Broom, Brush & Mop December 2009 by Rankin Publishing

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December 2009

Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine SERVING THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1912

Company Interviews: Paintbrush Makers/Suppliers Help Customers Premier Paint Roller Corona Brushes Dynamic Paint Products

Toothbrush Technology Keeps Improving Tess Corporation Benedent Corporation Prophy Perfect

Imports, Exports Show Declines

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BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

December 2009

Broom, Brush & Mop A RANKIN PUBLISHING PUBLICATION

December 2009

Volume 99, Number 12

FEATURES

CALENDAR

Toothbrushes: Technology Keeps Improving, Re-designing Products _________________________6

FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 3, 2010

Paintbrush Companies Helping Customers Through Difficult Climate_______________________16

MARCH 14-16, 2010

International Hardware Fair, Cologne, Germany Information: 773-326-9928

International Home & Housewares Show, Chicago, IL Information: 847-292-4200

Import/Export Overview________________________24

MARCH 17-20, 2010

August Imports & Exports ______________________26

ABMA Annual Convention, Orlando, FL Information: 630-631-5217

Broom Corn Dealer Survey _____________________36

MAY 4-6, 2010 National Hardware Show, Las Vegas, NV Information: 203-840-5622

STAFF CO-PUBLISHERS Don Rankin

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rick Mullen

drankin@consolidated.net

rankinmag@consolidated.net

Linda Rankin

GRAPHIC/PRODUCTION Jennie Grace David Opdyke RECEPTION Sandy Pierce

lrankin@consolidated.net

EDITOR Harrell Kerkhoff rankinmag@consolidated.net

MAY 22-25, 2010

National Restaurant Association Annual Show, Chicago, IL Information: 312-853-2525

NOVEMBER 9-12, 2010 ISSA/INTERCLEAN®, Orlando, FL Information: 800-225-4772

Rankin Publishing, Inc.

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By Harrell Kerkhoff Broom, Brush & Mop Editor

fter browsing Web sites of different companies that manufacture and/or supply oral care products, it quickly becomes evident that today’s toothbrushes are not what they used to be. There are now toothbrushes that light up, toothbrushes where toothpaste is stored in the handle and can be squeezed out through the brush, three-headed toothbrushes and toothbrushes with carefully engineered handles. Due to the latest in innovations with this time-tested product, one gets a feeling that there may be as many different types of toothbrushes on the market today as there are types of consumers who use them. The days of simply distinguishing a toothbrush with a different color handle are over. Many of today’s products are designed and marketed for individual groups, such as children, senior citizens, those with disabilities, etc. There are now even toothbrushes made for the pet care industry. Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine talked with three toothbrush company representatives to learn more about the state of this important industry and what trends are driving the market. Although all three companies are somewhat different in their approach to business, one thing is in agreement — competition is fierce when it comes to getting that brush into the hand of a customer.

ocusing on manufacturing quality standard toothbrushes to meet the needs of various market segments has helped the Tess Corporation prosper during its 20-year history. Located in Eau Claire, WI, the company was founded in 1989 by Dr. John Tessendor, D.D.S. In the beginning, toothbrushes were made by another company using Tess’ tooling and molds. John Wenum, current owner/operator of Tess Corporation, purchased the business in 1996 and had a manufacturing plant built in Eau Claire. Thus, the company soon became a full-fledged toothbrush manufacturer. Early on, Tess’ toothbrushes were sold in several chain

December 2009

retail stores, but the company found its most profitable niche was that of serving the professional marketplace. Wenum explained that it’s very difficult to maintain a presence in the retail marketplace as a single product line supplier. Thus, the company has found greater success selling its line of toothbrushes strictly to dentists and distributors. Tess Corporation produces toothbrushes for adults, children and for special applications, such as oncology, post-surgery and perio brushes. The company's adult toothbrushes come either with a full

“Machinery manufacturers continue to change the capabilities of their equipment and, thus, we are seeing an explosion of toothbrush features in the marketplace.” -John Wenum, Tess Corporation

or compacted head. Bristles are end-rounded and polished for gentle brushing. All Tess’ bristles are nylon. The company’s brushes for children also feature end-rounded and polished bristles for a soft feel on teeth and gums. “Our product line ranges from soft to extra soft bristles. The extra soft toothbrushes are primarily designed for post-surgical and/or oncology patients,” Wenum explained. Tess Corporation also offers imprinting options for the toothbrushes it produces and sells, utilizing the company’s state-of-theart pad printing system. “We can print such things on a toothbrush as a dentist’s name, Web site, telephone number, logo — whatever that customer wants. This is all done for the benefit of a dentist’s practice,” Wenum said. When interviewed in early November, Wenum added that from a sales standpoint, business at his company was basically flat for most of 2009. However, he is hopeful orders will pick up by the end of the year.

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He explained that during tough economic times, many people, especially those who lose their jobs, put off scheduled trips to the dentist. “There is a strong correlation between dental cleanings and handing out a toothbrush during the visit. Many people have gone from two cleanings a year to one or no cleanings. Many also postpone dental work as they try to save money during a bad economy,” Wenum said. He added that the habit by some of putting off trips to the dentist is not a new phenomenon during hard economic periods. “Dental offices start experiencing a softness in business when times get tough. I know a couple of cities where several dental offices have cut the number of days per week that they are operating,” Wenum said. “As a company, however, one positive aspect that has remained true for us is that we are considered a local business by many. There seems to be a negative feeling by some people toward brushes not made in

“It’s extremely important our customers can talk with the same people each and every day. It’s also good that these customers are able to meet our representatives at various trade shows — the same people they often interact with over the telephone. We take pride in being able to provide a local service to all of our customers.” -John Wenum, Tess Corporation

the United States. This has helped us since our brushes are made in America. “Also, the speed of which we turn around orders has helped quite a bit. The time it takes from when we receive an order to when we deliver that order is short, even with customized products. The majority of our products are imprinted, and yet we are still turning around orders in two to three days.” The company’s Web site, meanwhile, features an easy-to-use and secure online ordering system. While being in the toothbrush business for a number of years, Wenum has seen many styles of products come and go. “There is a lot of gimmickry involved by some who are trying to stay ahead of the curve. It’s like a car manufacturer working to stay in style and look for people who want an upgrade,” Wenum said. “I believe the same thing happens in the toothbrush industry.” He added that with increased machinery automation as it pertains to toothbrush production, more manufacturers have the ability today to produce many types of products. “Capabilities are being added to toothbrush machinery that have not be present in the past. For example, bristles can now be inserted into the toothbrush head at an angle. There is also three dimensional insertion of bristles to handles as well as anchor-set and fused features,” Wenum said. “Machinery manufacturers continue to change the capabilities of their equipment and, thus, we are seeing an explosion of toothbrush features in the marketplace.” Despite often changing toothbrush features, providing quality customer service never goes out of style for successful domestic manufacturers such as Tess Corporation. Wenum said this focus on service

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remains vital, allowing his company to not only survive today, but thrive in the coming years. “I feel that in our case, it’s extremely important our customers can talk with the same people (at Tess Corporation) each and every day. It’s also good that these customers are able to meet our representatives at various trade shows — the same people they often interact with over the telephone,” Wenum explained. “We take pride in being able to provide a local service to all of our customers.” As for the future, Wenum said the challenge remains of finding the proper amount of funds to invest in additional equipment as it pertains to product molds and tooling. This is key when offering a fresh looking product line. “It’s also important to be able to compete on a cost level basis with toothbrushes coming from China and India,” Wenum said. Despite these challenges, Wenum is optimistic about his company and the U.S. toothbrush marketplace as a whole. “As the population of the United States continues to grow, more people will need to brush their teeth,” he said. “Our business is not going away. We, as a company, continue to find niches and grow within them. Therefore, I’m looking at the future with optimism.” Contact: Tess Corporation, 1226 International Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Phone: 800-762-1765; Fax: 715-832-0093. Web site: www.tesscorp.com.

December 2009

eeting the changing needs of customers and working with a quality toothbrush supplier have been two keys to success for Prophy Perfect, of Osseo, WI. Starting in 1988 by offering disposable prophy angles that are used by dental hygienists to polish teeth, the company has grown over the years by also offering different types of toothbrushes. “Getting into the toothbrush side of the oral care business was a

“Offering rationally-priced toothbrushes that also look good and work well, so our customers are proud to give them out at their dental practices, is the direction we have taken.” -Susan Ferro, Prophy Perfect

natural transition based on the fact that hygienists use prophy angles and they are also the ones who dispense toothbrushes,” Prophy Perfect President Susan Ferro explained. “Offering rationally-priced toothbrushes that also look good and work well, so our customers are proud to give them out at their dental practices, is the direction we have taken.” The primary manufacturer of Prophy Perfect’s toothbrushes is

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Having a (toothbrush) that is ergonomically “Improving ergonomics is vital as our society becomes older. Having correct, with a little fata (toothbrush) that is ergonomically correct, with a little fatter ter handle, is imporhandle, is important. We do this as well for our denture brushes.” tant,” Ferro said. “We do this as well for our -Susan Ferro, Prophy Perfect denture brushes. They feature a nice curve and Team Technologies, Inc., of Morristown, TN, which Ferro said is a component to help the user better hold on to the brush.” very involved with introducing new and innovative products. She added that the toothbrush marketplace is often driven by Prophy Perfect can ship its toothbrushes to customers from the marketing. Although Prophy Perfect cannot compete against the company's Wisconsin office, or have them drop shipped by Team larger budgets of international conglomerates, it does find success Technologies. at trade shows and through direct mailings. Trade shows are par“I feel they (Team Technologies) have responded well to market ticularly important because a company can show off its products changes,” she said. “We (Prophy Perfect), therefore, can provide in front of the person who is looking to purchase. In other words, several different kinds of products. This includes toothbrushes this person can actually touch and feel the toothbrush. with extremely soft bristles designed for use by post-surgical Since its beginning in 1988, Prophy Perfect has grown its prodpatients undergoing chemotherapy or any kind of condition that uct line mainly through trade show attendance and by word-ofattacks the oral cavity. mouth. Although the company is primarily geared toward dental “This type of toothbrush has been a good product for us in a lot hygienists — those who are with dental patients the most — it of different ways. Basically, my goal is to provide customers with does sell toothbrushes as well to the general public and to institugood products at a reasonable price.” tions. According to Ferro, Prophy Perfect offers toothbrushes which “People will find our Web site and ask if we can sell products to come in various head sizes as it remains important to provide fea- them, which we respond, ‘Yes, we will.’ It also helps that our comtures that satisfy the different wants and needs of customers. The pany’s name is on a lot of our products,” Ferro said. “We offer a company keeps up with changing times and demands through good manual toothbrush. Of course, it’s all about using the prodinnovation. A current trend within the industry has to do with larg- uct properly.” er toothbrush handles. Although today’s tough economic times have played havoc “Improving ergonomics is vital as our society becomes older. among many businesses, Ferro said she has no complaints about

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December 2009

“I do feel the toothbrush industry will be different in the Prophy Perfect’s health. “I had expected a bit of a downturn, but we have basically held future. Everything changes. That is progress. We have to be our own with some growth,” she explained. “One advantage is ready. This includes updating our Web site to make ordering we don’t have a lot of overhead. As a company, we have also easier, which we recently completed. We run monthly specials learned to conduct business very efficiently. I feel we have this on our site and work to evolve as a company,” Ferro said. “I still down to a science. Rational managing of our assets has also have a really good time at what I’m doing. This includes working with customers. I truly respect what they do (in dentistry). helped.” Keeping a strong focus on personalized customer service It’s a hard job. “Staying positive is the most import thing as a company, and I remains at the top of the list in importance. In Ferro’s words, “We are good with our customers. Prophy Perfect is a small company feel this shows in our customer service.” located in the Midwest where many of our customers have been Contact: Prophy Perfect, 14007 10th St., working with us for years. When they call, we know them. They Osseo, WI 54758. Phone: 800-776-3948. always like to compare their weather with ours in Wisconsin, E-mail: info@prophyperfect.com. especially in the winter time. This type of relationship is imporWeb Site: www.prophyperfect.com. tant. “Many of our customers don’t have a lot of time, and it helps hile taking a few minutes to look over the three-headthat we know about their needs. Our success is based on developed toothbrush offered by the Benedent Corporation, ing relationships with people.” of Houston, TX, it soon becomes clear that this isn’t Going the extra mile is also vital for those involved with Prophy an ordinary product. The company’s target markets are also quite Perfect. diverse as Benedent makes toothbrushes and other hygiene prod“For example, if we have toothbrushes that have been misprint- ucts for both humans and pets. ed, rather than throwing them away, we will call a customer and The company’s flagship product is its ADA (American Dental ask if they have a favorite charity that can use these brushes. If so, Association) accepted Benefit toothbrush. The innovative brush we will send these toothbrushes to that charity in our customer’s is made with three independent heads, each mounted on a stem. name,” Ferro said. “This is completely spontaneous. Customers don’t expect or ask for this “The challenge is to gain real estate that those larger type of offering, but it's a nice thing to do for companies enjoy in the retail stores. We can only do people. “It helps that our customers know that we that by working through smaller channels. People appreciate their loyalty. It is the little things recognize us by visiting their dentist and receiving that we can do that really makes the differone of our triple-headed toothbrushes.” ence.” Prophy Perfect is very involved in provid-Jorge Zarur, Benedent Corporation ing toothbrushes that feature custom printing. These brushes are not only desired by dental offices, but by individuals as well. The brush heads wrap around teeth and brush all three sides at “We have supplied toothbrushes for such events as weddings once. and bar mitzvahs. A hygienist who is getting married will often The Benefit toothbrush was developed in the late 1990s by want to give out toothbrushes that highlight the wedding date,” Alfredo Harari, who was in the business of distributing products Ferro said. to drug stores in Mexico. In the course of his work, Harari came As for the future, Ferro reported that foreign competition across what he considered a poorly made, but interesting brush continues to be a top concern for U.S. toothbrush manufactur- that bore some similarities to what was to become the current ers. Benefit toothbrush. Harari hired an engineer and launched a “Competition is mostly coming from Asian countries, which rather lengthy process to develop and test the triple-headed toothin the past had troubles with quality. However, their toothbrush- brush concept. The resulting Benefit brush was patented worldes have become better over the years,” Ferro said. “We (Prophy wide. Perfect) can offer good customer service and the best products, “The three headed feature of the toothbrush itself is not the main but often the bottom line is all about price. When a dentist is reason for the product’s success,” according to Benedent running a practice and looking at overhead costs, sometimes if Corporation General Manager Jorge Zarur. “The core reason a toothbrush is made in China that dentist will look the other for the success is that these heads are flexible and independent of way. each other. Therefore, each head adapts to the side and shape of “I understand and respect this decision, so what we try to do each tooth with every stroke. This process makes it easier to brush is provide a product that is comparable in price. This allows either your own teeth, or while brushing the teeth of others with our customers to purchase American-made products at a price disabilities.” they can also afford. This gives them the ability to still shop There have been challenges to overcome, however, when selllocally.” ing a three-headed toothbrush. She added that it’s also important for her company to not over “With a regular, single-head toothbrush, people are taught early charge customers when it comes out with new and improved on to brush their teeth ‘up and down.’ With the Benefit tripleitems. headed toothbrush, it’s important to brush ‘backward and for-

