27 minute read
Industrial Brush Report: Accelerating Growth
by Bob Lawrence
Given that industrial brushes are ubiquitous in numerous industries, from automotive and aerospace to robotics, automation and food processing, it’s not surprising that its market share is enormous in the multi-billion dollar global brush industry.
In a 2022 analysis by India-based Maximize Market Research, it was reported that the global industrial brush market size was valued at US $654.72 million, with total revenue expected to grow at an 8.5 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from now to 2029. During that period, the firm projects that the industrial brush market size should reach $1.15895 billion. Factors driving this steady, robust growth include increasing demand from the manufacturing industry for brushes used in such applications as surface finishing, cleaning, and deburring and demand for specialized, custom-made brushes for automation and robotic equipment, 3D printing, and other end-user requirements.
None of this is news to those involved in industrial brush manufacturing; they are in the thick of providing products and services to their customers. To gain insight from the ground floor, Brushware sought and received answers to the following questions from those involved in the sector.
What types of industrial brushes does your company manufacture?
Jim Benjamin, President, Precision Brush, Solon, Ohio: Precision Brush Company manufactures metal channel strip brushes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Straight strip and cylinder brushes are the most common, but we also are experts in making inside disks, outside disks, cup brushes and other odd-shaped brushes. These brushes are used in almost every industry and are unlimited in their uses and applications.
CEO Lance Cheney, Braun Brush Company, Albertson, New York: Our company produces a wide array of industrial brushes, including epoxy set, fused, twisted in wire, staple set, wire wound, and wire drawn brushes. Each type is crafted to meet diverse industrial needs, offering durability, precision, flexibility, and strength tailored to specific applications.
Amy Linzmeyer-Jelinek, Sales and Marketing Specialist, Schaefer Brush, Waukesha, Wisconsin: We specialize in crafting industrial brushes tailored to the specific needs and applications of our customers. Our diverse range of brush solutions includes twistedin-wire, staple-set, and metal back strip brushes, catering to various industrial requirements. Additionally, we excel in developing hand-drawn brushes for specialized applications, as well as intricate engineered brush systems designed for such tasks as cleaning broaches, conveyors, I-beams, channels and more. Our commitment lies in providing customized brush solutions that precisely meet the demands of our customers’ unique applications.
Alessandro Acquaderni, CEO of SITBRUSH, Bologna, Italy: Power brushes, hand scratch brushes, industrial roller brushes, wide-face brushes.
Ken Rakusin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Gordon Brush, USA, City of Industry, California: Gordon Brush produces over 17,000 different kinds of industrial staple set, hand-tied, twisted in wire brushes that are flat, round, cylindrical and all other shapes.
What industries does your company primarily serve with your industrial brushes?
Linzmeyer-Jelinek: We serve a wide array of industries, catering to sectors such as aerospace, power generation, agriculture, automotive, laboratory, food processing, metalworking, HVAC, chemical processing and graphic arts. Our clientele spans across diverse sectors, reflecting the versatility and quality of our products tailored to meet the rigorous standards of professional applications in each industry.
Rakusin: We have a strong presence in the automotive and aerospace industries, where our brushes play a vital role in various manufacturing procedures. Our offerings include a range of products tailored to their specific needs: from our standard hand industrial brushes to those designed for critical ESD (Electro Static Discharge) environments, custom brushes crafted to address specific challenges and even paint and artist brushes. Our market has experienced significant growth thanks to our 13 acquisitions. As a result, we have established strong footholds in the janitorial, food service, electronics, paint and sundries and industrial sectors, where we consistently excel.
Cheney: Our industrial brushes serve a broad spectrum of industries, including automotive detailing, food production, pharmaceutical, aerospace, medical and general industrial sectors. Our products are designed to meet the rigorous standards and diverse needs of these fields.
Benjamin: Most of our products are used in industrial applications where sealing, wiping, agitation, cleaning, moving of product, holding items or any other imaginable application is possible. We have produced over 200,000 unique brushes, and often we are unaware of the specific end uses of these brushes.
Acquaderni: We serve many industries, from automotive to aerospace, from woodworking to primary metal, steel mills, from agriculture, food processing to precision machining.
What sets your industrial brushes apart from those offered by competitors in terms of quality, durability, and performance?
