar 100 9,260 India 16 5,376 Phil R 1 2,709 Macau 100 4,375 100 4,375 China 989 28,014 Kor Rep 294 14,873 Hg Kong 1,749 35,512 Taiwan 131 4,320 Japan 1,298 62,839 Austral 1,178 38,845 3,323 111,745 Guinea 24 5,382 Angola 11 2,808 TOTAL 5,017 279,223 42,633 2,364,565
Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Belize Salvadr
9603210000 Toothbrushes June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 3,332,685 1,596,748 18,982,284 1,290,124 469,624 8,959,361 1,071 84,672 20,760
Value 9,767,072 3,450,840 10,475 60,760 37,654
Hondura Nicarag C Rica Panama Bahamas Jamaica Cayman Haiti Dom Rep Antigua S Lucia Grenada Barbado Trinid N Antil Curaco Aruba Colomb Venez Guyana Ecuador Peru Chile Brazil Paragua Uruguay Argent Finland U King Ireland Nethlds France Germany Austria Slovak Hungary Switzld Poland Russia Ukraine Italy Turkey Lebanon Kuwait S Arab Qatar Arab Em India Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Indnsia Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Mauritn Rep Saf TOTAL
September/October 2011
135 283,334
4,728 257,820
3,456
6,365
13,192 3,960 546 120
14,257 3,283 5,586 4,128
8,751
45,141
15,432 10,800 360
10,425 13,365 5,145
40,176 976
14,448 14,249
153,485
122,673
372 432,000
3,802 143,675
6,528 25,213
2,872 256,049
609,384
327,180
2,984
30,525
188,160 5,904
373,830 5,713
3,662
37,470
67,392 21,840
17,588 52,553
401,629 579,885 31,200 38,943 52,266
215,236 245,346 12,103 49,372 44,486
2,000
2,900
7,626,894
4,408,685
25,869 250 575 883,426 5,939 37,320 808 1,358 227,961 16,321 546 1,303 67,810 71,246 1,869 9,000 8,156 138,855 371,885 1,152 28,551 120,402 52,552 126,070 828 9,341 642,403 12,000 234,293 4,660,451 37,817 16,122 604,708 29,718 618 2,856,712 400 15,320 5,084 5,760 5,873 5,540 1,240 72,918 16,811 1,188 141,446 716,160 8,783 5,591 8,702 47,377 74,634 44,240 827,801 3,278,011 3,437,595 249,720 244,685 296,386 3,300 2,000 4,320 48,873,268
102,270 3,490 9,228 977,629 28,266 23,405 7,147 7,577 149,458 18,931 5,586 16,234 48,735 200,150 12,792 6,437 18,449 209,543 327,911 17,096 13,522 71,753 60,666 59,817 8,469 86,616 662,960 5,480 451,525 1,572,420 168,225 17,233 1,831,727 18,210 3,508 1,474,064 4,867 14,033 44,427 15,030 60,099 10,244 2,547 36,037 9,720 12,150 108,622 1,424,574 35,175 57,200 46,817 36,617 63,511 110,694 469,388 1,618,864 1,698,936 113,051 280,766 344,681 7,009 2,900 9,894 28,661,183
9603290000 Shaving Brushes, Hairbrushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use on the Person June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q./No. Value Canada 334,843 246,269 2,121,066 1,569,417 Mexico 411,265 105,583 4,100,434 1,364,625 Guatmal 586 5,358 Hondura 72 6,732
September/October 2011 C Rica Panama Dom Rep Trinid N Antil Colomb Venez Surinam Ecuador Peru Chile Brazil Paragua Argent Sweden Norway Finland U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium France Germany Austria Czech Switzld Lithuan Ukraine Spain Italy Turkey Arab Em India Thailnd Singapr Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Ghana Nigeria Rep Saf TOTAL
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
4,561
44,000
58,884 478,245
33,464 137,903
180
4,140
592,750
127,973
4,654
28,150
571
9,780
7,416
32,350
412
3,770
2,600 1,201 62 6,250 569 60 2,715
12,731 10,980 6,000 32,867 18,264 5,268 24,830
5,776 684 5,616
52,832 6,255 13,517
48 2,220
5,837 31,844
283
10,878
1,921,865
1,005,485
4,890 2,000 3,735 19,462 1,511 1,768,030 646,052 2,916 3,263 520 8,582 989,830 20,640 940,000 5,379 4,510 375 66,403 1,108 3,914 17,772 20,915 65,461 2,078 648 1,736 1,344 3,284 4,129 41,108 6,300 6,099 4,130 16,488 200,230 1,390 41,304 4,272 8,457 405 183,445 16,359 8,325 283 144 1,792 11,373,176
23,542 15,800 31,603 188,097 2,638 546,518 182,401 7,097 21,079 11,960 12,460 230,240 8,333 190,430 49,187 43,422 3,428 260,266 13,751 38,205 170,407 71,773 322,494 19,000 2,592 15,882 3,116 18,982 34,951 52,353 40,367 95,118 15,943 150,785 72,281 12,403 377,728 34,157 43,897 3,700 84,795 149,343 27,306 10,878 2,655 102,429 6,761,924
9603300000 Artists, Writing and other Brushes for Cosmetics June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 550,167 1,315,587 2,629,735 5,730,749 Mexico 26,350 97,736 322,350 1,104,951 Salvadr 8,869 14,874 Hondura 19,187 41,390 C Rica 1,295 4,777 Panama 41,679 114,269 Barbado 23,186 85,550 Colomb 7,079 17,019 9,235 26,249 Venez 1,919 9,888 Ecuador 3,771 7,281 3,771 7,281 Chile 3,976 9,813 Brazil 210,695 194,665 594,908 542,954 Paragua 13,644 50,342 Sweden 17,402 66,841 Norway 521 4,036 7,719 30,206 Finland 22,644 86,199 60,459 225,726 Denmark 536,096 1,980,360 U King 97,144 559,244 510,777 2,260,624 Ireland 996 3,674 Nethlds 808 8,375 11,090 52,294 Belgium 19,958 73,637 France 54,542 230,631 Germany 1,145 4,225 19,832 69,727
PAGE 41
