Mill-Rose brushes set the standard for quality and are trusted by more professionals. From surgeons using our medical brushes to machinists using industrial brushes, Mill-Rose brushes perform long after other brushes fail.
Experience
We’ve been making brushes since 1919. Millions of them. That’s over a century of brush manufacturing experience!
Selection
Mill-Rose makes brushes in every size, shape and material imaginable. From miniature brushes as small as 0.014” in diameter to 48” diameter brushes for industrial applications.
Custom Brushes
If we don’t have a stock brush for you, we’ll design your brush and make it from any material the job calls for.
Competitive Prices
Mill-Rose prices typically meet or beat cheaper-quality brushes, but our mission is to always deliver the bestquality brushes. Period.
Showcase For The Industry
As we approach the holiday season, I am pleased to introduce the Annual Machinery Showcase and Supplier/Manufacturer Spotlight edition, which offers the opportunity for top companies in the brushware industry to highlight capabilities and products. Each profile features insights and information that serve as a key resource for you and your business as we move into planning for 2025. If you are interested in learning how your company can be a part of the edition in the future, contact me at the email address below. I will be happy to explain the program and get you on board to build your presence in the industry for the new year.
In the spirit of looking ahead, I am pleased to announce that we will launch a new initiative for the January/February edition as we will be making this our new photo issue. Starting about 18 months ago, we’ve made a concerted effort to include more product photos in the magazine, and attending the World Brush Expo last May provided further inspiration to expand on that project. Our goal is to leverage Brushware to highlight the positive impact, utility and vital nature of the diverse range of products the brushware industry supplies to the world.
We invite you to participate by submitting any interesting or creative photos related to the brush industry by December 4, 2024. We’re particularly interested in showcasing unique brush product applications — this is your opportunity to demonstrate the ingenuity and usefulness of the products that define our industry. To submit, simply send a photo along with a brief caption to: news.brushware@goodwinworldmedia.com.
To close, I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of our readers and advertisers for your continued support. Seeing the industry come together in Italy last May, made 2024 a remarkable year, and we’re excited to see what will come in the years ahead.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous start to the new year!
Brushware – a bi-monthly publication edited for key personnel in the brush, roller, broom, mop and applicator industry. Published continuously through the years, the one publication that is the spokesman for the brush and allied industries: 1898-1923, called Brooms, Brushes & Handles; 1924-1947, called Brooms, Brushes & Mops, 1948-today, called Brushware.
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Brushware (ISSN 00072710) (Canadian Sales Agreement Number 0650153) is published bimonthly by Goodwin World Media LLC, P.O. Box 7093, Overland Park, KS 66207 USA. Printed in the USA. Subscription: $95/year for US, Canada and Mexico. All other countries $210/year.
POSTMASTER – Send address changes to Brushware Magazine, P.O. Box 7093, Overland Park, KS 66207. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Requests for permission should be addressed to: Brushware Magazine, P.O. Box 7093, Overland Park, KS 66207.
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International Hardware Fair Italy | Milan, Bergamo www.hardwarefair-italy.com
October 8-10, 2025
65th FEIBP Annual Congress | Ischia, Italy, www.eurobrush.com
November 12-13, 2025
PARTS FINISHING | Karlsruhe, Germany www.parts-finishing.de
April 14-17, 2026
Interclean Amsterdam Amsterdam, The Netherlands www.intercleanshow.com/amsterdam
Perlon Announces Management Changes
Perlon has announced changes in management as CEO Florian Kisling has decided to leave the company for personal reasons with immediate effect.
Matthias Peter and Kamil Grzelak have taken over the management of the company as co-CEOs. Peter was previously COO of Perlon and has extensive operational experience. Grzelak has been with Perlon for many years as the managing representative of the shareholders. In that role, Perlon says Grzelak has been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the company and has been closely involved in its implementation. “This combination of in-depth Perlon knowledge, strategic perspective and implementation experience will ideally complement the management team,” the company says in a statement released in October.