Martinez: It’s the culmination of our exceptional technology, talented workforce and over 118 years of industry experience. Our commitment to quality, durability and performance is evident in every aspect of our products and operations. First, our brushes are crafted using state-of-the-art technology, allowing us to maintain precision and consistency throughout the manufacturing process. Almost all our brushes are designed and produced by our teams in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois. This ensures that each brush meets the highest standards of quality and performance. Secondly, our team of skilled professionals brings decades of collective expertise to the table. Their dedication to innovation and attention to detail result in brushes that are not only durable but also optimized for maximum effectiveness in a wide range of applications. Finally, our long-standing presence in the industry speaks volumes about our commitment to excellence. Over the years, we have refined our processes, honed our skills, and earned the trust of customers worldwide.
Cheney: What distinguishes our industrial brushes from competitors’ offerings are the aspects of quality, durability and performance, which are deeply embedded in our design and manufacturing process. Our philosophy is that brushes designed with a specific application in mind significantly outperform those intended for general use or retrofitted for a particular task. Durability is not a one-size-fits-all criterion; it is tailored to the application’s requirements. We have engineered brushes for both extremes: highly specialized brushes intended for a single-use application where precision is paramount, and on the other end, brushes designed for environments that are difficult to access and require longevity, ensuring they last for years. This bespoke approach allows us to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations across a variety of industries.
Benjamin: Precision Brush Company has great customer service, quoting capabilities and machinery to deliver brushes on time. The employees are a big part of this process and we are lucky to have a great office staff and manufacturing team that can back them up.
Rakusin: Our customers have learned that we provide them with brushes that meet, or usually exceed their expectations. Balancing quality, durability, performance and pricing are challenges that all manufacturers have to deal with. We may or may not be the least expensive, but delivering a durable, quality brush on time keeps our customers returning for more.
What materials are commonly used in the manufacturing of your industrial brushes, and what are the advantages of each?
Benjamin: The metal channel is usually galvanized steel or stainless steel, and the brush filament is usually a synthetic such as Polyamide (Nylon) or Polypropylene, although we also can make metal channel strip brushes with natural fibers such as horse hair, Tampico or other animal hairs such as camel or goat hair. We can also make wire brushes using stainless steel, phosphor bronze, brass or steel.
Rakusin: Our biggest material usage is stainless steel, nylon, polypropylene, bristle and horsehair. While we use dozens if not hundreds of other materials, these are the materials that we use the most. Interestingly, none of them can replace another. For instance, stainless steel cannot replace nylon, as it would be too tough and could scratch the surface that the nylon would otherwise clean. Every material is unique in its own way. Gordon Brush maintains an immense variety of materials in our inventory to minimize lead times when we are producing custom brushes.
Cheney: Our industrial brushes are manufactured from a diverse range of materials, each chosen for specific benefits: Nylon offers excellent wear, functionality, and durability with outstanding memory. Polyester provides good wear and functionality, serving as a cost-effective alternative. Polypropylene is known for its weldability and superior chemical resistance. Boar hair is ideal for delicate surfaces, offering durability. Tampico features heat resistance, maintains stiffness when wet and offers chemical resistance. We also incorporate various types of metallic fibers to meet specialized industrial needs.
Linzmeyer-Jelinek: We prioritize meeting our customers’ needs and delivering the best solutions for their specific applications. When it comes to the materials used in manufacturing our industrial brushes, we tailor our choices to ensure maximum effectiveness and durability. For instance, we typically utilize galvanized stem wire to offer cost-effective solutions. However, we understand that certain industries, such as food processing, require higher standards of hygiene. Therefore, we also offer stainless steel options for brushes used in food-grade applications or environments with high moisture exposure upon request. Similarly, our staple-set brushes come with either wood, plastic or foam blocks, depending on the application’s requirements. We recognize that different environments and tasks demand different levels of durability and resilience, and we aim to provide suitable options accordingly. Regarding filament materials, our catalog boasts a diverse range to cater to various needs. This includes natural fibers like horsehair and Tampico, as well as wires made from brass, bronze, steel, tempered wire and a variety of nylon and polypropylene options including antibacterial, antistatic, high temperature resistant and FDA-approved filaments. Each material offers distinct advantages depending on the specific task at hand.
Acquaderni: We use wires of any materials and synthetic abrasive filaments.
Regarding your manufacturing process, what unique technologies are utilized?
Rakusin: For the last 20-25 years, Gordon Brush has continued to invest in new, modern CNC equipment that enables us to produce products rapidly in the most automated ways possible. We’ve been on a buying spree over the last four years or so, investing about $6 million in new machinery.