Austria Slovak Switzld Estonia Latvia Poland Russia Ukraine Armenia Kazakhs Spain Italy Greece Israel Arab Em India Thailnd Vietnam Singapr Indnsia Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Rep Saf TOTAL
4,178 151 5,459 2,822 575 48,370 6,564 54,915 6,103 8,609 1,750 39,928 11,160 38,869 9,138 2,680 4,434 900 1,831 3,105 42,000 65,344 28,322 54,946 5,158 56,933 84,539 4,017 25,076 5,530,501
13,017 9,527 22,929 15,716 8,579 178,468 30,965 77,260 22,518 101,616 2,739 147,318 14,910 143,410 46,243 4,001 22,844 9,696 15,144 11,456 39,634 241,094 139,373 227,077 24,790 189,987 315,286 15,059 92,523 14,919,986
Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Salvadr Hondura C Rica Panama Bermuda Bahamas Jamaica Haiti Dom Rep St K N S Lucia S Vn Gr Trinid Colomb Venez Ecuador Peru Chile Paragua Argent Sweden Finland Denmark U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium France Germany Switzld Russia Israel S Arab Qatar Arab Em Bahrain India
9603402000 Paint Rollers June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 205,255 476,696 1,105,210 18,572 53,956 173,522 1,800 3,864 3,450 10,020 8,568 15,731 11,087 1,056 2,818 17,826 20 5,800 1,000 5,400 6,256 11,541 81,770 18,601 249 1,042 2,316 7,000 239 11,664 745 720 17,634 1,371 27,766 174 72 39 841 3,711 5,734 5,942 3,278 15,530 13,285 203 692 857 9,543 38,267 930 2,647 19,527 2,460 651 226 610 14,664 780 5,508 24,896 7,609
Value 2,418,303 497,301 2,712 4,657 11,698 115,400 17,014 28,675 3,210 5,993 13,600 211,053 4,369 7,800 2,760 7,924 4,198 32,633 13,073 29,065 36,678 3,050 3,456 3,175 2,673 19,159 41,380 47,828 74,211 3,569 7,846 136,332 42,815 5,711 11,428 3,975 3,972 20,306 3,712 61,763
829
8,363
34,913
128,818
1,096
4,045
3,412
25,119
1,150 6,000 10,056
4,243 5,662 37,102
15,985 100 18,728 7,876
60,404 4,500 69,102 29,059
1,020,469
2,670,784
PAGE 42 Thailnd Singapr Indnsia China Kor Rep Hg Kong Japan Austral N Zeal Rep Saf TOTAL
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
2,018
3,600
108
2,719
674 15,826 3,422
4,039 179,571 13,443
280,785
902,830
176 2,018 13,356 3,855 1,947 2,620 3,140 137,594 8,059 117,596 1,821,407
11,176 3,600 69,333 67,660 34,989 51,673 20,418 1,135,383 31,135 81,142 5,470,986
9603404020 Paint Pads June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 1,023 7,263 45,550 81,321 Nicarag 423 3,000 423 3,000 Panama 47 5,910 Bermuda 1,010 7,166 Dom Rep 252 6,581 Barbado 166 3,215 Peru 1,173 3,127 Argent 715 7,448 715 7,448 Sweden 12 2,676 Finland 4,000 6,640 Belgium 1,120 2,560 Romania 728 5,171 Kuwait 1,761 12,500 S Arab 1,800 6,131 Malaysa 1,310 9,300 Singapr 2,144 8,340 China 1,500 4,860 Kor Rep 1,030 7,310 71,398 520,645 Austral 36,351 76,968 TOTAL 3,191 25,021 171,460 773,559 9603404050 Paint, Distemper, Varnish or Similar Brushes (Except Brushes of 9603.30) June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 141,288 1,077,030 825,665 5,734,633 Mexico 1,409 16,023 41,706 832,319 Salvadr 150 3,119 Hondura 70 2,969 9,678 133,215 Nicarag 3,128 15,019 C Rica 169 6,159 2,307 47,201 Panama 88 2,620 5,080 143,913 Bermuda 1,584 25,057 3,616 57,699 Bahamas 20,872 317,017 Jamaica 129 2,683 452 9,392 Cayman 52 7,068 611 11,726 Haiti 422 8,748 Dom Rep 791 16,405 791 16,405 B Virgn 1,594 21,099 S Vn Gr 105 7,781 Grenada 752 3,534 Barbado 322 15,049 Trinid 690 14,316 1,969 40,859 N Antil 530 11,000 Aruba 141 2,924 Colomb 702 13,719 4,716 95,301 Venez 140 2,895 140 2,895 Peru 2,562 84,237 Chile 50 8,470 1,905 25,051 Brazil 177 3,678 Argent 2,314 48,004 Iceland 666 8,591 Sweden 4,091 67,751 Finland 1,100 6,745 Denmark 8,098 258,739 U King 35,998 134,448 71,570 671,102 Ireland 415 8,622 5,075 39,167 Nethlds 1,928 40,000 40,519 761,431 Belgium 1,900 19,000 13,077 244,421 France 2,695 51,629 6,182 109,573
Germany Austria Poland Spain Malta Slvenia Iraq Israel S Arab Arab Em India Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Indnsia China Kor Rep Hg Kong Japan Austral N Zeal Samoa Fr Poly Sier Ln Nigeria TOTAL
September/October 2011 2,624
31,292
300
2,617
300
3,697
100 289 1,520
3,155 6,000 11,916
23 623
5,576 12,924
1,000 1,743 249
4,038 18,750 5,161
1,319 200,188
76,986 1,631,225
9,264 381 716 183 1,182 300 1,146 6,455 133 918 258 184 1,107 868 6,651 9,095 3,098 2,402 8,527 4,300 4,328 19,350 6,642 901 93 107 1,319 1,171,991
154,766 3,047 10,235 3,804 7,814 2,617 23,760 138,710 2,756 11,138 11,579 3,822 13,686 18,000 97,983 75,131 86,829 66,118 164,361 50,165 52,582 177,104 49,265 18,687 7,465 7,775 76,986 11,195,523