In addition, Lena Haubrich will assume the position of Chief Sales Officer (CSO). With her many years of experience at Perlon, most recently as Global Head of Marketing and Product Management, the company says she will make a “significant contribution to further strengthening our sales orientation and continuing the successful path of the Perlon Group together with the management team.”
The company says that outgoing CEO Kisling has “continued to develop Perlon with great commitment and provided important impetus even in challenging times.”
Under its new leadership team, The Perlon Group says it “remains committed to pursuing the same customer-focused corporate strategy, and to continue as your reliable, innovation-driven business partner.”
To learn more about Perlon, visit www.perlon.com.
Felton Brushes Limited Acquires Valley Brush Corporation
Felton Brushes Limited has recently acquired the assets of Valley Brush Corporation, based in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Tony Ponikvar, CEO of Felton Brushes Limited, says, “Valley Brush Corporation has built up a North American professional vehicle wash customer base that has relied on the industry's finest brushes for specific applications. The Valley brand will remain in place through the transition period, and Felton will immediately offer the line as part of their extensive line, selling through the industrial distribution channels we currently serve.”
Felton Brushes Limited is a privately owned business operating since 1933. The company serves many industries where domestic premium quality is critical to their manufacturing processes.
Felton’s long-term strategy is to continue to acquire privately owned brush businesses that have the same quality-based values as Felton to continue to grow the offering to benefit current customers.
Valley Brush Corporation was a family-run business with the owners looking to retire. It was important for their customers to be taken care of moving forward and that the quality standards of Valley Brush be preserved.
The operations of Valley Brush Corporation have been relocated to Felton’s expansive facility in Hamilton, Ontario.
ZAHORANSKY Realigns Executive Board
ZAHORANSKY has announced a realignment that will see Dr.-Ing. Heinrich Sielemann appointed to the Executive Board for the Technical Division starting December 1, 2024. In addition, Ric Nachtmann will join the company as Chief Financial Officer on January 1, 2025.
As part of a strategic development plan the ZAHORANSKY Group initiated in 2023, a generational change in the executive board will also take place at the end of 2024. Ulrich Zahoransky (70) will move to the supervisory board after a transition period. Winfried Ebner (63) will also step down from the company’s executive board and will advise the new chief technology officer, particularly in the areas of technology and patent issues. He will remain in the role of managing director for the subsidiary ZAHORANSKY Automation & Molds GmbH.
To continue as a leader of innovation in the areas of oral care, brushes and brooms and medical technology, and to optimally serve market and customer requirements, ZAHORANSKY AG initiated a comprehensive strategic development in 2023 to position the group for the future.
“The challenges for our industries and our company are not getting any smaller. In order to counter these in a timely manner with targeted measures, we are consistently driving the development of our company forward and, in doing so, have proactively initiated the future-oriented positioning of our company together with a consulting firm,” says Ulrich Zahoransky.
The company sees potential in the medical technology business unit, which will be expanded more intensively. The unit will benefit from the company’s many years of experience in the fields of machine and mold construction, plastics technology and automation. In addition, the company aims to further strengthen and expand its position as a market and innovation leader for molds and tufting machines for oral care and brushes and brooms.
With his strategic foresight, Zahoransky played a decisive role in shaping the company’s successful development over the last 36 years and is handing over the baton to the new board at his request. One milestone of his personal success story is the establishment of the medical technology division.
During the realignment, the supervisory board has also decided to no longer organize the executive board according to product areas in the future. Instead, ZAHORANSKY is now placing a duo at the top of the ZAHORANSKY Group with Dr.-Ing. Heinrich Sielemann as Chief Technical Officer and Ric Nachtmann as Chief Financial Officer.