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December 2009

two years, the company has partnered with Plastic Tec, a wellknown manufacturer from Mexico that produces toothbrushes distributed throughout the world. Originally, Zarur said, Benedent’s toothbrushes were to be manufactured by Plastic Tec in Mexico, but due to a fire at a Plastic Tec manufacturing facility, toothbrush production for Benedent is now taking place in the United States. “After the fire, ownership of Benedent realized that the knowhow and expertise of making money while selling toothbrushes came from people, not machinery or buildings. Therefore, the partnership with Plastic “It’s essential that we know exactly who we want Tec was continued. Today, Benedent’s toothbrushes to sell our products to. If we know our target are made from state-of-the-art equipment in the markets well, we will then also know exactly United States, while Plastic Tec’s management runs the business side,” Zarur said. our customers’ needs.” Within the past several years, Benedent has -Jorge Zarur, Benedent Corporation been involved in adding additional brands and is near completion of a project to improve the original design of the company’s triple-headed prevent periodontal disease. The outermost bristles are extra soft toothbrush. “We are a couple of weeks away from launching our second to massage gums. The side brush heads are mounted at a 45degree angle, which is the optimum angle for cleaning the gum generation triple-headed toothbrush, which we feel will bring us a new wave of customers,” Zarur said. line. Benedent sells its toothbrush line for humans through masZarur added that the brush’s unique triple-headed design reduces the need to twist and turn the arm or wrists, making the ter distribution and by selling direct to dentists. Its cusBenefit toothbrush ideal for people with limited hand, wrist and/or tomers for the pet marketplace, meanwhile, can be found arm movement as a result of arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or other from four main sources — mom and pop pet stores, distributors, private label companies, and regional and national similar conditions. Benedent Corporation’s Benefit Plus toothbrush, mean- chain stores. When looking ahead to 2010 and beyond, Zarur said the main while, is the same type of product as the Benefit brush, but comes with a wide and padded easy-to-hold handle. The challenge for Benedent will be successfully competing against padded handle is designed to protect the sensitive mouth area larger toothbrush companies that seem to have an unlimited and can help a caregiver when assisting a person with physi- amount of funds available for marketing. “The challenge is to gain real estate that those larger compacal challenges. To help make sure children brush their teeth correctly, the nies enjoy in the retail stores,” he said. “We can only do that by Benefit for Kids toothbrush features a padded, easy-to-hold han- working through smaller channels. People recognize us by visitdle and comes in “fun” colors. It also is designed with three flex- ing their dentist and receiving one of our triple-headed toothible independent heads that allow children to clean each tooth sur- brushes. “Little by little we are making noise. Of course, the basic idea face in a single brushing stroke, while effectively removing plaque for every company is to gain business in big steps. This is our and gently massaging gum tissue. On the pet side of the business, Benedent manufactures a line of main challenge regarding the human side of the product category, pet hygiene products under the name Triple•Pet, including a triple- and, after all, our business was created to serve humans with good headed toothbrush similar to the Benefit brush for humans. toothbrushes. “On the pet side, Triple•Pet has been successful, in part, because Benedent’s pet lineup includes an all-natural toothpaste, plaque remover, breath freshener and several products to eliminate pet we were one of the first companies to produce a toothbrush for pets in the United States. This gives us an advantage.” odors. Zarur added that as the company begins to spend more on “As the company started to move forward, officials realized that there was a huge market for pet toothbrushes. For instance, people advertising, it’s vital to better recognize Benedent’s target conoften go to the veterinarian to have their pets’ teeth cleaned. This sumers. “It’s essential that we know exactly who we want to sell process can be quite costly,” Zarur said. In response, Benedent created the Triple•Pet toothbrush and our products to. If we know our target markets well, we will then also know exactly our customers’ needs. If we are able began marketing it toward the pet supply business. “This turned out to be a large success for Benedent,” Zarur to touch their desires, they will buy our products in return.” explained. “We offer three-in-one toothbrushes for both humans and pets, but they are not three times more expensive than regular Contact: Benedent Corporation, toothbrushes. Instead, our products are very competitive in pric16810 Barker Springs, Suite 217, ing.” Houston, TX 77084. Phone: 800-450-4977 Since its beginnings 14 years ago, Benedent has been involved E-mail: info@benedent.com. in several changes in order to remain competitive. Within the past Web site: www.benedent.com. ward,’” Zarur explained. Besides the regular population, the Benefit toothbrush is designed for those who, for various reasons, face challenges in brushing properly. These are challenges that typically are difficult to overcome by using conventional toothbrushes. According to Zarur, the Benefit brush heads maintain the correct angle and allow the user to apply the right amount of pressure on both large and smaller teeth for proper cleaning, and to help

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By Rick Mullen Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor

s the housing and construction segments of the marketplace have suffered greatly during these recessionary times, one might expect that paintbrush companies would have suffered greatly as well. However, officials from three North American paintbrush manufacturers who spoke recently with Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine indicate their respective businesses have been holding their own, if not growing in some areas. Despite the economy, consumers and professionals alike have continued to purchase paint applicator and related products, albeit in some cases at lesser amounts than before the recession. The paintbrush manufacturing officials interviewed shared how their respective companies have helped customers through these tough economic times by offering a wide variety of high quality, innovative and efficient products, while ramping up their customer service initiatives.

radition, quality, ingenuity, hard work and service are all concepts ingrained in the family business culture at Corona Brushes, Inc., of Tampa, FL, which manufactures high-quality handmade painting tools distributed throughout the United States and Canada, as well as internationally. In keeping with its reputation of catering to the professional who requires high quality paintbrushes and rollers, Corona’s products have been traditionally available through independent paint dealers, rather than large retail outlets. To this end, Corona says its ongoing commitment to personalized customer service is second to none and has been especially important, both to the company and also to its customers, during these tough economic times.

December 2009

“We believe in personalized customer service,” said Corona Brushes Vice President of Sales Benjamin Waksman. “Even during these recessionary times, our representatives are still traveling and maintaining the same level of human contact as we have always provided to our customers. “Corona is a family company and I think those who do business with us appreciate the personal contact we make available, whether it is with our sales people on the road or our office staff. “Likewise, we appreciate that kind of personal contact with our

“We believe in personalized customer service. Even during these recessionary times, our representatives are still traveling and maintaining the same level of human contact as we have always provided to our customers.” -Benjamin Waksman, Corona Brushes, Inc.

vendors rather than feeling like we are dealing with a big nameless conglomerate.” Indeed, Corona’s reputation for service matches its reputation for offering quality products. The company’s ability to offer quick and efficient delivery of products has been an important boost to its customers during the lean economy. “We are trying to help our customers get through these hard times. We work with our customers to the best of our abilities,” Waksman said. “Most people are working to maintain very low inventories, which means, as a manufacturer, we must maintain healthy inventories. When customers need product; they need it quickly. They don’t have a lot of inventory margin to draw upon while they wait to receive the next shipment. So, at Corona, which

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is known for quality service as well as quality products, we have ramped up that aspect of our service.” While Corona’s professional paintbrushes have traditionally been its flagship products, the company also offers high quality home/maintenance, industrial and promotional brushes. In addition, Corona offers paint roller products; kits and trays; extension poles and accessories; marine products; and more. “A lot of emphasis is put on our paintbrushes, but we are growing significantly with our top-end paint roller segment,” Waksman said. Corona’s comprehensive paint applicator and related product lineup is also helpful as more companies are seeking to reduce the number of suppliers they do business with as a cost cutting measure. “We want to be a complete supplier for our customers and not be painted into a corner over any one particular segment,” Waksman said. Corona Brushes’ journey to becoming a modern-day leader in the paintbrush industry began decades ago in post-World War I Russia when Jude Waksman learned the trade of processing hog bristles for paintbrush manufacturing. After the Bolsheviks seized power in Russia following World War I, Jude Waksman left his homeland searching for a better life for his family. While he initially intended to come to America, immigration quotas at that time prohibited him from settling in the United States, so he made a new home for his family in Havana, Cuba. Working initially as a laborer in Cuba, Jude Waksman was able to send for his wife and daughter. After reuniting in Cuba, two

December 2009

boys and another daughter were added to the family. During World War II, Jude Waksman’s skill in processing hog bristle for making paintbrushes opened the door for him to start his own business. The war disrupted the supply of Chinese and Russian bristle to U.S. paintbrush manufacturers, so Jude Waksman built a processing facility outside Havana to supply the United States with bristle from Cuban hogs. The bristle processing plant eventually became Corona Brushes. With help from his sons, Gregory and David, the company grew into a major supplier of brushes and rollers in the Caribbean. As the 1960s approached, political events once again prompted the Waksmans to seek a new home after Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba in 1959. Two year later, the Waksman family relocated — this time to the United States. Essentially starting over from the ground up, the company continued to grow. Jude, David and Gregory Waksman earned the loyalty of independent paint dealers as the company established a reputation for making quality painting tools. Today, the company boasts a 70,000 square-foot facility in Tampa with nearly 100 employees. Gregory Waksman serves as the company’s president while his sons, Albert and Benjamin, are vice presidents. Jude and David Waksman are deceased. “In 2011, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of our company being established in the United States, where we basically started over again from scratch,” Benjamin Waksman said. “We are constantly reinvesting in our facilities, and we are looking forward to introducing some new products in the next two years, especially in 2011, in conjunction with our 50th anniversary. We are looking forward to a nice celebration. It is a very meaningful step for us.” Since relocating to the United States, the company has enjoyed much success in becoming a worldwide leader in the paintbrush industry, culminating in a record sales year in 2007. “Two years ago was the best year in our history,” Benjamin Waksman said. “However, we saw a decline in 2008 overall. People had been predicting for a number of years that the housing bubble was going to burst and create problems in the economy. Nonetheless, I don’t think anyone was forecasting the economic downturn would be this serious. Although the economists are saying the recession is over — that is the economy has stopped shrinking — it is going to take a while to see any significant improvements. “The recession has been challenging. Our products are geared more toward the professional market and professional painters have not been as busy this year. Some of the jobs professionals may have typically been called upon to do have gone to the do-ityourself (DIY) market. Although many DIY customers use Corona tools to get a better paint job, most of our products go to the professional user. Also, our products are not used as much in new construction as they are in the maintenance and repaint arena. Some of that type of work is also apparently being put off until the economy improves. “Nonetheless, we still see growth in the professional end, even though right now it is slow. We are confident we will continue to grow as more painters are drawn to the quality of our products. Some of that growth is ‘quiet.’ It is not ‘exploding.’ This is actually good because we are able to keep up and hire new people and train them. “An important key to success is to have good trained brush