Acquaderni: We use quite a few of the technologies and machinery from the suppliers exhibiting at World Brush Expo 2024.
Gonzalo Martinez, President and CEO, Schaefer Brush: In our manufacturing process, we leverage cutting-edge technologies tailored to the production of twisted-inwire, staple set and metal back strip brush solutions. Our commitment to innovation drives us to continually invest in advanced equipment and techniques to enhance operational efficiencies and product quality. Some of the technologies we utilize include, state-of-the-art automated machinery for precision manufacturing of twisted-in-wire, staple set brushes and strip brushes. These machines ensure consistent product quality, reduce manual labor and optimize production throughput. We harness data analytics tools to monitor and analyze various aspects of the manufacturing process, such as machine performance, material usage and quality control metrics. This data-driven approach enables us to identify opportunities for optimization, streamline workflows and minimize waste, ultimately improving overall operational efficiencies. By embracing these technologies, we not only maintain our competitive edge in the industrial brush market but also drive continuous improvement in product quality, efficiency and innovation, ultimately delivering superior value to our customers.
Benjamin: Precision Brush Company probably has more capacity and machinery than most other strip brush manufacturers. We mostly design and manufacture our own equipment which allows us to keep costs lower and capacity opportunities greater.
Cheney: In our manufacturing process, we employ several unique technologies to create our specialized brushes. Our extensive use of epoxy set techniques, especially for individual strand set brushes, caters to the stringent requirements of the food and pharmaceutical industries. We stand out in the market as one of the few manufacturers capable of producing cylindrical and bottle brushes through wire winding construction methods. Additionally, we are the sole provider of completely fused tube and pipe brushes, a testament to our innovative approach. A significant portion of our production involves custom-designed and engineered products. For these, we leverage our in-house 3D printing and CNC machining capabilities, enabling precise and efficient fabrication tailored to our clients’ specific needs.
How does your company ensure the quality and consistency of your industrial brushes?
Benjamin: Quality has been a major goal and one of our core values since the beginning of the company in 1951. We have great employees and systems to check that limit mistakes. We very rarely get any brushes back because they were made wrong or had quality defects. If we do get any complaints it is usually because the shipment was lost by a carrier.
Erin Clay, Quality Manager, Schaefer Brush: Ensuring quality and consistency in our industrial brushes is a top priority at Schaefer and Gornell. We integrate various elements of quality management systems into our operations to achieve this objective. These include thorough drawing, design reviews, established tolerancing for different product lines and documented quality checks. Additionally, we foster a culture of open communication within our team, encouraging everyone to voice concerns and suggestions. Continuous improvement is ingrained in our practices, ensuring that we consistently strive to enhance our processes and products.
Cheney: Our company upholds the highest standards of quality and consistency in our industrial brushes through a culture where every team member is accountable for quality. Each individual takes ownership of the product quality that passes through their hands, embracing a proactive stance towards maintaining our standards. Rather than assigning blame for errors, we focus on collaborative problem-solving to prevent recurrence. This approach ensures that our brushes meet the stringent demands of our diverse clientele, maintaining our reputation for excellence.
Rakusin: Gordon is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company and we work hard to ensure that our brushes are made properly the first time and every time. This process has been fine-tuned over our 73 years in business.
Are your industrial brushes customizable to meet specific client needs? If so, what customization options are available?
Benjamin: Yes, customizable is what we do best. About 95 percent of what we manufacture is custom to a unique application or customer’s specification.
Acquaderni: Half of what we do involves customization, ranging from small changes in filament size to entirely new brushes engineered according to customer specifications, in collaboration with both the customer and the machine manufacturer.
Rakusin: Gordon Brush is a leader in making custom brushes for thousands of different customers and applications. We’ve sent brushes to the moon and Mars, saved the U.S. Army over $1.5 billion in engineering a brush to vastly extend the lifespan of the big gun on the Abrams tank, created brushes that the Bureau of Engraving use to print our U.S. currency and thousands of other applications. As we’re proud to say, “We’re Americans, We can do anything.”