“We are pleased to have found two experienced executives in Dr. Heinrich Sielemann and Ric Nachtmann who will lead the ZAHORANSKY Group out of a challenging phase and into a successful future,” says Wolfgang Weber, Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
Zahoransky says, “‘With the appointment of Dr. Heinrich Sielemann and Ric Nachtmann, we, for the first time, have an executive board that does not include any members of our family — that is a major change. Nevertheless, we want to remain a family business and, as a family, we fully support our company.”
Sielemann was most recently president of the IWK Group, a manufacturer and system provider of tube filling and packaging lines with a focus on the pharmaceutical, medical technology and cosmetics industries. He has a 28-year career in the field of mechanical and plant engineering, during which he held various management positions, including Chief Technology Officer, Vice President Engineering & Technology and Managing Director of Technology.
Born in Dortmund, Nachtmann graduated from the Technical University of Dortmund with a degree in process engineering (chemical engineering), where he also completed his doctorate.
From left: Chairman of the Supervisory Board Wolfgang Weber, Member of the Executive Board Ulrich Zahoransky, Ric Nachtmann, Dr Heinrich Sielemann.
The Pulse
Andrea Aleshire Promoted at Nexstep Commercial Products
Nexstep Customer Service Specialist Andrea Aleshire has been promoted to the position of Sales Reporting Specialist. Aleshire grew up in Newton, Illinois, and attended the University of Cincinnati. Before joining Nexstep, she worked in Inside Sales at a local beverage company. Aleshire is a current resident of Springfield, Ohio, with her husband and three children. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, gardening and cheering on Ohio State football. She also likes to watch movies, especially around Christmas time, and lists “It’s a Wonderful Life” as her favorite.
Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Erin E. Busch, says, “We are thrilled Andrea has expanded her role with Nexstep. With her previous experience and familiarity with our customers and products, she will be a valuable asset to our sales team and customers!”
New Blue Monster 1-Step CPVC Cement Simplifies Pipe Installations
Blue Monster 1-Step CPVC Cement, a new self-priming adhesive designed for use on copper tube size (CTS) CPVC pipe and fittings up to two inches in diameter with interference fit, is now available exclusively from Clean-Fit Products, a division of The Mill-Rose Company.
Blue Monster 1-Step CPVC cement is formulated for use as a one-step cement where the use of a primer is not required by local code. This unique cement simplifies installations by reducing labor and offers faster curing times before pressure testing.
Nexstep Commercial Products (Exclusive Licensee of O-Cedar) is pleased to announce Andrea Aleshire as Sales Reporting Specialist at our corporate office Andrea previously held the position of Customer Specialist with Nexstep and is very excited about her new role on our Sales Team.
Nexstep Commercial Products
Adds Customer Service Specialist
grew up in Newton, IL and attended the University of Cincinnati. Prior to Nexstep, she worked in Sales at a local beverage company. current resident of Springfield, OH with her husband and 3 children. Outside work Andrea loves spending time with her family, gardening, and cheering on Ohio State Football. She also likes to watch movies especially around Christmas time and “It’s a Wonderful Life” as her favorite.
can be reached at:
PHONE: Ext. 123 andrea@ocedarcommercial.com
Jennifer Finley joined Nexstep in July 2024 as a customer service specialist. She attended Kent State University where she majored in Political Science. Before Nexstep, she worked at McGregor Metals in customer service. Finley is originally from Columbus, Ohio, but moved to Springfield, Ohio, four years ago. Outside of work, Finley loves to hike, work out and watch movies. Most importantly she cherishes spending time with her family, including two children and five grandchildren!
President of Sales & Marketing, Erin E. Busch, states “We are thrilled Andrea has expanded her role Nexstep; her previous experience and familiarity with our customers and products, she will be a valuable asset to our sales team and customers!”