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makers and roller makers who know what they are doing. We look at 2010 as being a rebuilding year from this standpoint, as we will begin to hire more people and perhaps make inroads into some export markets that are looking for high quality paint applicators. “Whether it is a brush maker in the plant or a person in the office, our loyal employees mean everything to us. Without them, there is no Corona.” If the economists are correct and the recession has ended or is ending, there are always challenges in the business world as companies move into the future. In the paintbrush industry, and especially with a high-quality manufacturer such as Corona Brushes, the raw material market can be a problem. “There are always the challenges of getting the best quality raw materials, especially in the case of natural materials,” Benjamin Waksman said. “In the United States, many companies have merged and others have shifted manufacturing to cheaper labor markets, which are usually overseas. Still others are purchasing product outright and have become essentially distributors. One result of all this is the wealth of raw material suppliers has diminished. “I am sure there are companies remaining that are as committed to supplying quality raw materials as we are to manufacturing quality paintbrushes and rollers. So, it is a challenge, but it is a challenge that will be met.” Another challenge Benjamin Waksman spoke of is being able to manufacture quality products onshore given the cost of labor. “From a manufacturing standpoint, the United States is a high

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December 2009

cost labor market compared to some Asian and South American destinations,” Benjamin Waksman said. “It is a challenge, but we remain committed to manufacturing quality handmade painting tools in the United States. This is another challenge that we will meet. “There are always marketing challenges as business models change and markets change. The quest is to stay true to your ideals and still deal with the changes that are bound to come. They are not always bad changes, but you have to be able to meet the challenges and handle the changes successfully, and we aim to do just that. “One key word is ‘commitment.’ There are companies that are committed to making quality tools and we are one of them. As long as we, as a company, hold true to that commitment, we will always have a future. Economies may boom; economies may slow down, but successful companies stay true to their commitments without turning a blind eye to challenges and/or changes.” One change that has taken place in the paint industry that has had a significant impact on the manufacturing of paintbrushes and other paint applicators is the proliferation of synthetic filaments as opposed to the use of natural bristle. Synthetic paintbrushes work best with modern water-based paints that are thicker than traditional oil-based paints, which are typically applied with natural bristle brushes. “The predominance of our paintbrush production is in synthetics. We have some unique formulations and processes that ensure superior coverage, finishing, etc., for the various types of water-

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based coatings available,” Benjamin Waksman said. ing to be a popular and timely addition to Dynamic’s product However, Corona Brushes, with its history of working with nat- offering. ural paintbrush bristle, also offers natural bristle brushes including “Enviro-Paintware is our biggest opportunity because green is those made with black and white China bristle, a blend of China not a trend; it is a new reality,” said Dynamic Paint Products bristle with ox-ear hair and others. “Before we made paintbrushes, we were in the “It is true that paint and brushes are being made better bristle processing business,” Benjamin Waksman said. “Therefore, there are a lot of unique processand they last longer, but when a person gets tired of es that we use with our pure bristle that makes looking at that red wall, no matter how good the them work better and last longer. There will paint job is, they are going to change it to blue, or always be some demand for natural bristle brushwhatever. Fashion is fashion and the paint business es and some painters will always prefer natural bristle. As long as the Chinese produce bristle, is, for the most part, fashion. I really don’t see there will be some demand for it, but I think it that changing very much.” will be a mostly synthetic world, and we are prepared. -Randy Gerrits, Dynamic Paint Products “When it comes to synthetic filament, we stick to the finest, which we believe to be the solid round tapered Product Manager Randy Gerrits. “The Enviro-Paintware cateDuPont™ materials.” gory has been a really good news story for our company. It has While synthetics are a modern-day reality, environmentally been a door opener for us and is leading to some good business friendly issues and/or products are also highly visible on the opportunities. This product line is only going to grow.” radar screens of most industries. While Corona Brushes does not Dynamics “green team” has been working for some time advertise a “green” product line per se, the company is certainly developing the company’s environmentally friendly product aware of green issues and participates in environmentally friend- strategies and innovations. The company’s Enviro-Paintware ly practices. The inherent “greeness” of Corona’s paint applica- line includes a variety of products such as paintbrushes, rollers, tor products is involved in their longevity of usage and natural trays, caulking tools and accessories. The products are made resource saving attributes, as opposed to making a dispensable from recycled materials and also feature replaceable parts and product that may or may not be made with recycled or recycla- refills. ble materials. For example, Enviro paintbrushes have removable heads. When “We believe we make the greenest products on the market the head wears out, it can be replaced and the entire paintbrush because of their quality and durability,” Benjamin Waksman said. does not have to be thrown away. The company also offers a paint “For painters who are using today’s fast drying acrylic paints, we roller made of 100 percent recycled material. recommend synthetic paintbrushes and paint rollers that are going “We make all kinds of products out of recycled materials. We to release better and, at the end of the job, are going clean up bet- operate a paper-less warehouse. We are totally electronic and have ter and use less water in the process. This is really the greenest been for years,” Gerrits said. “We focus on environmental issues way to go. in everything we do, including how we can reduce packaging, “At the same time, whether it is in our manufacturing operation paper usage, make things out of recycled and recyclable products, or in our office administration, we try to be as conservative as pos- and other environmentally friendly activities. sible in the usage of energy, materials, paper, wood waste, etc. “Two things usually come to mind when people think of recyThis has been an ongoing policy at Corona because it is not only clable or recycled products — they are either of inferior quality or good for the environment, but also is good economically. We are they are going to cost more. In contrast, our recycled and recyclaalso planning to install more efficient lighting systems and more ble items are as good, if not better, than comparable products and efficient motors that drive our equipment to cut down on our ener- they do not cost more. This is why we are very fussy about what gy consumption.” goes into our Enviro-Paintware products.” Gerrits reported that although the worldwide economic downContact: Corona Brushes Inc., 5065 Savarese Circle, Tampa, FL turn has had somewhat of an impact on Dynamic, business has 33634. Phone: 800-458-3483; Fax: 813-882-9810. been “pretty good” on the paint applicator side of the company. E-mail: info@coronabrushes.com. All of the company’s paintbrushes are made by hand. Web site: www.coronabrushes.com. “We have upgraded and revamped our applicator line over the ynamic Paint Products, of Mississauga, ON, is a leader past couple of years and we have seen big growth in that area,” in the manufacture, distribution and sale of paint applica- Gerrits said. “In this day and age people are looking for value. We tors and related products in Canada and the United are one of the few manufacturers of brushes that run the gamut States. The company’s customers come from several marketplace from the 29-cent ‘use-it-and-lose-it brush,’ up to the professional segments including professional, industrial, commercial and brush that a person will look after and keep for several years — and all under one label.” retail. Another service that helps distinguish Dynamic from its comThe company features more that 1,500 products under the DYNAMIC® brand and distributes other quality brands as well. petitors is its commitment to keeping customers fully informed One of the company’s newer lines, Enviro-Paintware™, is prov- about the products they are purchasing. One way it does this is by

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providing detailed information — such as about paint flow and pickup and release — on the packaging containing the products. This unique packaging concept not only informs the consumer, but also helps retailers that have cut back on staff to keep their customers informed. Even though these recessionary times have not negatively affected Dynamic as much as many of its U.S. neighbors to the south, the company has ratcheted up its efforts to help it customers deal with the down economy. “Service — just flat out service is how we are supporting our customers during these tough times,” Gerrits said. “We really strive hard to have a very high fill rate of products shipped. We are finding that many companies are reducing their inventory on the shelf, which means they want inventory on demand. Many retailers who run out of product on Friday want a new shipment to arrive on Monday. “In many instances, we can ship the same day we receive an order. Our fast turnaround times, combined with our high fill rate, means our customers have been able to let their inventory run down without effecting their sales. They know that they can get products from us quickly. We take great pride in offering this high quality service.” The company’s supply chain operates from two automated facilities, located in Mississauga and Burnaby, BC, which provide customers with immediate inquiry response on inventory availability, shipping status and order tracking to ensure quick delivery across North America. Dynamic’s wide variety of products also has the company well

December 2009

positioned in an economy where “one-stop” shopping is viewed as a viable way to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency. “Many companies have cut back on the number of their vendors,” Gerrits said. “For example, there is a major paint company in the United States that dropped the smallest 200 vendors they had no matter what they supplied or who they supplied. We weren’t on that list because we have so much to offer and so much diversity of product. It has become a reality. People can’t afford to deal with 18 different suppliers any longer. They are going to choose three or four of their best ones, and we want to be one of the three or four best.” In addition to paintbrushes and rollers, Dynamic’s varied product lineup includes a full line of cage frames, paint trays and extension poles. The company also offers accessories such as drop sheets, protective wear, knives, blades and scrapers. For the preparation aspects of a painting or decorating project, Dynamic offers several abrasives such as sandpaper and sanding sponges of several shapes and sizes. The company also offers wall covering accessories and decorative tools for professional paperhangers and do-it-yourself customers. These items include heavy-duty pastes, wall prep, border adhesives and paper removal products, resulting in easier paperhanging and removal. In addition, Dynamic has a complete line of user friendly and creative faux finish applicators including stencil, artist, craft and watercolor brushes and decorative stencils as well as faux mediums such as Venetian Plaster, glazes and metallic paints.

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For more than 30 years, Dynamic Paint Products has established itself as a leader in the paint applicator industry and Gerrits said the company’s key to success has been, according to customer testimonies: “Our people, service and reliability.” Gerrits added: “I see our future as being pretty bright. As economic forces tend to weed out and change industries, I don’t see the paint and paint applicator industry changing significantly. “It is true that paint and brushes are being made better and they last longer, but when a person gets tired of looking at that red wall, no matter how good the paint job is, they are going to change it to blue, or whatever. Fashion is fashion and the paint business is, for the most part, fashion. I really don’t see that changing very much.” Contact: Dynamic Paint Products, Inc., 7040 Financial Drive, Mississauga, ON L5N 7H5, Canada. Phone: 800-668-1124; Fax: 866-286-8089. E-mail: info@dynamicsundries.com. Web site: www.getpainting.com.

remier Paint Roller LLC, of Richmond Hill, NY, located in the borough of Queens in New York City, is one of the largest manufacturers of paint rollers, paintbrushes, and related accessories worldwide. The company began in the early 1960s and has been privately held by the Leichter family for three generations. Premier supplies products for various industries and uses. Its customers range from do-it-yourselfers to professional painters and contractors. Premier bills itself as the largest independent family-owned paint roller manufacturer in the United States. The company also offers a selection of consumer and professional paintbrushes as well as artist brushes. Premier’s paint rollers are manufactured domestically, while its brushes are made overseas. The company’s product lineup also includes roller and paint accessories, roller and tray sets and paint pads. “Our niche is we offer the best quality products at the best competitive pricing,” said Premier Paint Roller National Sales Manager Peter Vasile. “This has been borne out by the fact that our sales have been constant and growing, which is a testament to our product quality and our pricing.” Premier’s ability to offer high quality products at competi-

BROOM CAPS

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tive prices and its diverse customer base located throughout many regions worldwide, have helped take the edge off the challenges associated with recent negative economic developments.

“Premier prides itself on supplying very high quality products at probably some the most competitive pricing in the industry. We try to help our customers in this way, whether we are in an economic downturn or not.” -Peter Vasile, Premier Paint Roller

“Everyone is feeling the impact of the economic downturn all over and everyone is trying to deal with it in the best positive way,” Vasile said. “For many companies located in such hard hit states as California, Florida and Nevada, the situation is difficult. However, we do business in other locations that takes up the slack, but it has been tough. Premier prides itself on supplying very high quality products at probably some the most competitive pricing in the industry. We try to help our customers in this way, whether we are in an economic downturn or not.” Premier’s long history of focusing on customer service has also Continued On Page 34

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December 2009

Imports, Exports Generally Decline After 8 Months By Rick Mullen Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor U.S. government trade figures for the first eight months of 2009 indicate raw material imports were down in two of the three categories outlined in this issue, compared to the first eight months of 2008. Figures for metal handles prior to March 2009 are not available for comparison. For August 2009, raw material imports were up in two of the three categories outlined, other than metal handles, compared to August 2008. Import totals for the first eight months of 2009 were down in five of the six finished goods categories outlined from the same time period in 2008. Also, in August 2009, all six categories outlined recorded decreases, compared to August 2008. RAW MATERIAL IMPORTS Hog Bristle The United States imported 30,705 kilograms of hog bristle in August 2009, up about 38 percent from 22,192 kilograms imported in August 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, 213,330 kilograms of hog bristle were imported, about an 18 percent decrease from 259,161 kilograms imported during the first eight months of 2008. China exported 210,911 kilograms of hog bristle to the United States during the first eight months of 2009, compared to 257,561 kilograms during the first eight months of 2008. The average price per kilogram for August 2009 was $2, down about 88 percent from the average price per kilogram for August 2008 of $17.22. The average price per kilogram for the first eight months of 2009 was $7.39, down about 56 percent from the average price per kilogram of $16.81 for the first eight months of 2008.