9603900000 Hand-Operated Mechanical Floor Sweepers, Not Motorized, Mops & Feather Dusters; Prepared Knots & Tufts for Broom or Brush Making, NESOI June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 303,671 2,427,865 1,633,123 13,965,394 Mexico 52,572 763,750 374,812 4,927,615 Guatmal 21,592 63,187 Belize 1,971 15,798 Salvadr 40 3,880 350 15,741 Hondura 1,124 19,629 C Rica 117 5,545 7,103 71,369 Panama 2,869 49,249 15,828 296,934 Bermuda 778 4,383 4,198 14,451 Bahamas 630 2,843 Jamaica 694 8,368 Cayman 155 2,520 691 11,209 Haiti 259 4,200 495 8,025 Dom Rep 200 3,800 2,258 24,587 B Virgn 1,254 22,447 S Lucia 193 3,123 Trinid 1,274 20,650 1,448 23,469 N Antil 1,212 8,158 Aruba 2,129 27,720 Colomb 4,257 56,949 Venez 10,009 104,696 Ecuador 234 3,790 8,414 69,609 Peru 376 6,096 5,762 87,752 Chile 3,284 53,263 27,604 272,957 Brazil 1,789 29,013 15,949 218,063 Argent 236 3,825 Norway 1,488 24,145 Finland 15,607 108,741 Denmark 1,696 27,498 U King 10,314 163,435 54,651 951,124 Ireland 529 8,580 4,916 91,989 Nethlds 3,846 39,271 26,961 201,878 Belgium 5,968 22,499 27,629 176,646 Luxmbrg 143 5,360 1,561 33,966 France 891 16,990 3,470 50,269 Germany 3,396 63,115 37,029 540,447 Austria 873 14,147 Czech 222 3,608 Hungary 255 4,141 Switzld 2,063 20,742 4,461 47,558
September/October 2011 Latvia Poland Russia Ukraine Spain Portugl Italy Turkey Lebanon Israel Jordan Kuwait S Arab Arab Em Bahrain Afghan India Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam Laos Malaysa Singapr Indnsia Phil R China Mongola Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Moroc Camroon Sier Ln Togo Nigeria Angola Kenya Rep Saf TOTAL
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
1,200 150 1,994 482
6,885 5,725 32,344 7,823
1,056
6,293
2,000 3,618 2,515
4,435 22,832 14,578
1,348
29,029
1,296
23,033
581 1,150 391
9,424 8,077 6,341
3,030
36,145
6,427 1,175
40,867 25,932
7,914 5,031 832
41,259 94,455 9,586
436,958
4,143,059
1,200 438 11,061 482 169 690 13,657 1,510 876 1,109 1,320 6,915 36,521 16,876 187 6,448 7,614 154 2,692 450 244 4,805 4,554 391 639 21,241 170 16,445 10,420 5,410 49,535 47,901 14,006 157 269 200 160 964 812 262 4,791 2,617,900
6,885 27,385 126,328 7,823 2,748 7,908 117,062 6,064 5,522 16,679 21,408 87,592 328,058 182,368 3,037 109,371 102,473 2,501 43,539 4,193 3,960 80,243 67,703 6,341 10,357 295,555 2,763 187,359 207,892 77,155 357,339 601,913 92,276 5,500 3,821 3,964 3,171 12,126 12,131 4,249 27,037 25,891,874
IMPORTS Broom and Brush
China TOTAL
PAGE 43 13,363 17,963
236,810 277,982
103,880 108,480
1,226,869 1,268,041
1404903000 Istle Used Primarily In Brooms or In Brushes, Whether or Not In Hanks or Bundles June Year To Date Country Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG Value Mexico 41,669 210,092 209,114 1,038,596 TOTAL 41,669 210,092 209,114 1,038,596 4417002000 Broom and Mop Handles, 1.9 CM or More In Diameter and 97 CM or More In Length, Of Wood June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 1,615 5,085 Mexico 64,138 38,279 232,774 65,571 Hondura 389,961 182,137 2,473,592 1,135,106 Colomb 27,276 10,931 72,084 29,310 Brazil 897,837 1,017,013 4,982,241 5,435,652 Belgium 58,045 73,717 India 778 2,185 3,273 4,343 Sri Lka 42,324 52,291 281,824 355,241 Indnsia 151,507 162,880 823,441 791,184 China 796,130 294,860 2,711,679 1,318,825 Taiwan 2,760 5,359 46,212 43,409 TOTAL 2,372,711 1,765,935 11,686,780 9,257,443 4417004000 Paint Brush June Country Net Q/Variable Germany Czech Poland Italy Thailnd Indnsia China Taiwan TOTAL
and Paint Roller Handles, Of Wood Year To Date Value Net Q/Variable Value 7,167 17,348 47,274 102,041 482,135 2,846,903 32,242 96,680 429,919 170,632 942,023 2,112 13,584 768,907 4,421,153
Country Canada Brazil Sri Lka China TOTAL
4417006000 Brush Backs, Of Wood June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 357,566 117,573 1,309,696 31,050 190,197 111,668 1,504,475 166,620 41,851 166,620 714,383 271,092 3,011,841
Value 477,410 34,643 870,539 41,851 1,424,443
Country Canada
4417008010 Tool Handles of Wood June Year To Date Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable 21,895
Value 75,558
June Imports By Country
Country Thailnd China TOTAL
0502100000 Pigs’, Hogs’ or Boars’ Bristles and Hair and Waste Thereof June Year To Date Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG 81 35,774 302,381 207,046 35,774 302,381 207,127
Country U King Germany Thailnd China TOTAL
0502900000 Badger Hair and Other Brushmaking Hair and Waste Thereof June Year To Date Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG 10 30,638 24 105 432 20,404 1,202 47 2,966 21,645 489 54,008 22,976
Value 6,579 1,981,354 1,987,933 Brush Manufacturers
Value 65,199 85,338 73,053 550,073 773,663
0511993300 Horsehair and Horsehair Waste, Whether or Not Put Up As A Layer With or Without Supporting Material June Year To Date Country Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG Value Germany 4,600 41,172 4,600 41,172
STAPLE SET MANUFACTURER CUSTOM SHAPES: Wheel–Cylinder–Strip–Disc ALL MEDIUMS: Wood–Plastic–Metal–Leather Short Run and Private Label SEND US YOUR SPECIALS
YOUNG & SWARTZ, INC. CHERRY & SPRUCE STS.