Blue Monster 1-Step CPVC cement is designed for use in residential, commercial and industrial cold and hot water CPVC piping systems up to 180°F (82°C). This mediumbodied CPVC adhesive meets the low-VOC emission limit as outlined by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Blue Monster 1-Step CPVC cement is listed by NSF International for compliance with ASTM F 493, the Uniform Plumbing Code, NSF/ANSI Standard 14, NSF/ANSI Standard 61 for use on potable water, drain, waste, vent and sewer applications (pw-G-dwv-sw).
“Blue Monster is all about connecting and sealing pipes, and the new 1-Step CPVC Cement is a great addition to this product line created for professional contractors,” says John Kirkland, National Sales Manager of Clean-Fit Products. “This new cement complements our selection of 1-Step cements for PVC pipe and fittings.”
in welcoming this new position with Nexstep.
Blue Monster 1-Step CPVC cement is offered in 4-ounce, 8-ounce, 16-ounce and 32-ounce cans with an applicator designed into the container’s lid, and is available at leading wholesalers.
"O-Cedar Makes Your Life Easier!®"
Finley is very excited about starting with Nexstep. Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Erin E. Busch, says, “Jennifer is a welcome addition to our Customer Service Team. Her experience, skills and friendly demeanor will provide our customers with the world-class customer service they expect from Nexstep Commercial Products!”
Products (Exclusive Licensee of O-Cedar) is pleased to announce that Jennifer Finley office as a Customer Service Specialist Jennifer grew up in Columbus, OH and University where she studied Political Science Prior to joining Nexstep, Jennifer Metals in Customer Service Springfield, OH 4 years ago. Outside work, Jennifer loves to hike, workout, and watch stay current with movies, tv, and awards but cites the classic “Goodfellas” as importantly she spends time with family, including 2 children and 5
HEADQUARTERS: 625 Burt Street • Springfield, OH 45505 USA Tel: 937- 322- 5163 Email: customerservice @ocedarcommercial.com • www ocedarcommercial.com
Learn more about Clean-Fit Products at www.cleanfit.com.
Aim For Extraordinary
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Five Elected to IHA Board Of Directors
Five industry veterans have been elected to the board of directors of the International Housewares Association (IHA), the full-service trade association for the housewares industry.
The new directors are Alexander Gransbury, founder and CEO, Dreamfarm; Lauren Greenwood, president, YouCopia Products, Inc.; Henry Liu, president & CEO, Cangshan Cutlery; Pamela Stafford, managing director, Hestan Culinary; and Kelly Walsh, vice president, KitchenSupply. Their three-year terms begin Oct. 1, 2024 and end Sept. 30, 2027.
Also elected were new board officers:
• Chairman – Paul Cosaro, CEO, Picnic Time Family of Brands
• Vice Chairman/Chairman Elect – Michael Otterman, president & CEO, Lodge Cast Iron
• Treasurer – Tom McMahon, president, JURA Inc.
All officers serve one-year terms from Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025.
Retiring from the board are Steve Greenspon, CEO, Honey-Can-Do International LLC; Yvette Laugier; Lisa Knierim, chief development officer, Creative Tops Inc.; Rob Michelson, president & CCO, Bradshaw Home; Keith Mirchandani, founder & CEO, Trend Makers, LLC.; and Luke Peters, president & CEO, NewAir LLC.
Re-appointed for a second three-year term was Glenn DeStefano, president, Storebound LLC.
Workforce Insights: Take Advantage of Media to Share Employee Success
In the modern business landscape, it’s no longer enough to quietly recognize employee achievements within the company. More and more, businesses are turning to external channels, such as industry magazines and websites, to share awards recognitions, anniversaries and promotions through press releases. This practice isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it has tangible benefits that go well beyond internal morale. Publicly celebrating employee accomplishments can enhance company culture, boost employee retention and position the business as a desirable employer.
This type of external recognition is powerful because it transcends the boundaries of internal memos and staff meetings. When employees see their efforts recognized in industry-specific outlets, it validates their contributions in a way that simply staying in-house cannot. For team members, this level of acknowledgment can be a game-changer, reinforcing their loyalty to the company and improving their overall job satisfaction. The more appreciated they feel, the more likely they are to stay, reducing turnover and fostering longterm engagement.