Martinez: We understand that every application is unique, and we pride ourselves on our ability to tailor our products accordingly. Our most common customization options include adjusting the dimensions and configurations of our brushes to fit specific equipment or application requirements. Clients have the option to choose from a variety of brush materials, including nylon, natural fibers, metal wire and more, depending on the desired durability, abrasion resistance and other performance factors. We offer a range of filament types, such as crimped, flagged, abrasive or conductive filaments to suit different brushing needs. Clients can specify the density and length of brush filaments to achieve the desired brushing effect and coverage. We provide various mounting options, including shafts, handles or custom attachments to ensure easy integration into existing equipment or systems. Clients can request additional features such as anti-static properties, chemical resistance or specialized coatings to meet specific environmental or operational requirements. In addition to offering customizable industrial brushes, we have the capability to design complete engineered solutions to meet our customer demands. This includes not only tailoring individual brush components but also integrating them into comprehensive systems optimized for specific applications. Our engineering team collaborates closely with clients to understand their unique requirements and challenges, developing innovative solutions that address their needs effectively. Whether it’s designing brush systems for complex machinery or creating specialized brush configurations for unique applications, we leverage our expertise and resources to deliver tailored solutions that exceed customer expectations.
Cheney: Our industrial brushes are highly customizable to meet the precise needs of our clients. In fact, two-thirds of our products shipped are tailored specifically to customer specifications. We excel in creating brushes that perfectly align with our clients’ exact requirements. Our customization options are virtually limitless, encompassing the use of any materials at our disposal. Furthermore, we are committed to innovation; we have developed new manufacturing methods specifically for certain projects to ensure that the final product meets the unique demands of our customers.
Can you provide examples of any innovative or specialized industrial brushes your company has developed to solve specific industry challenges?
Cheney: Certainly, our company has been at the forefront of developing innovative and specialized industrial brushes to address unique challenges across various industries. For example, we designed brushes capable of removing machining debris from pipes located 10,000 feet underground, a testament to our ability to provide solutions for extreme conditions. In the realm of marine technology, we’ve crafted brushes specifically to eliminate biofilm from critical components on unmanned underwater vehicles, ensuring their operational integrity in challenging marine environments. Furthermore, in the medical field, we’ve developed brushes used in surgical procedures for knee and hip replacements, highlighting our commitment to precision and safety. These examples, from our recent projects, showcase our efforts to meet the unique needs of various industries through specialized solutions.
Martinez: Our channel sweep solutions are an innovative response to a need in many industries that utilize chain conveyor systems. These systems are installed in-line and constantly run to keep the beam or interior of the channel free from debris, which reduces downtime that would otherwise be required to clean it.
Can you share any success stories or notable projects where your industrial brushes have made an impact for your clients?
Rakusin: For 20-25 years the brushes we make to print United States currency have been produced with the utmost care and attention to detail. Literally, if one of our brushes was out of spec or came apart, the potential damage to the printing presses and printing of currency would be devastating to the U.S. government. Fortunately, there has never been an issue with one of our brushes.
Cheney: There are many notable projects, however, one comes to mind. Several years ago, we received a call from a flustered engineer, who worked for a major snack food company. Apparently, a brush used in the production of one of their most prominent lines had been losing fiber which was ending up in the finished product. This led to the company shutting down the line that made this product in seven facilities throughout the U.S. The engineer had a private jet standing by and wanted to know if I would come back to the factory that night to meet him and produce a solution. I agreed and we worked throughout the night, eventually developing an entirely new way to make the brush for their application. We worked straight through the next 48 hours to produce enough brushes to get all their production facilities back online.
Debbie Stray, Customer Service Representative, Schaefer Brush: In a more lighthearted story, we once received a request from a client who needed a solution to keep turkeys from getting run over by their delivery trucks. How does a brush solve this problem? Well, the reason they were getting run over is they were falling through the gap between the loading dock and the truck when it backed into to loading bay. They needed something to create a sort of blockage between the truck and the dock, without damaging the dock or risking further harm to the turkeys. We designed what was basically a large strip brush with heavy synthetic filament that would bolt in place to close the gap and provide a bit of flexibility depending on how close the truck backed up. No more squished turkeys!
Are there currently any supply chain issues, and if so what, and how are you dealing with them?
Sue Rhodes, Purchasing Manager, Schaefer Brush: We encounter various supply chain challenges, particularly in sourcing raw materials both locally and internationally. These challenges include fluctuating material costs, availability constraints and unpredictable lead times. To address these issues effectively, we implemented a strategic approach focused on several key areas: We maintain strong relationships with our suppliers to ensure reliable access to high-quality materials. Regular communication and collaboration help us stay informed about market dynamics and potential disruptions. We prioritize quality when selecting raw materials, regardless of their origin. Rigorous quality control measures are in place to ensure that all materials meet our specifications and standards, thereby minimizing the risk of receiving substandard or defective supplies. We continuously evaluate and optimize our sourcing strategies to achieve cost-effective solutions. This includes negotiating favorable pricing agreements with suppliers, exploring alternative materials or sources and leveraging economies of scale to lower overall procurement costs. We are still experiencing some longer lead times for raw materials than prior to the pandemic. We leverage supply chain visibility and logistics optimization to mitigate risks and reduce lead times. We use a team effort in inventory management with sales, production, mechanics and maintenance all involved with supply chain staff to best inform the purchasing decisions being made.