•
BUFFALO, N.Y. 14204
PHONE 852-2171 AREA CODE 716 FAX (716) 852-5652
PAGE 44 Mexico Brazil Nethlds Germany India Vietnam China Taiwan TOTAL
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP 45,804 155,888 3,738 3,492
68,899 19,996 319,712
115,207 1,468,841 15,436 9,371 4,282 214,110 354,614 132,634 2,390,053
4417008090 Tools, Tool Bodies, Broom or Brush Bodies, Shoe Lasts and Trees, of Wood June Year To Date Country Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable Value Canada 30,911 481,438 Mexico 9,243 45,182 Hondura 17,200 Chile 793,865 3,494,730 U King 16,350 39,048 Germany 2,477 Austria 4,920 Czech 2,688 Poland 2,650 Spain 48,528 Italy 5,655 21,968 India 82,773 495,686 Sri Lka 105,316 Vietnam 134,132 Indnsia 34,946 54,931 China 146,762 1,256,597 Taiwan 22,902 50,665 Japan 312,406 1,941,663 Austral 2,145 TOTAL 1,455,813 8,201,964
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
Country Canada Mexico Brazil Sweden Denmark Germany Spain Italy Israel China Hg Kong Taiwan TOTAL
September/October 2011 7326908576 Metal Handles For Brooms, Mops, Paint Applicators June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 120,000 102,504 119,544 77,392 242,374 215 500 6,440 1,980 14 798,336 374,803 3,794,352 1,220,891 1,057,070 7,674,721 2,421 1,148,777 696,172 5,580,151 1,585 2,749 4,165 266,855 125,398 407,753 3,556,488 2,340,024 17,930,650
Value 8,414 35,039 155,702 3,365 25,332 2,821 1,738,620 5,849,851 2,416 4,297,825 5,464 223,230 12,348,079
9603100500 Wiskbrooms, of Broom Corn, LT=.96 EA. Prior to Entry or Withdrawal for Consumption of 61,655 Dozen In Calendar Year June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 2,736 2,359 18,984 16,474 China 12,240 9,094 TOTAL 2,736 2,359 31,224 25,568 9603104000 Other Brooms, of Broomcorn, LT=.96 EA, Prior to Entry or Withdrawal For Consumption of GT=121,478 Dozen in Calendar Year June Year To Date Mexico 30,252 24,553 TOTAL 30,252 24,553 9603105000 Other Brooms, of Broomcorn, LT=.96 EA, at Entry or Withdrawal For Consumption of GT=121,478 Dozen in Calendar Year June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 40,680 31,005 94,560 75,670 TOTAL 40,680 31,005 94,560 75,670 9603106000 Other Brooms, Of Broomcorn, Valued Over .96 Each June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 706,891 1,641,453 4,193,932 10,179,647 Hondura 18,798 36,509 130,704 266,065 TOTAL 725,689 1,677,962 4,324,636 10,445,712 9603109000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or Other Vegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles, NESOI June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 2,056 14,270 3,096 25,555 Mexico 7,080 8,712 28,587 52,005 U King 1 2,535
September/October 2011 France Germany Turkey India Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam Phil R China Kor Rep Japan TOTAL
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
1
3,951
94 84,433 7,738 14,380 4,000 8,196
2,125 60,220 25,353 23,313 3,328 41,868
127,978
183,140
7 486 2,000 1,894 526,267 19,936 103,760 10,620 70,213 900 1 767,768
6,708 5,619 5,560 4,349 499,863 65,075 109,112 18,154 152,138 3,127 2,197 951,997
9603210000 Toothbrushes, Incl. Dental-Plate Brushes June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 20,114 16,654 100,215 60,993 Mexico 439,385 204,277 3,104,425 945,936 Brazil 427,048 140,168 3,080,304 1,010,820 Sweden 15,567 19,069 159,119 121,697 Norway 23,550 11,709 U King 25,920 37,322 31,520 61,119 Ireland 100,108 164,865 1,105,056 1,566,943 Nethlds 357,428 46,678 Belgium 1 2,995 Germany 1,993,020 1,480,485 14,256,607 11,246,355 Hungary 23,787 56,731 Switzld 6,685,656 3,450,273 42,707,269 16,548,724 Poland 413,952 46,663 Italy 114,454 49,984 1,143,144 385,222 Turkey 12,664 24,902 Israel 467,120 65,572 India 3,179,792 556,331 24,285,709 3,120,212 Thailnd 25,200 8,978 910,152 259,266 Vietnam 6,330,912 413,258 32,257,488 1,835,088 Malaysa 154,368 28,839 7,934,672 353,115 Indnsia 13,100 17,916 688,012 64,423 China 52,912,932 10,389,351 302,170,866 57,580,169 Kor Rep 353,504 118,907 3,905,658 574,785 Hg Kong 52,278 28,411 437,476 216,366 Taiwan 34,608 36,394 1,546,788 403,881 Japan 970,640 78,206 3,019,794 734,168 Austral 130 2,500 Gabon 1,171,872 164,241 TOTAL 73,848,606 17,239,688 445,314,778 97,511,273 9603294010 Hairbrushes, Valued Not Over .40 Each June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Italy 6,483 2,671 6,483 2,671 Thailnd 33,600 12,698 Vietnam 7,200 3,088 China 4,517,930 1,220,610 21,087,664 6,089,096 Kor Rep 7,896 2,956
BROOM CAPS
Hg Kong Taiwan TOTAL
PAGE 45 93,600
13,171
4,618,013
1,236,452
399,120 26,604 21,568,567
9603294090 Shaving Brushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use On The Valued Not Over .40 Each June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Mexico 2,700,300 223,280 14,831,675 France 62,000 2,427 110,000 Germany 510,000 103,862 8,372,411 Switzld 24,000 4,127 67,200 Italy 31,800 India 392,900 9,047 447,900 China 5,823,936 817,896 22,789,222 Kor Rep 122,400 13,924 8,044,900 Hg Kong 134,040 Taiwan 170,020 Japan 282 TOTAL 9,635,536 1,174,563 54,999,450
Person,
Value 1,256,469 6,900 1,672,215 12,826 5,004 16,172 3,439,504 159,498 23,476 44,011 5,534 6,641,609