The average price per brush back was 34 cents during August 2009, down about 19 percent from the average price for August 2008 of 42 cents. For the first eight months of 2009, the average price per brush back was 46 cents, down about 33 percent from the average price of 69 cents for the first eight months of 2008. Metal Handles The import total of metal handles during August 2009 was 3 million, down from the July 2009 total of 3.9 million. During the first eight months of 2009, 21.2 million metal handles were imported. The United States imported 10.7 million metal handles from Italy during the first eight months of 2009, 8.1 million from China and 2 million from Spain. The average price per handle for August 2009 was 58 cents, the same as the previous month. The average price for the first eight months of 2009 was 61 cents. FINISHED GOODS IMPORTS Brooms Of Broom Corn Valued At Less Than 96 Cents The United States imported 15,252 brooms of broom corn valued at less than 96 cents per broom during August 2009, compared to 17,772 in August 2008, a decrease of about 14 percent. During the first eight months of 2009, 101,256 brooms of broom corn were imported, down about 38 percent from 162,978 imported during the first eight months of 2008. Mexico shipped 94,056 brooms of broom corn to the United States during the first eight months of 2009, and China shipped 7,200. The average price per broom for August 2009 was 74 cents, down about 13 percent from 85 cents for August 2008. The average price per broom for the first eight months of 2009 was 75 cents, up 2 cents from the average price for the first eight months of 2008.

Broom And Mop Handles The import total of broom and mop handles during August 2009 was 1.6 million, down about 36 percent from 2.5 million broom and mop handles imported in August 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, 13.6 million broom and mop handles were imported, compared to 20.8 million for the first eight months of 2008, a decrease of about 35 percent. During the first eight months of 2009, the United States imported 4.9 million handles from Brazil, 3.9 million from Honduras, 2.5 million from China and 1.7 million from Indonesia. The average price per handle for August 2009 was 68 cents, down about 6 percent from 72 cents for August 2008. The average price for the first eight months of 2009 was 69 cents, an increase of about 5 percent over the average price recorded for the first eight months of 2008 of 66 cents.

Brooms Of Broom Corn Valued At More Than 96 Cents The United States imported 747,276 brooms of broom corn valued at more than 96 cents per broom during August 2009, compared to 787,926 in August 2008, a decrease of about 5 percent. During the first eight months of 2009, 5.7 million brooms of broom corn were imported, down about 3 percent from 5.9 million imported during the first eight months of 2008. Mexico shipped 5.4 million brooms of broom corn to the United States during the first eight months of 2009. The average price per broom for August 2009 was $2.37, down 1 cent from the average price for August 2008. The average price per broom for the first eight months of 2009 was $2.46, up about 7 percent from $2.29 for the first eight months of 2008.

Brush Backs August 2009 imports of brush backs totaled 274,014, up about 132 percent from the August 2008 total of 118,087 brush backs. During the first eight months of 2009, 1.9 million brush backs were imported, an increase of about 12 percent over the total for the first eight months of 2008 of 1.7 million. The United States imported 1.1 million brush backs from Canada during the first eight months of 2009, while importing 223,752 from Sri Lanka.

Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable Material The import total of brooms and brushes of vegetable material during August 2009 was 95,186, down about 35 percent from 145,882 brooms and brushes imported during August 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, 943,454 brooms and brushes were imported, down about 21 percent from 1.2 million imported during the first eight months of 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, the United States imported 546,395 brooms and brushes from Sri Lanka and 117,468 from China.

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The average price per unit for August 2009 was $2.02, up about 22 percent from $1.65 for August 2008. The average price for the first eight months of 2009 was $1.87, an increase of about 22 percent from the average price recorded for the first eight months of 2008 of $1.53. Toothbrushes The United States imported 61.1 million toothbrushes in August 2009, down about 20 percent from 76.5 million imported in August 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, 523.8 million toothbrushes were imported, down about 2 percent from 534.8 million imported during the first eight months of 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, the United States received 366.2 million toothbrushes from China, 57.4 million from Switzerland, 27.4 million from Germany and 19.7 million from India. The average price per toothbrush for August 2009 was 23 cents, down 2 cents from the average price for August 2008. The average price for the first eight months of 2009 was 21 cents, down about 16 percent from the average price of 25 cents for the first eight months of 2008. Shaving Brushes August 2009 imports of shaving brushes totaled 12.9 million, down about 25 percent from 17.3 million imported during August 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, 101.1 million shaving brushes were imported, down about 16 percent from 120.5 million for the first eight months of 2008. Mexico sent 31.7 million shaving brushes to the United States during the first eight months of 2009, while Germany shipped 32.1 million and China exported 21.6 million. The average price per brush was 13 cents during August 2009, up 1 cent from the average price in August 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, the average price per brush was also 13 cents, the same as the average price for the first eight months of 2008. Paintbrushes U.S. companies imported 17.4 million paintbrushes during August 2009, down about 7 percent from 18.8 million brushes imported during August 2008. Paintbrush imports for the first eight months of 2009 were 142.3 million, up about 4 percent from 136.3 million recorded for the first eight months of 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, the United States imported 111.3 million paintbrushes from China and 27.7 million from Indonesia. The average price per paintbrush for August 2009 was 28 cents, down about 10 percent from 31 cents for August 2008. The average price for the first eight months of 2009 was 32 cents, up 1 cent from the average price for the first eight months of 2008. EXPORTS Export totals for the first eight months of 2009 were down in all four of the categories outlined, compared to the first eight months of 2008. In August 2009, two of the four categories reported increases in exports, compared to August 2008. Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable Materials The United States exported 6,618 dozen brooms and brushes of vegetable materials during August 2009, down about 42 percent

PAGE 25

from the August 2008 total of 11,335 dozen. Exports of brooms and brushes of vegetable materials during the first eight months of 2009 were 55,073 dozen, down about 21 percent from 69,817 dozen for the first eight months of 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, the United States shipped 16,721 dozen brooms and brushes to Canada, while sending 7,695 dozen to China, 6,170 dozen to The United Kingdom, 3,986 dozen to Japan, 3,061 dozen to Hong Kong and 2,741 dozen to Italy. The average price per dozen brooms and brushes was $40.79 in August 2009, compared to $45.18 for August 2008, an decrease of about 10 percent. The average price per dozen brooms and brushes for the first eight months of 2009 was $40.94, a decrease of about 6 percent from the average price per dozen for the first eight months of 2008 of $43.71. Toothbrushes U.S. companies exported 6.8 million toothbrushes during August 2009, down about 53 percent from 14.4 million exported during August 2008. Toothbrush exports for the first eight months of 2009 were 59.8 million, down about 52 percent from 124 million recorded for the first eight months of 2008. The United States shipped 21.3 million toothbrushes to Canada during the first eight months of 2009, compared to 30.7 million during the same time period in 2008, while sending 14.2 million to Mexico during the first eight months of 2009, compared to 27.1 million during the first eight months of 2008. The average price per toothbrush for August 2009 was 91 cents, up about 128 percent from the August 2008 average price of 40 cents. The average price for the first eight months of 2009 was 73 cents, up about 115 percent from the average price of 34 cents for the first eight months of 2008. Artist Brushes The United States exported 565,582 artist brushes in August 2009, up about 9 percent from the total of 519,479 exported in August 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, 5 million artist brushes were exported, about a 15 percent decrease from 5.9 million exported during the first eight months of 2008. Canada received 2.7 million artist brushes from the United States during the first eight months of 2009, while Mexico imported 334,598. The average price per artist brush for August 2009 was $3.42, down about 10 percent from the average price for August 2008 of $3.78. The average price for the first eight months of 2009 was $3.22, down about 6 percent from $3.42 for the first eight months of 2008. Paintbrushes The export total of paintbrushes during August 2009 was 116,478, up about 13 percent from 103,469 paintbrush exports recorded for August 2008. During the first eight months of 2009, 676,945 paintbrushes were exported, down about 55 percent from 1.5 million during the first eight months of 2008. Canada imported 284,676 paintbrushes from the United States during the first eight months of 2009, while The Netherlands imported 120,782. The average price per paintbrush for August 2009 was $12.18, down about 26 percent from $16.49 for August 2008. The average price for the first eight months of 2009 was $15.72, up about 39 percent from $11.27 for the first eight months of 2008.

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PAGE 26

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

EXPORTS August Exports By Country

Foreign Merchandise 1404902000 Broomcorn (Sorghum Vulgare Var. Technicum) Used Primarily In Brooms Or In Brushes, Whether or Not In Hanks or Bundles August Year To Date Country Net Q/Ton Value Net Q/Ton Value Canada 1 3,233 15 32,314 Hondura 7 27,066 U King 5 19,673 TOTAL 1 3,233 27 79,053 9603100000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or Other Vegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles August Year To Date Country Net Q/Dozen Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 534 49,965 4,333 313,366 Mexico 82 2,692 107 10,982 Norway 218 7,191 TOTAL 616 52,657 4,658 331,539 9603210000 Toothbrushes, Incl. Dental-Plate Brushes August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 931,598 794,011 8,677,251 7,654,661 7,828 235,068 170,158 6,409 Mexico Belize 6,336 2,850 6,336 2,850 Hondura 3,456 2,848 Jamaica 17,959 51,774 Dom Rep 9,792 3,860 Antigua 12,960 5,830 12,960 5,830 Finland 9,456 4,001 U King 7,032 71,953 Ireland 23,856 26,502 Nethlds 59,149 215,553 France 670 3,283 Fr Germ 318 3,250 111,462 69,424 Switzld 4,320 3,500 85,008 33,507 India Malaysa 2,845 29,107 Singapr 24,216 10,232 331,610 216,176 Phil R 34,680 15,681 79,819 35,333 Kor Rep Hg Kong 5,136 2,557 Taiwan 732 9,147 74,048 40,515 Japan 115 2,962 725 5,950 35,712 22,141 189,722 103,024 Austral Algeria 31,392 22,006 TOTAL 1,018,396 858,251 10,013,752 8,790,053 9603290000 Shaving Brushes, Hairbrushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use On The Person August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 134,112 142,763 742,079 935,197 Mexico 9,216 5,068 255,561 384,968 Chile 900 2,625 1,800 7,785 Brazil 504 2,640 7,896 8,890 U King 285 2,604 25,781 178,984 Nethlds 480 3,209 1,975 16,877 Belgium 900 5,489 Andorra 72 3,000 556,215 830,885 France Fr Germ 204,238 274,662 Switzld 5,021 10,219 Italy 2,369 28,705

Croatia Lebanon Arab Em Indnsia Phil R China Taiwan Japan Austral TOTAL

December 2009

458 8,487

4,187 20,082

170,807

61,526

325,249

244,704

3,682 1,500 21,018 939 13,216 1,514 720 188,650 5,622 2,315,438

3,070 4,580 23,707 8,583 33,281 13,849 26,145 153,697 18,935 2,696,838

9603300000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes and Similar Brushes for the Application of Cosmetics Year To Date August Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 321,190 964,315 2,070,535 6,136,671 Mexico 26,310 57,201 266,091 533,068 Guatmal 7,579 27,967 185 2,642 185 2,642 Dom Rep 32,032 75,647 Brazil Argent 25,880 68,510 1,538 14,376 75,784 216,491 Sweden Norway 5,331 43,736 1,700 7,304 Finland U King 87,917 327,902 346,845 1,116,638 1,450 5,351 Ireland Nethlds 340 4,161 3,490 23,985 Belgium 62,133 229,249 179,765 663,274 France 4,849 36,420 25,501 126,854 Fr Germ 20,407 41,306 6,239 7,710 14,459 4,800 Czech 2,447 9,028 30,489 112,493 Switzld Poland 2,191 7,058 Russia 52,507 81,456 372,033 811,892 Ukraine 3,326 17,769 66,016 153,606 Kazakhs 9,650 21,170 42,996 71,858 Spain 5,668 17,019 Italy 48,582 161,713 Israel 2,361 8,712 Arab Em 3,707 10,013 8,039 27,163 Thailnd 5,433 20,046 12,044 50,530 Malaysa 963 3,553 Singapr 1,452 5,359 15,641 58,475 Indnsia 2,379 8,778 Phil R 1,020 3,288 China 17,583 38,377 571,156 899,106 Kor Rep 17,668 55,647 86,367 198,568 5,144 18,978 13,223 48,787 Hg Kong 14,237 52,531 25,671 105,067 Taiwan Japan 5,003 19,321 53,889 231,077 Austral 45,791 184,702 93,348 358,996 3,828 23,534 Senegal TOTAL 693,210 2,176,902 4,528,189 12,465,176

Country Canada Mexico U King Ireland Nethlds Turkey Arab Em China Austral TOTAL

9603402000 Paint Rollers August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 32,112 82,765 64,305 36,655 54,260 141,715 191 354 146 144 215 615 396 68,767 137,025 208,081

Value 317,143 269,281 3,354 6,206 2,564 2,520 10,080 10,800 6,944 628,892

Country Mexico TOTAL

9603404020 Paint Pads Year To Date August Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 26,877 64,326 136,954 26,877 64,326 136,954

Value 337,449 337,449

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BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