Cheney: Supply chain challenges have eased recently, but vigilance remains key in our operations. We actively monitor lead times and maintain optimal stock levels to mitigate potential disruptions. Our focus on custom manufacturing necessitates keeping a broad selection of materials on hand, ensuring we can swiftly and efficiently meet our clients’ unique requirements without compromise.
Rakusin: Fortunately, we are not faced with any supply chain issues in 2024. The past couple of years were challenging but our proven suppliers have done an excellent job resolving lead time issues.
Benjamin: Lately there have not been many supply chain issues. We carry a lot of stock which allows us to keep our lead time short. We also have great relationships with our vendors, who keep us up to date on changes in their delivery schedules.
How does your company handle sustainability and environmental concerns in the manufacturing process?
Acquaderni: SIT is treating sustainability at 360° from the social aspect where we achieved in 2023 a Gender Equality certification to the environmental aspect as now around 50 percent of our energy consumption comes from our solar panels over our factory.
Cheney: Our company adopts a meticulous approach in the manufacturing process of our industrial brushes. By focusing on custom-made solutions, we ensure that materials are utilized efficiently with minimal waste. Each brush is crafted to meet the precise specifications of its intended application, which not only enhances performance but also significantly reduces the consumption of resources. Additionally, we have implemented a refillable brush system for certain models, allowing the reuse of the core multiple times by refilling it with new fibers. This not only extends the life cycle of our products but also lessens our environmental footprint, reflecting our commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality or performance.
Clay: We have implemented several initiatives to minimize our environmental footprint and promote responsible practices. For example, we optimize our production processes to minimize waste generation during manufacturing. This includes efficient material usage and recycling programs to reduce waste sent to landfills. We have streamlined our purchasing process to buy only what is needed, in the right format, reducing excess inventory and minimizing waste associated with overstocking. We invest in energy-efficient technologies and equipment to reduce energy consumption in our manufacturing facilities. This includes upgrading to more efficient machinery and implementing energy-saving measures such as LED lighting and automated systems. We continuously upgrade our equipment to newer, more efficient models that consume less energy and produce fewer emissions. This not only reduces our environmental impact but also improves overall operational efficiency. We source sustainable materials whenever possible, prioritizing suppliers with environmentally friendly practices and certifications. This includes using recycled materials and biodegradable alternatives where feasible. We have robust waste management programs in place to properly handle and dispose of waste materials, including hazardous substances. This ensures compliance with environmental regulations and minimizes negative impacts on the environment.
Rakusin: Our process uses so many different materials that sustainability concerns are not easily addressed and resolved.
Benjamin: Precision Brush has had many programs for recycling and reusing boxes as well as limiting waste. It is one of our goals both for the environment as well as profitability. We are currently working on a system to automatically determine waste per order and will be incentivizing our employees to become more efficient.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and technological advancements, and how does this knowledge influence your product development?
Acquaderni: We have an R&D team inside our technical department and we incentivize a “culture of curiosity,” inviting every person in our company to contribute with ideas about product and process improvement. Moreover, since 2019, we started an Open Innovation program together with different partners such as the University of Bologna.
Rakusin: We have excellent relationships with our suppliers who do an outstanding job keeping us up to date with technological advancements within the brush industry and for our needs in our extensive machine shop. Reading industry magazine articles and ads also helps keep us abreast of changes in the industry. Fortunately, the forced ending of InterBrush has been replaced by the new World Brush Expo in Bologna, Italy, this year. This will be the seventh time that I will have the opportunity to see the latest brush machinery in action. It’s disappointing that one of the leading manufacturers of brush machinery has divorced itself from the industry and will not be exhibiting.