9603302000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application Of Cosmetics, Valued Not Over .05 Each June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 1,116,000 53,761 5,494,367 175,478 France 2,800,000 94,129 Germany 3,893,500 173,613 18,172,000 811,163 Italy 5,761,900 61,920 35,736,700 395,150 India 408,000 4,183 3,222,720 47,454 China 13,109,626 378,312 82,747,436 2,130,222 Kor Rep 5,070,000 126,897 14,392,000 356,942 Hg Kong 70,000 3,501 347,824 10,118 Taiwan 800,000 18,317 3,170,000 79,393 Japan 200,000 9,066 TOTAL 30,229,026 820,504 166,283,047 4,109,115
Country Mexico Brazil Germany India Thailnd China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan TOTAL
9603304000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application of Cosmetics, Valued Over .05 But not Over .10 Each June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value 8,859,377 681,073 43,481,777 3,276,736 96,000 8,179 288,000 22,249 2,100,751 128,668 10,778,751 756,929 62,280 5,308 462,982 37,383 164,894 19,237 14,516,193 1,092,381 67,693,230 5,035,134 1,993,980 147,544 73,000 6,287 1,363,214 106,912 1,117,728 73,349 4,072,336 275,841 26,825,329 1,995,245 130,299,164 9,677,965
BRUSH and HANDLE FERRULES
MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED P.O. Box 6505
56,616 10,243 6,177,368
Wolcott, CT 06716
Phone 203-879-1481
PAGE 46
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
9603306000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application Of Cosmetics, Valued Over .10 Each June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 125 8,543 1,686 58,901 Mexico 10,493,889 1,722,974 73,511,033 12,196,714 Dom Rep 237,575 189,470 702,852 805,750 Chile 336 2,763 U King 98,571 246,275 447,671 1,149,870 Ireland 738 9,353 France 69,836 276,846 465,808 1,856,538 Germany 717,131 278,005 6,858,657 2,124,622 Austria 100 12,504 Czech 24,760 3,446 Switzld 281 8,544 Spain 25,786 122,776 87,196 430,568 Italy 418 7,160 62,844 83,865 Greece 1,133 31,637 Israel 1,388 5,344 6,383 19,935 India 515,835 202,887 3,429,548 1,319,192 Sri Lka 151,608 67,549 932,658 556,265 Thailnd 215,918 188,088 2,008,605 1,169,710 Singapr 684 4,590 Indnsia 20,736 12,142 Phil R 2,592 9,470 China 18,752,527 12,772,261 102,846,784 65,800,586 Kor Rep 375,576 467,960 1,424,850 1,164,666 Hg Kong 414,769 288,121 2,791,355 1,670,600 Taiwan 90,598 64,499 1,393,046 494,210 Japan 271,296 1,271,932 1,815,825 8,023,685 Austral 130 2,618 1,506 14,024 Mauritn 12,184 44,426 39,094 136,548 Maurit 11,000 7,600 TOTAL 32,445,160 18,227,734 198,889,761 99,178,298
Country Canada Mexico Brazil Sweden U King Nethlds Germany Czech Italy China Hg Kong Taiwan Japan TOTAL
9603402000 Paint Rollers June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 17,638 1,325,314 424,998 6,966,180 5,052 1,000 6,010 3,200 8,000 3,661 10,426 950 493,167 88,516 1,820,641 4,400 3,347 4,400 23,500 4,659,341 2,162,253 23,429,784 10,020 2,794 133,755 2,748 4,334 2,748 75 6,503,990 2,695,913 32,418,349
Value 20,434 2,606,314 5,816 18,244 20,443 6,823 394,218 3,347 15,993 10,807,533 84,876 4,334 2,309 13,990,684
9603404020 Paint Pads (Other Than Of Subheading 9603.30) June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 9,460 4,647 U King 2,000 4,983 32,170 47,417 Pakistn 33,200 3,568 61,200 6,865 Indnsia 2,736 4,321 China 1,726,689 660,764 6,719,780 4,090,779 TOTAL 1,761,889 669,315 6,825,346 4,154,029 9603404040 Natural Bristle Brushes, Other Than Brushes Of Subheading 9603.30 June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 11,130 14,757 70,294 93,247 Guatmal 21,168 22,864 U King 5,000 11,150 73,375 112,390 Germany 181 2,292 9,332 48,994 Turkey 10,832 32,888 39,200 130,777 Sri Lka 6,192 18,127 Thailnd 124,616 79,522 707,888 372,531 Vietnam 243,180 35,583 739,908 95,727 Indnsia 4,365,922 773,640 30,153,714 5,014,878
China Taiwan Japan TOTAL
September/October 2011 900,374
192,952
90 5,661,325
2,399 1,145,183
2,841,527 346,712 4,600 35,013,910
644,456 104,628 9,932 6,668,551
9603404060 Paint, Distemper, Varnish/Similr Brushes Exc Brushes of Subheading 9603.30 NESOI June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 4,460 8,243 30,113 43,575 Mexico 18,504 25,474 Guatmal 24,694 23,001 62,062 63,381 Brazil 4,176 2,588 Sweden 188,253 58,298 372,649 115,816 U King 31,930 38,395 34,658 61,400 Belgium 60 2,754 60 2,754 Germany 9,525 59,314 16,784 117,720 Spain 1,300 4,101 1,300 4,101 Italy 4,032 5,408 35,302 92,134 Greece 138 2,451 Turkey 12,276 40,243 39,136 134,147 India 359,978 81,268 Sri Lka 14,808 31,403 48,960 97,188 Vietnam 1,208 2,636 7,958 20,229 Indnsia 2,642,051 491,762 20,177,946 3,274,996 China 19,241,873 5,946,047 92,039,866 30,793,351 Kor Rep 40,000 9,354 78,552 23,836 Hg Kong 489,369 60,188 Taiwan 357,931 97,303 1,271,037 476,147 Japan 2,000 2,448 20,185 49,693 TOTAL 22,576,401 6,820,710 115,108,733 35,542,437
Country Mexico Spain India China Hg Kong Taiwan TOTAL
9603908010 Wiskbrooms June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 20,280 16,537 31,644 3,456 4,008 3,819 4,008 30,732 54,121 249,356 192 2,315 480 1,008 55,212 76,792 289,952
Value 33,252 6,456 3,819 288,297 5,783 2,389 339,996
Country Mexico Guatmal Colomb Brazil Argent Germany Spain Italy Sri Lka China Taiwan Egypt TOTAL