9603404050 Paint, Distemper, Varnish or Similar Brushes (Except Brushes of 9603.30) August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Country Canada 3,215 29,344 35,659 405,032 Mexico 1,355 28,099 5,031 104,315 Trinid 236 4,898 153 3,176 Sweden Nethlds 256 5,301 Fr Germ 121 2,503 843 17,475 Spain 326 6,762 437 9,057 Malta Greece 126 2,614 630 13,066 806 16,716 Austral TOTAL 4,817 62,560 44,377 585,798 9603900000 Hand-Operated Mechanical Floor Sweepers, Not Motorized, Mops & Feather Dusters; Prepared Knots & Tufts For Broom or Brush Making, NESOI Year To Date August Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 46,106 626,489 302,563 3,265,697 Mexico 3,123 45,699 79,719 1,159,685 826 13,392 7,456 120,906 C Rica 2,847 46,190 17,660 286,495 Panama 2,859 464 Bermuda Jamaica 98 2,506 Trinid 497 5,485 497 5,485 Chile 2,397 38,854 Brazil 17,280 52,085 Iceland 98 5,360 Norway 1,324 21,473 475 7,696 Finland 8,808 40,205 86,758 946,084 Denmark U King 708 11,491 19,268 231,255 Ireland 462 7,487 Nethlds 1,488 6,872 5,793 66,581 Belgium 150 8,757 France 20,548 262,118 Fr Germ 5,335 85,153 26,019 290,529 753 6,271 Czech 374 3,300 Estonia Poland 166 2,687 Russia 400 2,880 Ukraine 4,663 75,639 4,663 75,639 389 6,308 Spain Italy 403 8,373 Iraq 604 9,794 Israel 50 2,580 280 4,547 1,605 24,121 Arab Em India 458 7,431 Phil R 257 4,165 Kor Rep 256 4,148 Japan 3,119 50,212 Austral 1,130 11,311 12,738 112,825 Rep Saf 502 8,141 1,556 18,536 TOTAL 76,313 980,614 616,820 7,121,182

Domestic Merchandise 1404902000 Broomcorn (Sorghum Vulgare Var. Technicum) Used Primarily In Brooms Or In Brushes, Whether or Not In Hanks or Bundles August Year To Date Country Net Q/Ton Value Net Q/Ton Value Mexico 14 52,885 16 58,590 Ireland 3 11,862 France 7 23,498 Malaysa 1 3,530 TOTAL 14 52,885 27 97,480 9603100000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or Other Vegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles

Country Canada Mexico Belize C Rica Panama Bermuda Bahamas Jamaica Antigua S Lucia Barbado Trinid N Antil Ecuador Peru Brazil Uruguay Argent Finland Denmark U King Ireland France Fr Germ Poland Italy Croatia Greece Turkey Iraq Israel S Arab Arab Em Afghan India Singapr Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral Libya Nigeria Angola Rep Saf TOTAL

Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Belize Salvadr Hondura Nicarag C Rica Panama Jamaica Cayman Haiti Dom Rep Antigua Barbado Trinid N Antil Aruba Colomb

PAGE 27 August Net Q/Dozen 3,234 40

Value 72,424 5,480

Year To Date Net Q/Dozen 16,721 1,947 1,108 121 825 736 2,481 235 12 120 387 834 12 18 17 13 76 426 17 472 6,170 404 1,338 215 419 2,741 24 90 57 59 41 847 10 12 50 16 52 7,695 352 3,061 35 3,986 276 503 4 10 28 55,073

Value 608,883 99,300 40,124 3,987 30,446 26,457 148,824 6,054 2,549 2,784 6,505 16,112 3,550 2,915 5,025 12,434 4,400 12,168 5,172 20,113 262,454 45,010 86,996 6,736 17,300 90,400 12,229 3,416 4,130 20,448 3,840 70,648 3,253 5,762 2,850 4,091 4,816 261,600 20,022 91,950 2,570 110,329 28,276 16,575 9,500 3,690 8,023 2,254,716

121 18 104 1,323

3,987 3,875 5,987 43,630

12 120

2,549 2,784

3,275

8,009

17 192 926 32 96

5,172 4,894 43,580 9,610 17,280

18,915

4,091

205 67

6,891 7,500

6,618

269,933

9603210000 Toothbrushes August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 2,879,090 1,620,424 21,320,725 1,704,982 749,289 14,176,342 2,087 2,283 23,119 2,283 32,904 22,449 94,114 3,456 5,184 23,352 10,800 2,830 117,560 10,008 3,301 28,205 666 16,320 4,786 22,224 36,638 344,327 23,658 369,024 127,346 428,354 2,160 6,927 25,850 15,771 19,655 213,581 3,277 10,603 37,763 7,415 31,515 33,934 126,138

Value 15,297,166 5,612,831 3,402 23,119 61,978 2,848 4,272 14,477 62,860 26,327 6,085 10,690 207,143 252,595 28,987 258,389 41,141 6,537 105,535

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PAGE 28 Venez Guyana Surinam Ecuador Peru Chile Brazil Paragua Uruguay Argent Iceland Sweden Denmark U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium Luxmbrg France Fr Germ Austria Hungary Switzld Lithuan Poland Spain Italy Bulgar Lebanon Israel Kuwait S Arab Qatar Arab Em India Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Nigeria Rep Saf TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP 41,364

13,779

29,232 8,352 9,856 85,156

11,028 3,737 18,496 79,074

175,327

115,954

2,238 6,780 331,437 57,156

22,900 61,613 383,413 534,983

96,055 5,216

762,054 2,574

297

3,042

2,497

25,548

72,000

28,578

644

6,587

19,952

74,938

11,520 123,517 73,056 63,294 218,342 215,943

105,316 135,744 118,155 46,627 760,481 150,339

6,751,023

6,126,261

126,522 10,440 529 116,247 150,336 291,707 1,289,201 983 6,245 881,584 2,880 1,728 6,846 76,062 1,659,405 2,921,000 6,931 278 1,443,060 1,386,943 5,580 4,680 22,955 247 3,096 404,313 83,916 908 2,497 9,250 72,927 12,840 2,000 16,256 520,128 236,096 207,330 6,806 1,048,349 12,069 384,097 4,625,146 980,627 967,978 1,175,031 1,602,836 1,158 360 10,368 59,778,397

63,994 9,180 6,115 47,712 59,458 152,740 606,613 10,055 38,710 515,519 9,525 7,390 25,818 424,537 2,128,973 3,828,302 6,971 2,849 726,492 2,203,547 6,294 2,906 13,410 2,526 2,509 174,284 59,301 4,449 25,548 57,098 38,062 12,457 12,500 79,655 1,043,448 112,816 106,200 13,313 523,207 11,898 1,208,097 2,030,029 594,204 458,196 3,146,859 893,850 5,675 3,681 3,648 43,547,002

9603290000 Shaving Brushes, Hairbrushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use on the Person August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q./No. Value Canada 268,608 233,314 1,828,323 1,858,922 Mexico 148,641 298,478 2,242,987 2,799,242 Salvadr 418 6,352 5,280 7,924 C Rica Panama 4,454 7,957 9,062 12,485 Bermuda 181 3,482 336 6,553 Bahamas 2,100 4,233 4,788 11,277 Jamaica 1,560 2,878 1,721 8,749 Dom Rep 1,440 2,590 2,643 16,862 Barbado 28 3,687 172 6,377 Trinid 2,155 21,000 14,146 140,424 4,524 2,496 Aruba Colomb 64,800 13,737 71,300 224,251 Venez 1,362 19,853 576 5,622 Guyana Ecuador 27,998 42,078 Peru 2,616 2,769 3,598 20,247 Chile 1,824 2,577 7,936 24,808

Brazil Argent Norway Finland Denmark U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium France Fr Germ Czech Hungary Switzld Poland Spain Italy Turkey Cyprus Lebanon Iraq S Arab Arab Em India Pakistn Thailnd Singapr Indnsia Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Rep Saf TOTAL

December 2009

2,930

5,381

16,240 1,218 12,242 3,895 6,509 658 226

134,653 11,141 94,717 35,621 34,806 18,311 11,712

445 1,663

5,424 30,110

5,812 5,044 15,089 30 84,000 5,033 899

53,150 18,242 137,988 5,550 31,150 44,662 8,221

660,340

1,277,541

12,009 1,374 1,098 10,430 117 73,078 6,789 22,237 15,951 40,218 51,511 226 504 1,017 938 9,412 7,250 10,094 2,638 1,404 1,097 1,241 15,133 1,009 7,636 9,858 880 1,703 85,125 214,272 6,511 365,523 30 361,410 10,470 1,123 1,455 5,577,913

109,830 21,838 10,040 13,769 2,691 461,678 31,075 173,679 132,691 327,912 262,499 11,712 4,608 9,300 8,575 91,213 52,399 15,192 24,128 3,383 11,498 19,894 188,057 12,250 12,813 81,068 7,882 11,140 63,768 1,025,277 37,177 570,492 5,550 411,492 103,359 11,917 32,041 9,590,437

9603300000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes and Similar Brushes for the Application of Cosmetics Year To Date August Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 341,170 1,004,365 2,661,637 6,350,500 Mexico 20,602 111,034 334,598 1,467,309 Salvadr 3,312 8,348 3,312 8,348 3,516 6,945 Hondura Nicarag 3,552 3,817 C Rica 4,743 17,500 4,743 17,500 Panama 17,654 67,747 735 2,713 Bahamas Jamaica 1,255 4,629 Cayman 3,184 17,846 Dom Rep 12,620 14,440 44,911 51,250 Barbado 3,279 3,908 Aruba 1,920 3,010 Colomb 38,981 109,953 Venez 16,635 29,760 8,589 14,251 10,403 28,830 Ecuador Peru 1,871 9,232 Bolivia 174 7,490 Chile 2,500 8,551 990 3,652 10,062 43,127 Brazil 4,324 77,753 Uruguay Sweden 1,184 4,367 3,418 12,611 Norway 3,641 14,802 22,621 13,158 57,337 6,005 Finland Denmark 3,252 12,000 U King 41,462 163,843 276,249 1,623,888 3,964 5,365 20,387 57,056 Ireland Nethlds 6,403 23,623 181,985 677,001 Belgium 29,815 110,007 11,473 46,756 139,586 610,836 France

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December 2009 Fr Germ Austria Czech Slovak Switzld Estonia Poland Russia Italy Turkey Lebanon Israel S Arab Arab Em Oman India Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Indnsia Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Tokelau Moroc Algeria Ivy Cst Ghana Nigeria Rep Saf TOTAL

Country Canada Mexico Salvadr C Rica Panama Bermuda Bahamas Jamaica Dom Rep B Virgn S Lucia Trinid Aruba Colomb Venez Ecuador Peru Brazil Argent Finland U King Ireland Nethlds France Fr Germ Austria Italy Croatia Slvenia Turkey Israel Jordan

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP 17,760 1,254

52,125 4,625

67,069 8,742 1,355 1,599 13,838 4,911 6,284 18,401 53,997 12,548 909 5,443 5,760 18,675 157 20,878 25,858 5,111 799 7,517 2,809 11,632 279,227 63,584 84,877 14,684 101,755 229,313 1,464 1,357 21,941 17,630 6,183 1,200 21,930 1,328 4,981,502

255,760 32,253 5,000 5,900 61,067 17,033 23,186 72,942 211,424 23,125 12,631 20,060 7,819 157,488 3,211 77,031 87,810 35,590 2,949 46,878 10,363 42,917 1,023,542 288,473 327,554 59,775 418,451 858,014 5,400 5,008 80,956 68,717 111,186 4,115 80,914 6,809 16,047,107

1,882

6,945

600 6,910 2,032

5,410 25,496 7,500

7,739

139,170

9603402000 Paint Rollers August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 193,505 592,853 1,434,445 44,284 92,964 1,069,080 100 2,009 1,438 2,774 2,454 17,810 2,324 9,102 9,510 10,270 27,000 37,926 103,292 3,804 200 3,900 200 638 175 903 98,484 3,432 7,660 7,159 1,193 2,000 3,344 10,334 2,096 150 560 197 28,710 177 50 322 5,655 322 3,560 507 248 4,355 9,400 190

Value 5,311,948 2,092,898 8,995 53,012 20,597 41,253 6,618 30,013 193,006 4,720 3,900 11,195 3,067 15,861 147,164 12,279 8,009 43,332 18,264 22,544 10,472 6,374 2,808 3,452 55,723 3,100 2,573 5,655 8,414 8,900 29,061 3,562

369

3,277

890

3,969

1,323 15,506 6,700 9,889 8,291 21,920

4,445 57,212 24,720 38,439 32,930 86,049

565,582

1,932,477

S Arab Arab Em Pakistn Singapr Indnsia China Kor Rep Hg Kong Japan Austral N Zeal Marshal Fiji Rep Saf TOTAL

Country Mexico Hondura Panama Dom Rep Grenada Barbado Aruba Colomb Peru Chile Brazil U King France Israel Arab Em China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral Rep Saf TOTAL

PAGE 29 1,528 5,929 35,000 29 796 11,681 388 203,012 2,888 18,586 4,836 706 14,228 176,758 3,298,050

44,441 23,081 29,475 3,835 3,598 37,586 15,681 226,693 12,229 155,558 24,071 3,405 30,194 124,999 8,923,615

9603404020 Paint Pads Year To Date August Value Net Q/No. Net Q/No. 19,487 40,299 27,898 20 336 120 3,720 120 3,083 60 2,910 60 121 2,684 5,855 87 2,117 272 35 2,000 1,576 8,079 649 3,945 13,624 2,728 19,362 8,769 3,836 87,869 9,786 6,452 26,231 154,160 97,568

Value 55,524 3,400 2,768 3,720 21,882 2,910 8,260 19,056 41,560 2,981 10,427 9,121 4,500 16,857 11,190 57,353 4,608 28,000 17,711 29,850 120,150 45,800 517,628