Martinez: We adopt a customer-driven approach to innovation by actively monitoring industry trends and technological advancements. We achieve this by listening to our customers’ needs and preferences, incorporating their feedback into our product development process. We conduct ongoing market research to stay informed about changing industry dynamics and competitor activities. We collaborate with industry experts, research institutions, machine manufacturers and technology providers to access cutting-edge knowledge and expertise. This collective understanding of customer needs and market trends guides our product development efforts, ensuring that our solutions remain relevant, competitive and aligned with evolving industry demands.
Benjamin: We are constantly improving our technology and processes at Precision Brush. In fact, “Improvement” is one of four of our core values. Our product has not dramatically changed over time but the manufacturing process and internal processes are constantly changing and improving. We ask our team for ideas and keep in touch with other companies, both in the brush industry as well as in other manufacturing industries.
Cheney: We actively stay informed about industry trends and technological advancements through a variety of sources. Brushware magazine is a staple in our reading material, providing us with comprehensive insights into the brush manufacturing sector. Additionally, we subscribe to a range of news feeds, websites and blogs that cover a myriad of industries. The versatility in the application and industries where brushes are utilized continually surprises us. One of the most rewarding challenges of our work is the opportunity to rapidly acquaint ourselves with the specialized vocabulary of entirely new industries. This breadth of knowledge not only keeps us at the forefront of innovation but also significantly influences our product development, allowing us to tailor our brushes to meet evolving market needs and specific client requirements.
What kind of customer support and after-sales service does your company provide?
Benjamin: We have a Customer Service team that is very responsive in quickly providing quotes and addressing our customers’ brush needs to the best of our ability. Sometimes this involves creating samples, while other times it simply entails providing a quick quote. We rarely make manufacturing errors, so there is usually not much after-sales support required.
Rakusin: Gordon Brush makes very high-quality brushes and stands behind our manufacturing process. It’s rare, but when we have an issue with our products, we stand behind our products and do whatever we need to make it right for our customer.
Angie Elmore, Customer Service Manager, Schaefer Brush: Our customer service, engineering and sales team is available to provide technical assistance and guidance to customers, helping them with product selection, installation and troubleshooting. We offer customization services to tailor our products to meet specific customer requirements, ensuring they receive solutions that best fit their needs. Although customer complaints are rare, we honor warranty services and return and exchange policies. We maintain open lines of communication with customers, both through phone and email, responding promptly to inquiries, requests and feedback. Our goal is to address customer needs in a timely and efficient manner, fostering positive relationships and trust. We continuously seek feedback from customers to identify areas for improvement and enhance our products and services. Customer input is invaluable in driving innovation and ensuring that we meet and exceed customer expectations.
Cheney: At Braun Brush customer support starts at the first point of contact, either through our website (www.brush.com), email or via the phone. Striving to make it as easy as possible for customers to reach us is always our goal. We do not use automated attendants, opting instead for personal interaction. We endeavor to answer the phone within two rings, and you can reach anyone in our organization by going through, no more than one person. While we do have a 60-day guarantee on all our products, we encourage customers to contact us at any time to give us an opportunity to make the situation right. We want to make sure the customer is delighted with our products and service.
Acquaderni: Customer support and after-sales service is always provided by people with experience in our company, and not provided by chatbot.
Can you provide insights into the future direction of your company’s product development and any upcoming innovations?
Martinez: Three key areas of focus and upcoming innovations include, investing in advanced technologies such as automation and artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency, precision and consistency of our manufacturing processes. These technologies will enable us to produce high-quality brushes more efficiently and cost-effectively. We recognize the importance of offering customizable and personalized solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers. We are expanding our capabilities to offer a wider range of customization options, allowing customers to tailor our brushes to their specific requirements. We continue exploring opportunities to integrate digital technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things) and data analytics into production processes to provide real- time monitoring, predictive maintenance and performance optimization capabilities.
Benjamin: We are looking forward to the Expo in Bologna, Italy, and welcome new technology that will be presented there. It has been many years since the last show, and since then we have developed some internal improvements as well as purchased some equipment to make things more efficient.
Acquaderni: More than six years ago when we celebrated our 110th anniversary, we created a book and named it after our guiding principle, the “Ongoing Innovation.” That means both innovating day-by-day and also innovating in continuity with the past, without cutting our roots but continuing to build on those, maximizing the value of our experience, yet changing a little every day, with continuous improvement.
Rakusin: I can’t give away any secrets about what the future will be, but I can guarantee that Gordon Brush will continue to invest in state-of-the-art machinery, will look at acquisitions when they become available and make sure that we retain and grow our team. My 34 years at the helm have been a great ride, and I wish I could put in another 34.