9603908020 Upright Brooms June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 49,964 65,728 271,005 36,532 12,108 12,457 29,748 14,898 98,740 59,477 8,944 140 2,134 140 4,908 7,523 40,980 46,787 69,468 194,312 47,712 102,715 77,904 873,168 1,182,422 4,794,664 6,012 28,668 1,049,685 1,541,187 5,548,386
Value 323,953 62,909 27,869 221,514 17,766 2,134 64,638 236,355 164,421 5,881,094 43,337 23,818 7,069,808
9603908030 Push Brooms, 41 CM or Less in Width June Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 8,592 33,019 15,412 56,769 India 1,224 2,670 Sri Lka 44,106 176,557 159,912 560,577 China 17,548 64,194 288,660 1,172,559 Taiwan 420 3,453 TOTAL 70,246 273,770 465,628 1,796,028
Country Canada Mexico Guatmal
9603908040 Other Brooms, NESOI June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 75,018 124,804 497,060 443,358 595,645 2,303,477 20,940 22,259 100,689
Value 942,501 3,734,477 109,213
September/October 2011 Salvadr Colomb Brazil U King Germany Czech Lithuan Spain Italy Israel India Bngldsh Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam Phil R China Kor Rep Taiwan TOTAL `
Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Salvadr Hondura Dom Rep Colomb Brazil Sweden Norway Finland Denmark U King Nethlds Belgium France Germany Austria Czech Switzld Estonia Latvia Lithuan Poland Russia Spain Italy Slvenia Romania Turkey Israel India Pakistn Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Indnsia Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral Egypt TOTAL
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
41,340
53,240
58,632
50,177
9,152 79,669
25,305 150,528
2,655
9,868
141,112 8,100 5,900
206,584 12,850 8,156
526,731 105
1,611,559 13,450
1,412,712
2,884,425
107,232 126,911 205,100 2,060 15 237,816 250 40,856 513,684 1,320 23,750 60 692,616 53,350 42,810 80 3,039,411 2,705 4,437 7,995,689
9603908050 Brooms, Brushes, Sqeegees, Etc., NESOI June Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 2,046,806 2,798,134 22,567 1,050,410 89,594 64,845 19,001 45,679 148,830 81,055 300,775 133,830 14,540 248,217 96,609 30,523
52,133 33,637 52,276 622,742 15,792 10,788 4,903 44,732 380,963 338,209 395,842 95,049 34,999 21,957 4,573 30,916,379 236,418 560,932 1,444,821 75,218 97,469 5,124 42,636,371
125,869 240,020 250,289 28,299 3,621 240,533 5,397 77,834 886,921 2,865 44,069 2,700 1,104,368 89,937 59,711 2,414 8,433,906 18,261 27,810 16,431,015
Value 12,451,865 15,745,632 6,115 150,474 7,330,564 207,526 483,086 311,289 90,629 16,691 124,077 1,075,057 327,415 1,377,516 691,295 62,544 1,221,828 2,252 500,167 81,243 2,718 25,052 196,215 221,210 5,880 525,381 2,744,340 13,850 145,167 36,220 165,582 315,251 2,463,525 1,811,787 2,263,382 232,416 133,491 258,994 4,573 175,645,494 1,396,530 4,769,998 7,175,008 453,899 425,507 74,960 243,763,695
PAGE 47
Large Solar Installation In Place At Patrick Yarn Mills According to Patrick Yarn Mills, provider of technical and earthfriendly yarns, the company has commissioned one of the largest privately-owned solar installations in the North Carolina Piedmont region. The new solar installation generates 140,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) per
Patrick Yarn Mills’ new solar installation generates 140,000 kilowatt hours per year of clean photovoltaic power. year of clean photovoltaic power — equivalent to the power generated by 11,310 gallons of gasoline or 234 barrels of oil and enough to power 14 average-sized homes. “We’re excited to be generating our own electricity from the sun,” said Gilbert Patrick, president of Patrick Yarns. “We’ve been committed to sustainability for years, and this is another step toward helping create a better planet for future generations and a better environment for our community. It also provides our customers with environmentally sound, Spun by the Sun™ solutions to their textile requirements.” The public can monitor how much electricity the system generates via solar through a web application at www.patrickyarns.com/monitor. The photovoltaic system installed by Argand Energy Solutions was made possible by a grant from the NC Energy Office. All of the system’s major components qualify for funding under the “Buy American” provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law in 2009. Patrick Yarn Mills also manufactures a line of eco-friendly textile products known as Earthspun® yarns, which are made from recycled PET (RPET) plastics found in soda bottles and combined with recycled cotton or other ecofriendly fibers. According to the company, all its facilities use highly efficient lighting and motors, produce no greenhouse gases in its processes, and are working toward a zero landfill goal. Patrick Yarns officials say its commitment to creating jobs in the community is well documented. Time magazine highlighted the company as a rare U.S. textile manufacturer thriving in a global economy. Visit www.patrickyarns.com for more information.
Correction: In the story featuring Ha-Ste Manufacturing in the September online eNews issue of Broom, Brush & Magazine, it should have said: n Looped-end wet mops: Ha-Ste says its looped-end wet mop line includes products for all situations, from high intensive laundering to general purpose use. The MicroKleen line alone is available in 114 different combinations of style, color and banding.