6,000

8,040

45,210

35,664

329,309

796,985

9603404050 Paint, Distemper, Varnish or Similar Brushes (Except Brushes of 9603.30) August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Country Canada 58,127 583,692 284,676 3,768,323 Mexico 5,031 41,822 7,625 91,611 Guatmal 5,395 75,449 519 11,364 1,742 35,155 Hondura Nicarag 205 3,350 522 9,924 C Rica 426 7,365 4,084 80,148 Panama 934 16,671 7,293 84,241 Bermuda 419 8,692 6,735 91,450 Bahamas 1,301 26,986 14,528 299,680 Jamaica 1,015 21,038 Turk Is 78 7,820 4,116 14,429 6,735 64,512 Cayman Dom Rep 1,657 34,379 4,583 49,688 B Virgn 214 5,870 Antigua 141 2,927 708 9,260 1,019 27,909 Monsrat 885 20,141 S Lucia Grenada 1,611 33,406 Barbado 368 20,462 625 12,966 5,712 71,051 Trinid N Antil 120 2,830 533 10,950 Colomb 3,070 51,388 2,720 40,356 Venez Guyana 175 3,636 Surinam 151 2,661 143 2,965 1,902 49,779 Ecuador

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PAGE 30 Peru Chile Brazil Argent Sweden Norway Finland Denmark U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium France Fr Germ Czech Lithuan Poland Russia Ukraine Spain Italy Croatia Turkey Cyprus Lebanon Israel Kuwait S Arab Arab Em Thailnd Vietnam Singapr Phil R China Kor Rep Hg Kong Japan Austral N Zeal Eq Guin Ivy Cst Nigeria Rep Saf TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

5,640

115,809

3,064 6,168

11,925 61,986

14,135

242,903

273 1,596

5,665 20,358

820 615 1,226

10,492 7,257 4,819

500

3,864

703

18,681

745

7,951

383 3,687

7,946 76,478

1,167 873 552

15,994 18,115 11,457

116,478

1,418,471

120 5,640 13,296 465 6,305 422 181 13,471 56,903 8,848 120,782 14,010 4,571 5,659 489 141 6,128 615 1,226 1,320 555 156 483 129 719 2,331 2,937 711 5,342 1,477 1,319 5,350 28 5,880 4,385 1,067 6,998 7,475 2,518 98 969 750 1,164 676,945

3,084 115,809 516,809 15,142 96,775 11,327 3,752 54,102 797,004 76,068 2,442,871 292,418 71,600 104,634 11,215 2,930 103,159 7,257 4,819 7,426 11,506 3,234 10,010 2,679 15,818 63,010 21,142 14,742 64,401 22,197 27,360 47,209 6,581 100,852 92,425 61,736 90,102 112,815 62,377 2,780 20,104 6,525 24,146 10,641,527

9603900000 Hand-Operated Mechanical Floor Sweepers, Not Motorized, Mops & Feather Dusters; Prepared Knots & Tufts for Broom or Brush Making, NESOI August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value 314,818 2,643,114 1,965,054 18,679,599 Canada Mexico 59,852 822,967 487,548 6,154,815 Guatmal 720 5,434 Hondura 420 6,808 C Rica 15 3,417 3,059 31,497 Panama 11,952 187,979 Bermuda 81 4,717 Bahamas 2,481 46,699 244 3,962 Jamaica Dom Rep 495 8,032 5,395 32,428 B Virgn 152 3,314 St K N 1,073 17,410 83 2,877 S Vn Gr 1,476 9,890 Barbado Trinid 191 3,100 3,756 33,550 N Antil 3,896 45,009 3,580 221 Aruba Colomb 442 8,582 9,480 98,346 Venez 283 4,598 7,356 89,568 Ecuador 35,414 574,402 Peru 9,076 138,287 Bolivia 215 3,480 Chile 2,339 32,833 17,777 244,396

Brazil Uruguay Argent Sweden Norway Finland Denmark U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium France Fr Germ Slovak Switzld Estonia Lithuan Poland Russia Ukraine Georgia Kazakhs Spain Italy Greece Romania Lebanon Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait S Arab Qatar Arab Em India Pakistn Thailnd Malaysa Singapr Indnsia Maldive China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Zeal Moroc Angola Djibuti Uganda Rep Saf TOTAL

December 2009 363

13,627

1,882

32,779

2,795 729 560 39 597 1,376

34,235 14,143 9,081 8,972 9,683 22,311

635

6,209

763 2,262

12,371 28,830

2,016

12,238

400 1,684 1,565

3,220 6,591 12,376

333

3,326

257

6,105

348 86

11,295 7,339

1,520 2,166 381 1,178 7,957 10,079

16,689 17,063 8,188 17,851 34,466 81,073

150

3,338

420,556

3,960,042

16,159 116 2,760 897 600 3,162 4,337 73,424 3,021 31,388 17,555 9,592 27,449 341 3,894 369 902 2,592 5,317 203 420 274 716 8,068 321 1,541 161 7,198 2,017 400 1,744 5,447 675 11,192 460 356 1,751 455 1,192 5,643 14,875 15,549 17,368 6,363 8,510 36,051 64,549 7,394 135 1,499 546 150 813 2,994,840

233,815 2,601 28,730 13,546 8,106 55,304 31,495 795,305 54,689 259,155 147,562 147,354 431,650 5,524 64,700 5,988 12,806 53,170 78,129 3,140 6,804 4,451 12,393 92,616 5,209 25,000 2,609 114,357 35,444 3,220 9,698 58,026 11,829 168,944 6,668 5,782 38,294 5,295 41,329 77,559 92,960 330,555 164,625 106,848 143,783 363,896 657,734 42,429 2,624 25,195 8,850 3,338 13,337 31,532,517

Broom and Brush

IMPORTS August Imports By Country

Country Fr Germ Thailnd China Hg Kong TOTAL

0502100000 Pigs’, Hogs’ or Boars’ Bristles and Hair and Waste Thereof August Year To Date Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG 52 3,299 52 1 3,055 155 30,652 54,988 210,911 2,212 30,705 61,342 213,330

Value 3,299 11,524 1,537,209 24,071 1,576,103

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Country Mexico Paragua U King Fr Germ Italy Thailnd China Japan TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

0502900000 Badger Hair and Other Brushmaking Hair and Waste Thereof August Year To Date Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG 2,400 12,987 488 61 29,335 2,414 62 726 30,942 1,665 4,290 63,027 12,792 413 5,077 123,304 33,221

Value 2,640 141,848 43,173 122,168 3,008 84,917 235,829 13,062 646,645

0511993300 Horsehair and Horsehair Waste, Whether or Not Put Up As A Layer With or Without Supporting Material Year To Date August Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG Value Country 10,981 700 Fr Germ 16,140 137,331 105,660 1,149,688 China 16,140 137,331 106,360 1,160,669 TOTAL 1404903000 Istle Used Primarily In Brooms or In Brushes, Whether or Not In Hanks or Bundles August Year To Date Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG Value Country 158,359 294,117 1,463,116 33,355 Mexico 33,355 158,359 294,117 1,463,116 TOTAL 4417002000 Broom and Mop Handles, 1.9 CM or More In Diameter and 97 CM or More In Length, Of Wood August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value 59,850 26,836 Mexico 511,246 226,135 3,890,229 1,860,386 Hondura Colomb 67,662 46,698 Brazil 675,017 558,640 4,943,607 4,291,686 Argent 28,800 17,110 Spain 80,640 37,001 112,704 51,759 India 10,896 3,704 Sri Lka 30,600 35,061 164,800 187,786 100,644 92,051 Vietnam Malaysa 65,400 68,666 Indnsia 172,431 132,553 1,689,389 1,435,397 China 84,768 63,048 2,453,504 1,330,814 Taiwan 33,000 36,190 20,000 5,000 Egypt TOTAL 1,554,702 1,052,438 13,640,485 9,454,083 4417004000 Paint Brush August Country Net Q/Variable Guatmal Fr Germ Czech Poland Italy Indnsia China Taiwan TOTAL

Country Canada Hondura Brazil Sri Lka Indnsia China Hg Kong TOTAL

and Paint Roller Handles, Of Wood Year To Date Value Net Q/Variable Value 17,581 15,069 54,531 12,264 134,754 305,865 2,993,316 70,685 576,085 145,872 2,333,925 10,446 534,686 6,135,707

4417006000 Brush Backs, Of Wood Year To Date August Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 112,470 51,791 1,076,452 112,432 52,675 215,350 145,448 161,544 40,048 223,752 25,000 274,014 91,839 1,851,109

Value 417,221 46,677 68,380 178,011 72,463 42,926 16,944 842,622

Country Canada Mexico Salvadr C Rica Colomb Brazil Paragua Nethlds Poland Spain India Indnsia China Taiwan TOTAL

PAGE 31

4417008010 Tool Handles of Wood August Year To Date Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable 2,748 7,914 3,240 125,647 31,818

44,044 215,411

Value 45,469 79,968 3,050 21,033 6,328 2,398,827 31,818 5,533 30,568 18,514 2,588 53,868 384,189 25,792 3,107,545

4417008090 Tools, Tool Bodies, Broom or Brush Bodies, Shoe Lasts and Trees, of Wood August Year To Date Country Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable Value Canada 81,267 510,825 Mexico 19,450 27,311 Hondura 2,542 Nicarag Colomb 2,572 7,529 Chile 401,066 4,329,702 Brazil 2,381 U King 35,699 France 5,385 5,385 Fr Germ 5,762 62,554 5,143 Austria 3,194 Russia Spain 7,482 12,405 Italy 16,110 Slvenia 91,015 91,015 India 23,930 660,242 Sri Lka 84,033 668,200 Vietnam 27,280 3,682 Singapr Indnsia 59,685 189,216 China 231,994 1,548,751 Taiwan 33,685 90,636 Japan 415,454 2,615,056 1,443,330 10,934,308 TOTAL 7326908576 Metal Handles For Brooms, Mops, Paint Applicators August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Country Canada 391 14,456 Mexico 70,512 24,946 121,752 44,119 C Rica 4 2,929 Chile 8,040 3,699 8,040 3,699 Brazil 1,880 11,625 157,882 57,492 Denmark 255 2,252 960 9,185 Fr Germ 55,568 31,788 97,536 60,307 1,984,644 864,642 Spain Italy 1,700,812 704,022 10,666,924 5,030,259 Malaysa 605 7,608 China 1,167,118 971,526 8,108,653 6,820,124 74,740 58,000 Hg Kong 23,148 34,273 Taiwan Japan 616 6,142 3,046,153 1,778,377 21,203,927 12,984,716 TOTAL 9603100500 Wiskbrooms, of Broom Corn, LT=.96 EA. Prior to Entry or Withdrawal for Consumption of 61,655 Dozen In Calendar Year August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value 3,108 3,010 Mexico

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PAGE 32 China TOTAL

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP 7,200 10,308

4,757 7,767

9603104000 Other Brooms, of Broomcorn, LT=.96 EA, Prior to Entry or Withdrawal For Consumption of GT=121,478 Dozen in Calendar Year August Year To Date Mexico 54,456 40,808 China 2,520 2,456 56,976 43,264 TOTAL 9603105000 Other Brooms, of Broomcorn, LT=.96 EA, at Entry or Withdrawal For Consumption of GT=121,478 Dozen in Calendar Year Year To Date August Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 15,252 11,290 94,056 71,141 China 7,200 5,020 15,252 11,290 101,256 76,161 TOTAL 9603106000 Other Brooms, Of Broomcorn, Valued Over .96 Each Year To Date August Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Country Mexico 702,888 1,675,763 5,391,503 13,420,554 Hondura 44,388 93,775 319,422 647,764 Fr Germ 3,200 7,910 29,604 56,285 China 747,276 1,769,538 5,743,729 14,132,513 TOTAL 9603109000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or Other Vegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles, NESOI August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 60 5,198 4,160 27,629 6,048 18,399 69,004 112,938 Mexico 600 3,568 600 3,568 Haiti Colomb 25,208 31,718 Fr Germ 8 7,013 Estonia 1,200 8,713 Italy 3,849 21,959 Turkey 1,100 4,640 Israel 174 5,130 208 3,381 584 20,784 India Sri Lka 54,120 86,718 546,395 1,006,020 Thailnd 8,250 13,074 65,854 123,028 Vietnam 16,900 17,942 99,650 91,267 Phil R 6,000 7,789 7,000 10,293 3,000 36,360 117,468 285,721 China Taiwan 1,200 2,401 TOTAL 95,186 192,429 943,454 1,762,822 9603210000 Toothbrushes, Incl. Dental-Plate Brushes August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 2,951 7,168 63,607 116,377 Mexico 769,152 129,677 7,646,301 1,454,407 Chile 38,016 9,216 Brazil 1,141,852 332,943 10,273,440 2,931,832 Sweden 40,566 68,483 118,400 149,294 2,220 2,478 Denmark U King 101,629 62,042 Ireland 668,016 241,679 5,982,432 2,142,891 Nethlds 9,935 5,697 424,575 45,267 447 4,287 France Fr Germ 3,285,102 2,013,851 27,365,360 16,142,224 Hungary 1,464 2,919 Lichten 630 3,466 630 3,466 Switzld 3,378,160 1,459,771 57,441,536 20,953,527 Italy 5,808 8,106 1,140,528 576,370 Turkey 5,040 3,611 Israel 34,560 6,437 617,576 144,520 India 964,296 241,317 19,738,881 3,515,461 Thailnd 511,920 59,742 4,546,604 603,662 Vietnam 1,000,728 187,467 6,650,937 1,348,354