Raw Material Harrell Kerkhoff, Broom, Brush & Mop Editor
Raw Material Price Fluctuation Remains Challenge For Suppliers
T
he fluctuation in raw material prices continues to be a challenge for many companies doing business in the United States, including those involved in the supply and production of brushes, mops and brooms. Four company representatives were recently asked about the status of various raw materials they work with on a daily basis. The general consensus is that many of these materials are readily available. Pricing, however, if often less stable. Hoge Brush Company Manager David Zwiep, of New Knoxville, OH, reported that the wood the business uses comes from domestic sources. The company, which produces such products as brushes, blocks and push brooms, is a division of Hoge Lumber Co. “We make wood blocks for ourselves and a variety of other companies using hard maple, ash, sycamore and a variety of other wood species. Some of this wood comes in the form of logs, which we saw and dry,” Zwiep said. “We are a pretty traditional company, using the same style of blocks from the same wood species over the years.” He added that the current lumber market remains on the weak side. This is due, in part, to today’s slow construction business in the United States. “Supplies for wood are tight. Our suppliers are reacting to the same conditions as seen with the construction market. There is a lot of contraction taking place in the lumber business as this market remains down and there are not as many customers right now,” Zwiep said. “Wood prices, however, haven’t reacted as much as one would think. In fact, in some cases, supply is so tight that prices have gone up.” Along with blocks, Hoge Brush Company also produces various types of brushes that require either natural and synthetic fiber. Zwiep reported that prices for many types of fiber have increased. “This is true for both natural and synthetic fiber. These price increases are not dramatic jumps, but ongoing,” he said. “The good news is there is plenty of supply available.” When asked about the state of overall business as of late, Zwiep reported that a soft market continues although there are some bright spots as well. “With brushes, there remains a lot of pressure from imports. Many people are also waiting to see how the national political climate plays out,” he said. Because it provides deep drawn metal stampings, handle ferrules and broom caps for the brush, broom and mop industries, the status of such raw materials as copper, bronze, aluminum and stainless steel strip is very important for Line Mfg., Inc., of Walcott, CT. “All these raw materials seem to be readily available with normal delivery times for the most part,” Line Mfg., President Bruce Garthwait said. “The same holds true for the drawing oils and lubricants that we use.” He added that today’s price of steel continues to experience greater variations than in the past. “It goes up when the price for commodities goes up and there is greater demand, and then drops again when demand decreases,” Garthwait said. “Our major costs are associated with raw materials. This includes the lubricants we use. Our next major cost is labor.”
Overall, Garthwait reported that recent business activity has been sporadic. “You just never know. We get orders that make us busy, and then business gets slower. It’s been going back and forth. There is really no continuity or major backlogs right now,” he said. Reporting on recent broom corn and yucca fiber activity for the production of natural brooms was R.E. Caddy & Co. President Richard Caddy, of Greensboro, NC. A total of 339 short tons of broom corn was imported into the United States during the first seven months of 2011, with a total value of $712,962, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The cost per ton of this broom corn was $2,103, with a cost per pound of $1.05. All but 9 short tons of these imports came from Mexico. For July, 13 short tons of broom corn were imported, with a total value of $32,581 and a cost per ton of $2,506 ($1.25 per pound). Caddy said he is surprised by July’s light import figure of 13 short tons, but feel the price per pound is fairly accurate, especially if it contained a mixture of hurl, insides and/or raw broom corn. “The Mexican processors I work with still have broom corn available. I don’t think they are as busy as in the past right now,” Caddy said. “We are still able to get what broom corn we need. The quality of the recently harvested Torreon broom corn from Mexico looks pretty nice, and pricing has been steady. Whatever supply is available for export to the United States right now is enough to take care of current demand.” He added that the price for yucca fiber remains stable and quality is “decent.” “It’s probably not the best yucca fiber that we have seen over the past year, but it’s good enough. There are no real problems. You can get a load in two to three weeks.” R.E. Caddy also supplies mop, broom and brush producers with various types of wire. He reported that wire rod remains in good supply. “I haven’t had any negative issues either with the quality of the rod,” he said. “Rod supplies do get scarce from time to time, which can increase pricing. This has not happened lately.” PelRay International CFO Bart Pelton, of San Antonio, TX, also reported on the current availability of broom corn and yucca fiber. He expects broom corn imports for August and September to be higher than July’s 13 short-ton mark. “I feel a lot of people were waiting for the new Torreon crop to become available in July and then see what was going to happen with prices, which did increase some,” Pelton said. “The second Torreon crop usually starts harvesting in late September and into October, but we haven’t heard anything about it yet. People are not traveling to where the broom corn is being grown very much right now due to the violence in northern Mexico. It’s hard to get information. “Yucca fiber prices, meanwhile, are a little higher. This may be due to slightly higher costs involved in doing business in Mexico. The Mexican peso has decreased in value during the past few weeks. At the moment, this hasn’t impacted prices. The peso has to stay down a little longer before we start seeing some price discounting taking place. This is true with everything coming from Mexico.”
September/October 2011
BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
Machinery Manufacturers continued from page 39 always be an interested market,” Williams said. Contact: Boucherie USA Inc., 8748 Gleason Rd., Knoxville, TN 37923. Phone: 865-247-6091. Email: john@boucherie.com. Website: www.boucherie.com.
S
ince the company’s establishment in 1957, Italy’s Bizzotto Giovanni Automation has worked to affirm itself as a key provider of innovative machinery for the brush manufacturing industry, along with profitable technical solutions, according to Bizzotto General Manager Marco Bizzotto. “Following the path marked out by our founder, Giovanni Bizzotto, a person with a passion for mechanical equipment, and putting to good use the experience achieved after many years of hard work, Bizzotto Giovanni Automation has evolved in the mechanical and industrial sectors,” Marco Bizzotto said. He added that due to constant technological research and development of sophisticated automation systems, the company has widened its horizons, presenting itself as a supplier of totally customized machinery for different industrial sectors. The company has also focused on offering a complete partnership with customers that expresses itself in the capacity to understand the needs of each customer and provide them with “made-to-measure” solutions. Bizzotto specializes in providing machinery for three main areas. They are: • Handle Machinery Sector — Sanders, chucking machinery (i.e. doming, tapering, tenoning, threading, end boring. cross boring, etc.), painting machinery (lacquering), Marco Bizzotto labeling systems and packing machinery for the production of wooden handles; Complete machinery lines are also available for the production of metal handles, starting from flat steel or aluminum band coil and including painting lines; machines for assembling various plastic inserts (hanger tips, thread inserts, mop inserts, tapered inserts, etc.); boring, deforming and cutting equipment; as well as labeling systems and machines for packaging with the use of different systems including robotized; • Woodworking Machinery Sector — Profiling and shaping machines; boring and tapping machines; and sanders for the production of broom and brush blocks, paintbrush handles and similar items; and, • Industrial Automation Sector — Customized machinery for the preparation, positioning and assembly of particular products and accessories for the cleaning industry (mops, floor scrubbers, detergent dispensers, velvet lint brushes for clothes cleaning, adhesive lint brushes for clothes cleaning, toothbrush/accessories etc.), automotive industry and the kitchen appliance industry. “Our commitment is to continue to provide new and profitable technical solutions for customers. To reach this aim, the company recently increased its engineering department as well as added to its team of designers and electronic experts in order to provide the most suitable and up-to-date technical solutions possible. This focus is being applied to the machinery we produce,” Marco Bizzotto said. He added that the current state of the world economy has not affected the company too much. He feels this is due to Bizzotto’s ongoing commitment to understand customers’ needs and provide state-of-the-art solutions. “We are aware that the success of our customers keeps us successful as well,” Marco Bizzotto said. Many of these customers will be attending InterBrush in 2012, a very important event for Bizzotto Giovanni Automation as well. The company’s goal at InterBrush will be to meet with current and new customers, “Who can appreciate the technological solutions that we offer, specifically designed for their own needs,” Marco Bizzotto said. “Most of our customers, as broom, brush and/or mop manufacturers,
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choose to periodically develop new products and models, increasing the value added to their products,” he explained. “They invest in innovation as it’s the only way not to get involved in the war of falling prices among competitors. Those companies that produce innovative products often receive more profits from these products.” Continuous evolution of products pushes companies to search for flexible technologies and, at the same time, for the lowest in investment and management costs. “All this requires the use of technologically advanced production and, therefore, machinery with high flexibility in order to continually adapt to new requirements,” Marco Bizzotto said. “We believe the most important thing we offer is a complete partnership with customers. This expresses itself in the capacity to understand their specific needs, and provide customers with ‘made-to-measure’ solutions.” According to Marco Bizzotto, his company does not simply build machinery. Instead, its complete staff, with competencies that range from design to engineering, supports each customer in the evaluation of possible ergonomic and technical improvements for which a specific machine and automation must be created. “Once the final specifications of an item are identified, our team of designers and electronic experts set the most suitable technical solutions in place to apply to the machinery. A sophisticated computer net allows for strict cooperation between different departments. This guarantees a constant updating capability for any phase of the project, and the application of the most innovative and reliable technologies,” Marco Bizzotto said. “Only then will each component be produced with great care while the final assembly of the parts and testing also takes place. Lastly, a team of qualified technicians attend to the installation and start-up of our machinery. We can provide this service anywhere in the world.” Bizzotto officials believe in the slogan, “The solution is … automation.” The company feels automation should be applied as much as possible in all production processes. “We are currently developing some fully automatic production lines; however, most of our machines are custom-made, and most of our projects must be kept confidential,” Marco Bizzotto said. “This is an aspect of how we do business and it’s appreciated by our customers.” He added that a continual push toward automation is important as it helps decrease production costs. It not only reduces manual labor but optimizes productivity — assuring a high and consistent standard of quality that cannot be attained through a manual process. Overall, Marco Bizzotto said the company has carved out a niche within the machinery marketplace by providing customized and flexible equipment, while also supporting customers during every step of the production process. “Each solution that we propose is dedicated to a specific item or items that our customers need to produce. It’s with the passion of an ‘artisan’ that our state-of-the-art solutions are produced and highly appreciated in many parts of the world,” he added. Looking ahead, Bizzotto will continue to work on providing a more accurate design and application of advanced automation machinery to optimize the production process, according to Marco Bizzotto. It’s also important to the company that officials keep a watchful eye on costs and other business-related challenges. “Achievement of this requires a serious commitment that we are able to put together as a company due to our experience and dedication to service for the benefit of all customers,” he added. “Bizzotto’s future centers around building greater custom automation systems for all areas of assembly and packaging as the future of the broom, brush and mop industries is contingent on developing new products and models.” Contact: Bizzotto Giovanni Automation Srl., Via M.Buonarroti, 67 Paviola di S. Giorgio in Bosco (PD). Phone: +39 049 9451067; Fax +39 049 9451068. Email: info@bizzottoautomation.com. Website: www.bizzottoautomation.com.
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BROOM, BRUSH & MOP
2011 National Broom & Mop Meeting Scheduled For November 17-18 The 2011 National Broom & Mop Meeting is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, November 17-18. Industry manufacturers and suppliers will meet at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel in St. Louis, MO, (www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/stlsa-renaissance-st-louis-airport-hotel/) located at 9801 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63134. This is a new St. Louis location for the meeting than in the recent past. The meeting will allow attendees to discuss current market trends in the rapidly changing floorcare and related business segments. On Thursday evening (Nov. 17) attendees are invited to a welcome reception hour followed by a round table dinner. Classified Ad
Wanted Looped Mop Machine, Cut End Mop Machine, Dust Mop Machine and Borghi Brush Machine. Reply to BBM #1010, P.O Box 130, Arcola, IL, 61910 or email drankin@consolidated.net with the subject line “Machinery Wanted.”
Friday morning’s meeting (Nov. 18) will include supplier presentations on the impact of global supply issues. New for this year’s meeting, a panel discussion comprised of industry leaders will replace a keynote speaker. In addition to specific attention directed toward the industry’s challenges for both the short and long term, the panel of manufacturer and supplier representatives will offer insight to questions submitted by attendees. The meeting is targeted for conclusion around noon Friday. For those attendees traveling by air, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service. Hotel reservations must be made by Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 to secure the rate of $99. Reservations can be made by phone at 1-800-468-3571. Make sure to reference the National Broom & Mop Meeting for special rates and rooms. For more information, contact Co-Chair Joel Hastings, Nexstep Commercial Products (exclusive licensee of O-Cedar Commercial) at 800-252-7666, email Joel@ocedarcommercial.com; or Co-Chair Andrew Dailey, Jones Companies, at 877-849-2767, email adailey@jonesyarn.com.
September/October 2011
Tanis, Inc., Acquires Regal Manufacturing Company Tanis, Incorporated has acquired Regal Man ufacturing Company, of Fond du Lac, WI. The two brush manufacturers have had more than two decades of collaboration, and Regal’s former owner, Greg Fuhrman, will continue to be involved in the company going forward. Tanis, Inc., is a manufacturer of standard and specialty brushes for industrial purposes, with more than 30 years’ experience. The company has a customer base in an array of industries — from agriculture and food processing through material handling, industrial distribution, printing and multiple others. Regal Manufacturing Company, established in 1934, specializes in twisted-in-wire and staple-set brushes. Tanis, Inc. is a privately held, ISO 9001-2008certified manufacturer with a wide offering of twisted-in-wire, staple-set, strip and rotary brush products. Its abrasive brush selection features traditional abrasive nylon filament materials plus CeramiX™ — a new filament technology developed in conjunction with 3M™. Visit www.tanisinc.com or call 800-234-7002 for more information.