Malaysa Indnsia China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral N Caldn Kenya TOTAL

December 2009 505,340 120,001 47,720,504 303,216

38,231 13,296 9,278,229 71,674

637,084 7,560

85,422 22,116

61,107,381

14,274,772

7,680,000 586,716 366,154,404 1,224,280 217,424 3,066,053 2,214,145 383,000 93,456 3,264 523,782,365

483,268 44,400 60,083,074 276,219 104,383 644,350 504,145 56,709 24,162 4,176 112,437,091

9603294010 Hairbrushes, Valued Not Over .40 Each August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Poland 13,824 4,460 7,920 3,086 54,000 17,255 Thailnd 21,600 10,611 Vietnam 1,321,415 31,191,160 7,904,587 4,756,217 China 85,030 18,914 Kor Rep 564,576 103,283 Hg Kong Taiwan 10,080 2,866 TOTAL 4,764,137 1,324,501 31,940,270 8,061,976 9603294090 Shaving Brushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use On The Person, Valued Not Over .40 Each August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Mexico 3,828,300 252,073 31,748,797 2,747,982 Nethlds 430,000 27,838 1,420,000 69,877 Belgium 90,000 4,155 France 564,364 141,117 Fr Germ 4,960,360 1,066,000 32,058,315 5,513,838 Italy 27,924 6,213 2,558,625 535,680 India 59,400 5,512 838,580 27,281 China 1,185,508 251,309 21,598,793 3,800,593 Kor Rep 2,450,000 52,483 9,539,156 254,277 Hg Kong 469,000 56,993 Taiwan 247,240 56,872 TOTAL 12,941,492 1,661,428 101,132,870 13,208,665 9603302000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application Of Cosmetics, Valued Not Over .05 Each August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 282,500 9,451 Mexico 534,000 8,402 3,165,200 46,798 Fr Germ 1,163,000 42,882 16,335,000 438,711 Italy 2,798,000 33,805 18,348,900 209,894 India 1,980,000 27,196 China 20,560,896 390,208 92,079,810 2,101,486 Kor Rep 4,945,000 124,364 16,572,000 466,566 Hg Kong 1,161,385 37,229 Taiwan 1,478,080 33,329 TOTAL 30,000,896 599,661 151,402,875 3,370,660 9603304000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application of Cosmetics, Valued Over .05 But not Over .10 Each Year To Date August Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Country Mexico 4,660,280 366,228 42,679,477 3,435,132 Dom Rep 33,060 2,874 288,000 20,035 Brazil 1,182,500 85,506 Fr Germ India 62,280 6,320 515,940 41,818 Indnsia 261,504 27,476 945,361 77,609,706 6,259,257 10,987,649 China Kor Rep 200,000 12,650 3,704,920 244,009 Hg Kong 110,000 8,243 510,000 41,572 Taiwan 25,000 2,208 1,346,776 91,812 TOTAL 16,045,209 1,341,010 128,131,883 10,249,491

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9603306000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes For Application Of Cosmetics, Valued Over .10 Each August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value 240 14,550 3,783 177,645 Canada Mexico 13,321,549 2,084,679 78,888,222 12,404,016 Dom Rep 317,061 295,577 1,301,370 1,322,302 Denmark 220 3,020 109,300 136,636 1,161,190 1,865,938 U King Nethlds 5,000 12,734 Belgium 41,184 72,546 55,160 76,219 52,980 178,805 529,919 1,853,041 France 249,976 148,767 2,658,808 1,763,142 Fr Germ Czech 120 2,267 Switzld 145 3,626 637 19,947 Spain 7,921 58,977 84,614 422,095 22,118 59,324 158,985 143,010 Italy 188 3,707 Greece 2,702 4,367 12,230 873 Israel 351,570 129,336 3,121,206 1,453,637 India 74,777 31,072 903,724 508,432 Sri Lka Thailnd 201,434 121,195 1,970,575 1,377,867 Vietnam 70,200 26,700 China 12,466,624 8,233,670 102,799,875 68,232,201 Kor Rep 96,818 236,879 1,592,791 1,641,571 243,338 173,683 3,622,097 1,930,639 Hg Kong 157,840 80,381 1,212,596 413,568 Taiwan Japan 204,391 578,827 2,033,793 5,886,028 Austral 888 2,558 Maurit 1,526 5,712 35,028 79,211 TOTAL 27,921,665 12,646,944 202,215,356 101,633,725

Country Canada Mexico Brazil U King Nethlds Fr Germ Austria Czech Italy Singapr China Hg Kong Taiwan Japan TOTAL

9603402000 Paint Rollers Year To Date August Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 35,795 28,688 393,158 893,208 455,098 7,732,428 44,652 22,800 770 269,249 65,731 2,821,091 800 25,060 32,360 58,551 3,649,090 1,714,796 25,986,854 112,170 15,000 40,000 4,847,342 2,264,313 37,285,694

Value 365,557 4,630,930 32,369 23,814 3,440 704,746 4,009 9,777 44,694 12,524 13,890,166 22,049 15,525 28,476 19,788,076

9603404020 Paint Pads (Other Than Of Subheading 9603.30) August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Canada 7,000 3,110 U King 74,700 40,130 Nethlds 1,315 6,600 Fr Germ 1,000 2,364 44 7,438 Italy China 508,636 419,717 7,910,418 4,609,430 Taiwan 5,352 39,999 117,308 928,313 TOTAL 513,988 459,716 8,111,785 5,597,385 9603404040 Natural Bristle Brushes, Other Than Brushes Of Subheading 9603.30 Year To Date August Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Sweden 100 4,542 U King 12,420 8,420 169,741 137,817 Nethlds 336 2,805 France 1,340 3,475 Fr Germ 2,435 7,534 42,408 32,419 60,800 84,596 Italy

PAGE 33 53,994 12,000 371,664 569,244 26,573,564 729,605 471,532 5,100 29,061,428

167,771 9,423 52,720 75,999 3,875,130 206,773 119,488 44,567 4,817,525

Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Brazil Sweden U King Nethlds Fr Germ Czech Switzld Italy Turkey India Vietnam Singapr Indnsia China Kor Rep Taiwan Japan TOTAL

9603404060 Paint, Distemper, Varnish/ Similr Brushes Exc Brushes of Subheading 9603.30 NESOI August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 18,640 22,609 128,974 72 43,317 61,948 100 5,323 25,101 86,020 3,548 15,462 3,918 1,000 2,353 45,046 24,000 517 2,846 15,389 24,941 10,332 30,000 218,762 42,625 611,640 10,750 4,949,997 804,104 27,697,561 11,724,120 3,904,867 111,287,330 140,000 9,284 185,000 291,574 39,385 1,763,574 265,716 17,350,587 4,861,401 142,305,757

Value 155,863 3,098 52,132 33,372 19,684 66,061 17,540 141,115 15,098 2,358 49,755 30,236 3,381 197,077 4,309 4,733,305 39,204,294 27,360 426,322 105,041 45,287,401

Country Mexico Brazil China Taiwan Rep Saf TOTAL

9603908010 Wiskbrooms August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 3,471 2,429 52,013 42,811 371,302 1,938 2,784 52,013 42,811 381,924

Value 8,098 30,033 338,403 6,446 9,233 392,213

Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Salvadr Colomb Brazil Fr Germ Spain Italy Vietnam Phil R China Taiwan Japan Egypt TOTAL

9603908020 Upright Brooms August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 496 37,624 40,939 376,625 1,500 19,121 75,872 41,054 5,160 3,770 43,020 17,283 23,081 228,947 670 6,848 670 20,364 86,350 114,765 195,050 1,600 2,750 2,841 2,750 517,781 690,633 4,497,496 46,548 100 30,852 669,118 901,998 5,561,444

Value 12,171 381,832 109,762 39,858 35,714 304,764 6,848 42,151 282,516 39,336 2,841 4,864,955 39,311 15,000 21,135 6,198,194

Turkey Israel Thailnd Vietnam Indnsia China Taiwan Japan TOTAL

3,641,616 195,297 1,790 360 3,853,918

550,373 62,546 5,776 3,020 637,669

9603908030 Push Brooms, 41 CM or Less in Width August Year To Date Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value Argent 4,350 12,643 Sri Lka 3,636 16,215 39,786 118,911 China

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BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

Taiwan TOTAL

Country Canada Mexico Guatmal Salvadr Dom Rep Colomb Venez Brazil U King Czech Hungary Spain Italy Israel India Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam Indnsia China Kor Rep Taiwan Egypt Rep Saf TOTAL

300 48,072 9603908040 Other Brooms, NESOI August Year To Date Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. 157,735 263,099 806,874 403,798 766,855 3,213,715 21,840 21,266 123,015 66,083 1,577 19,812 23,055 275,080 725,793 28,912 79,539 181,636 1,476 27,040 25,390 172,842 27,900 136,778 147,195 269,956 560,147 3,986 6,125 4,477 7,469 90,092 177,997 322,580 11,500 2,600 2,497 23,810 38,150 533,365 4,813,333 511,820 182 15,915 3,600 2,520 1,416,969 2,167,496 11,535,961

9603908050 Brooms, August Country Net Q/No. Canada Mexico Salvadr Hondura Panama Dom Rep Colomb

2,545 150,314

Value 986,711 5,788,460 122,422 120,562 27,278 316,603 86,988 490,003 10,981 152,115 8,777 167,003 873,262 3,257 9,541 753,273 15,522 20,900 38,974 5,399,000 2,789 93,751 2,904 9,365 15,500,441

Brushes, Sqeegees, Etc., NESOI Year To Date Value Net Q/No. Value 1,754,938 15,606,981 3,012,421 27,290,030 98,182 1,515,938 11,385,076 9,716 263,596 32,971 92,834 875,157

Paintbrush Roundup Continued From Page 23 been an important cog in keeping the company and its customer base on a positive track during these times of unprecedented economic challenges. “Our customer base has been very loyal to us,” Vasile said. “The only difference is sometimes the orders aren’t as big as they used to be, and that is just a factor of the economy, nothing else.” In keeping with its commitment to offering quality products at competitive price points, introducing new and innovative products to save customers time and increase efficiency is also a focal point at Premier Paint Roller. “We recently introduced a line of microfiber roller products,” Vasile said. “The great thing about the microfiber cover is that it holds a great deal of paint. The microfiber covers are designed for use on smooth surfaces. We have found that when used with dark and bright colors, which sometimes will take multiple coatings, this cover allows the user to generally get the desired result with only two passes. This is a significant timesaving factor. It generally translates in cutting labor time in half, while using less paint to get a very professional finish.” Premier’s microfiber roller covers are made by hand in the United States using the highest quality European fabric on the

Brazil Argent Sweden Finland Denmark U King Ireland Nethlds Belgium France Fr Germ Austria Czech Switzld Lithuan Poland Russia Spain Portugl Italy Serbia Romania Turkey Syria Israel India Pakistn Sri Lka Thailnd Vietnam Malaysa Singapr Indnsia China Kor Rep Hg Kong Taiwan Japan Austral W Samoa Egypt TOTAL

December 2009 80,039 8,410 104,994 107,592 343,392 148,780 5,345 279,589 25,154 32,833 119,969 30,545 26,653 135,731 512,289

3,856

59,024 325,307 370,515 578,804 2,270 83,205 4,927 46,995 25,226,139 192,857 529,797 1,313,731 60,039 197,349 12,707 37,377,939

477,750 143,088 125,832 10,595 794,139 582,957 3,612 1,516,640 1,346,185 108,215 1,623,700 235,439 220,794 199,040 30,545 35,140 4,643 408,406 2,290 5,173,440 29,056 8,611 19,424 3,299 425,438 836,838 3,233,701 2,822,249 5,747,725 372,654 271,754 33,662 400,257 203,050,918 2,090,090 3,196,572 8,284,465 333,090 1,022,380 83,464 148,282 300,985,117

market. These roller covers are designed to be used with all paints and enamels. To further offer customers the latest innovations in the marketplace, Premier is also committed to doing its share in promoting and participating in environmentally friendly practices. In this arena, the company offers handles and rollers made from recycled materials. As Premier Paint Roller looks to the future, it will not waver on its quest to continue to offer quality products at competitive prices, in good economic times or bad. There will be other ongoing challenges to be met, such as the increase in raw material costs, but Premier officials are optimistic the company will continue its tradition of growth and success. “We are doing fine. We are just going to have to continue to be responsive to customers’ needs,” Vasile said. “Growth is seldom in double figures in the industry as a whole, but the industry has traditionally enjoyed steady growth and I think that will continue.” Contact: Premier Paint Roller LLC, 131-11 Atlantic Ave. Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Phone: 718-441-7700; Fax: 718-805-9290. E-mail: info@premierpaintroller.com. Web site: www.premierpaintroller.com.

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Zahoransky’s ZT2002E Leads To New Toothbrush Design The new ZT2002E machine developed by Zahoransky AG, of Todtnau-Geschwend, Germany, allows totally new toothbrush designs. Using optional units like, for example, rotary drum or rotary mould, so-called long holes (rectangular, oval, etc.) can be packed into toothbrushes at different angles. The advantage: hole matrix designs can now be made which allow special toothbrush cleaning effects that have so far not been possible. A key feature of the ZT2002E is its kinematics for which a patent has been applied, and which differs strongly from conventional toothbrush design with round bundle holes. Unlike other solutions, the new kinematics from Zahoransky offers the option of varying the chamfer of the anchor inside the brush body with different bundle holes (up to +/- 90°). This prevents contact between neighboring anchors or damage to the brush body. The work fixtures for the brush bodies of the new machine run in rotatable bearings at the drum around an axis parallel to the packing direction. This means that two paired brush body work fixtures arranged in opposition to each other are linked via a common drive. The section behind the drum facing away from the packing tool is used for the drive assembly. The drive itself is designed for the rotary adjustment of the opposite brush body work fixture facing the packing tool. This means that the usual assignment of the packing station, the insert station and the ejection station remain unchanged. In addition to the horizontal and vertical position, the long hole in the brush head can be swiveled around its axis and positioned in front of the rigid packing head. Automatic Feed-in Of Brush Body Blanks In order to singularize brush body blanks easily and reliably from a quantity of bulk material, to align these blanks and then feed them into a drilling station, Zahoransky now offers a new and complete Flex H119 feeder unit. It’s equipped both with an intelligent camera recognition system for identifying the position of the brushes, and with a quick Pick & Place Handling which brings the brushes into an oriented position and then feeds them to a buffer. Functional sequence of the complete Flex H119 feeder unit includes non-aligned loose material (brush heads) is filled by hand into the bulk material bunker. The standard filling charge is approximately 3,000 to 4,000 bodies. A defined quantity of bulk material is collected in the forward bunker and fed to the vertical conveyor which breaks down the charge into smaller batch sizes and carries these to the vibration table. The quantity placed on the first vibration table is controlled via light barriers. Once placed on the downstream second vibration table, the body blanks are pre-aligned in longitudinal direction and spatially separated. The separated body blanks come to rest on the feeder conveyor and passed underneath the camera section without moving. The camera supplies the position data of each grippable body blank to the downstream flex picker which, in turn, grips the brush with a special universal gripper and carries it to the first buffer with head orientation instead of hole matrix orientation. Depending on material flow, different quantities of blanks can be

The Zahoransky ZT2002E

buffered at this point and carried to a second buffer underneath which can be rotated by 90°. Body blanks which cannot be gripped are carefully carried back to the forward bunker via the return line. The head oriented brushes can now be delivered to a drilling station for direct machining and processing. Technical specifications include: • Delivery rate of as many as 75 brushes per minute; The Flex H119 feeder unit is equipped • Pattern change less with quick “Pick & Place Handling” then 5 minutes, if brush to bring brushes in oriented position. patterns have previously been read externally into image processing; • Suitable for all commercially available brush models without the need for special pattern components; • Large buffer to compensate fluctuation in delivery rate; and, • Suitable for single and twin systems. Integrated Anchorless Production (IAP) System Zahoransky presented during InterBrush 2008 in Freiburg, Germany, the company’s system for producing anchorless toothbrushes. In this system, bristle bundles are not pressed into the brush body by a wire-anchor, but encapsulated by injection molding (sheathed). This method has now been optimized so that different plastics can be processed. By completely sheathing the head plate, these premium toothbrushes are substantially more hygienic and anti-bacterial. Also, flexibility in the design of the hole matrix and in the use of the packing material is greater. According to Zahoransky officials, with this new technique a customer in the United States was recently satisfied after installation of an IAP system. In this situation, a series of customer wishes was considered. Despite these specifications, the time required for installing the unit at the customer’s premises was very short, with just two weeks lapsing from the date of installation and the setup for two samples all the way up to the production of the first premium toothbrushes.

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BROOM, BRUSH & MOP

December 2009

U.S. Imports 22 Short Tons Of Broom Corn In September By Harrell Kerkhoff Broom, Brush & Mop Editor

Commerce about the possibility that not all imported broom corn entering the United States right now is being correctly classified and/or reported.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, a total of 22 short tons of broom corn was imported into the United States during September 2009. Total value of this import was $67,313, with a cost per ton of $3,060 ($1.53 per pound). All of the month’s broom corn arrived from Mexico. September’s broom corn import mark was quite a bit lower compared to one year ago when the government reported that 133 short tons entered the United States during September 2008. After the first nine months of 2009, a total of 227 short tons of broom corn was reportedly imported into the United States. Total value of this import was $595,728, with a cost per ton of $2,624 ($1.31 per pound). In comparison, 809 short tons of broom corn entered the United States by the end of September 2008. Total value of this broom corn was $2,068,924, with a cost per ton of $2,557 ($1.28 per pound). The 2009 import breakdown in short tons by country after nine months is as follows: Mexico, 190 tons; India, 11 tons; Sierra Leone, 10 tons; Chile, 9 tons; and the Dominican Republic, 7 tons. All three broom corn dealers interviewed in November felt September’s import figure of 22 short tons was too low and not an accurate reading. In fact, the general consensus among the dealers was that reported import numbers from the government had been on the low side for much of 2009. As of press time, Broom, Brush & Mop was in the process of contacting appropriate officials from the U.S. Department of

Broom Corn 2004 Tons

2005 Tons

2006 Tons

2007 Tons

174

125

116

February

113

215

March April May June July August September October November December

168 122 167 147 162 183 215 202 194 127

77 120 36 65 124 177 124 133 200 164

65 56 135 81 160 216 152 184 96 76

83 48 172 63 80 80 131 92 160 101

1,974

1,389

1,497

1,216

January

“It seems improbable that only 22 short tons of broom corn were brought into the United States during September,” said Richard Caddy of R.E. Caddy & Co., Inc., in Greensboro, NC. He added that September has traditionally been one of the busier months for broom corn imports, and that some of these imports may be falling under different commodity codes. Another possibility is that monthly cutoff dates are being missed. “This may all depend on how people fill out paper work. Regardless, (the low numbers) make our industry look pretty weak, and it’s not that weak. There is more consumption taking place than 22 short tons,” Caddy said. Regarding the second broom corn harvest still taking place in the Torreon region of Mexico, Caddy noted that quality of the crop remains good, while quantity is on the small side. He added that as of the middle of November, pricing for Mexican broom corn remains flat. “I would say that the $1.53 per pound average during September is still on the low side. If there was some raw corn that came in during the month, this no doubt would bring the price down,” Caddy said. “Last August’s (price per pound average of $1.11), however, was not accurate. It would have had to be all raw corn, and not even good raw corn at that. I feel September’s $1.53 per pound average — when factoring in raw corn, hurl and insides — is closer to being accurate.” Caddy reported that the Mexican broom corn he has seen as of late is of good quality. Imports There is some fiber 2008 2009 Total Cost that is not quite as Tons Tons Value Per Ton fine as he would like, but otherwise there 89 14 $47,077 $3,363 ($1.68) are no major issues. 91 21 $63,921 $3,044 ($1.52) “We sometimes 41 50 $108,699 $2,174 ($1.09) have trouble accumu150 11 $27,195 $2,472 ($1.24) lating shorter hurl, 98 24 $62,849 $2,619 ($1.31) that which is 12-, 14-, 65 20 $57,489 $2,874 ($1.44) and 16-inches. We 66 23 $67,889 $2,952 ($1.48) have used the No. 2 76 42 $93,296 $2,221 ($1.11) grade broom corn, 133 22 $67,313 $3,060 ($1.53) which is still pretty 123 decent. It doesn’t fea29 ture as good color, 17 but still has quality 978 227 $595,728 $2,624 ($1.31) fiber,” he explained.

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Regarding yucca fiber, Caddy reported on November 13 that the market has firmed a bit over the past four weeks. “I just received a load (of yucca fiber) and it looks fine. The quality appears to be consistent, which has been the case for quite awhile,” he said. Bart Pelton of PelRay International, LLC, in San Antonio, TX, said it’s possible that some imported broom corn arriving from Mexico is being misclassified, thus the reason for the lower than expected import figures. “Twenty-two shorts tons looks low to me. That is only one truckload of broom corn, and I think more (tonnage) has been coming into the United States on a monthly basis,” Pelton said. “We are no longer experiencing 100 or more short tons of broom corn entering the United States every month, but I feel the actual import level is higher than 22 tons.” When interviewed on November 13, Pelton added that the Torreon region has not yet received its first freeze of the season. Therefore, farmers are still harvesting late crop broom corn. “(The harvested broom corn) is not coming in as fast as it did several weeks ago, but there is still broom corn being harvested,” he explained. “Raw broom corn is readily available for the processors right now, and all the processors are still running, which is good. There is some processed broom corn inventory available for sale in Mexico, just like last month (October). It’s not a huge amount but is enough.” As of November 13, Pelton said Mexican broom corn prices have not changed much compared to one month prior.

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“There is still some exchange rate fluctuation going on. If the (U.S.) dollar is up, it’s sometimes possible to get a better buy. If the dollar is down, you have to pay a little extra.” The yucca fiber market, meanwhile, remains steady, Pelton reported, with fiber readily available. Most orders can be filled within one to three weeks. “Unlike broom corn, the price for yucca fiber (in the recent past) has not gone up much. It’s still a bargain,” Pelton noted. He added that overall business within the U.S. broom and mop industries seems to be getting better compared to the first quarter of 2009. Tim Monahan of The Thomas Monahan Co., in Arcola, IL, reported that the late Torreon broom corn crop does not appear to be very large, which is reflected by the lack of a significant price change. “I suspect that since there is no price change, the rumors we are receiving about a light crop are probably correct,” he said. “The quality of the broom corn does appear to be very good.” On the subject of yucca fiber, Monahan said this market remains slow. He expects the same to take place for the near future unless broom production picks up in the United States. “Unfortunately, there are not many (U.S. companies) still making natural brooms. Most such brooms in the United States are being imported, although it appears even finished broom imports are not increasing that much,” he said. “I can only assume that the total number of corn brooms being sold (in the United States) is down.”

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Wooster Adds To 14-inch Paint Roller Program Contractors are always looking for more efficient ways to tackle larger applications. In response, the Wooster Brush Company has tripled its 14-inch roller program, which now includes 7 fabrics in a variety of nap heights. Whether it’s flat paints and stains or gloss enamels and epoxies, Wooster has a 14-inch roller for the job. These rollers increase production 55 percent over standard 9-inch covers. This program now includes fine-finishing fabrics (Pro/DooZ®, Mohair Blend™, Micro Plush™, and Super Doo-Z®) as well as other covers designed for excellent pick up and release (Super/Fab®, 50/50™, and Cirrus™). The range of nap heights, which varies by fabric, is design to satisfy smooth to extrarough surfaces. A key element of this program is the new

December 2009

Aspen Marketing Named New PFERD Rep

Wooster Sherlock® 14-inch frame. It is lighter than other 14-inch frames and also has good balance. The increased maneuverability makes painting closer to edges and corners much easier than with 18-inch frames. Its quick-release spring prevents rollers from slipping. Smooth-spinning internal bearings prevent both shank wear and streaking. The 14-inch one-piece cage is molded from “green” fiberglass-reinforced nylon. The Sherlock R017-14-inch frame and 12 different 14-inch covers are available at paint and decorating centers, hardware stores, and paint sundry distributors. INDEX

Aspen Marketing of Denver, CO, is now an appointed sales agency for PFERD INC., the U.S. subsidiary of August Rüggeberg GmbH & Co., of Marienheide, Germany, a 210-year-old world leader in the design and manufacture of quality abrasives, brushes, hand tool accessories and power tools. As the PFERD representative in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana, Aspen will be responsible for working with all authorized PFERD distributors in these Rocky Mountain states in the presentation and demonstration of PFERD and Advance Brush products to their end-user customers. Founded five years ago, Aspen Marketing now represents a lineup of over eight manufacturers. Advance Brush, of Wisconsin, is a PFERD subsidiary.

OF ADVERTISERS

ABMA ......................................................................37 Boucherie USA ...........................................................9 Brush Expert .............................................................38 Caddy & Co., Inc., R.E.............................................20 Carlson Tool..............................................................20 Chung Thai Brushes Co............................................10 Creative Poly, Inc. ......................................................2 Crystal Lake..............................................................19 Deco Products Co. ....................................................17 Distribuidora Perfect, S.A.........................................11 Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. Inc......................................15 Jewel Wire Co...........................................................18 Jones Companies ........................................................7 Lemieux Spinning.......................................................3 Line Manufacturing, Inc. ..........................................23 Manufacturers Resource .............................................5 Monahan Co., The Thomas.........................................1 PelRay International .................................................13 PMM ...........................................................................8 Royal Paint Roller ....................................................22 Shanghai Aubi Metals Co. ........................................39 St. Nick Brush Co.....................................................23 Zahoransky ...............................................................40

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