Going a step further, press releases celebrating employee achievements also serve as an invaluable recruitment tool. When potential candidates see a company consistently sharing employee milestones, they see an organization that values its people. It communicates the company cares about employee growth, success and recognition — traits that top-tier talent seek in an employer.
Press releases and announcements for employees also offer a secondary benefit as a subtle yet effective form of brand promotion. When your company's name regularly appears in industry publications, even in relation to employee achievements, it strengthens your company’s presence in the market, particularly online which can ultimately benefit product sales. Naturally, a company's financial stability also plays a key role in enhancing employee satisfaction and supporting recruitment efforts.
Incorporating press releases about employee milestones into your broader communications strategy is a simple yet highly effective way to foster a positive company culture, attract new talent and build your brand. Take advantage of the opportunity by sending your announcements and press releases to news.brushware@goodwinworldmedia.com.
Paul Cosaro
Calling All Innovators:
Submit Your Nomination for the 2025 ABMA Innovation Award
The ABMA is calling on member companies to showcase their groundbreaking products for the prestigious 2025 ABMA William A. Cordes Innovation Excellence Award. Commonly referred to as “The Willie,” this award honors the most innovative manufactured product, component or service in the brush industry. All qualifying entries will be featured at the 2025 ABMA Annual Convention, to be held March 25-28, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Austin, Texas.
Named after William A. Cordes, the ABMA’s first President (1917-1928), this award highlights excellence in innovation across the brush, broom, mop and roller industry. It’s an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders to gain recognition for their cutting-edge innovations.
Winning the ABMA Innovation Excellence Award sets your company apart as a trailblazer in the industry. It’s more than just a title — it’s a powerful endorsement that can enhance your brand credibility, increase market visibility and solidify your position as a forward-thinking industry leader.
Whether your product improves efficiency, revolutionizes design or introduces an entirely new concept to the industry, this award gives your innovation the attention it deserves on a national stage. Eligible entries include:
Manufactured products: Created by a member company in their country of origin or an owned facility abroad with legal rights to display country-of-origin labels.
Marketed products: Those for which the member company is the creative source (holder of the patent, trademark, copyright or originator of the concept).
Components and services: Eligible if they meet the manufacturing or marketing criteria mentioned above.
2025 Submission Deadline: November 30, 2024
To qualify, products, components or services must have been introduced to the market within 18 months prior to the ABMA 2025 convention. All manufactured and marketed items relating to the brush, broom, mop and roller industry are welcome to compete.
For entry details and additional information, visit www.abma.org/about/innovation-excellence-award/.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities, Disruptions and Risks: Proactive Plans
By Lisa Anderson
There is a trifecta of supply chain vulnerabilities, disruptions and risks creating volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) in the business environment. From supply chain vulnerabilities like the ones exposed in the Middle East war to the heightened risks that emerged with Hurricane Helene and the disruptions occurring with labor unrest and strikes, the supply chain is in a constant state of volatility. Proactive companies are taking control of their end-to-end supply chain to mitigate these issues and successfully serve customers.
In the Middle East, attacks occurred where hundreds of pagers used by Iran-backed Hezbollah exploded, exposing extreme vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Most clients do not have a full understanding of their end-to-end supply chain and their dependency on certain countries, risky suppliers, etc. For example, if you produce in China, pass through the South China Seas or the Panama Canal or need critical minerals, you might not receive your goods if China gets into a conflict with the U.S. China could stop production, not allow passage through the South China Seas, stop passage through the terminals at both ends of the Panama Canal and/or threaten countries that supply critical minerals such as Africa since they are dependent on China’s Belt and Road initiative.
Hurricane Helene showed the risks associated with being dependent on a sole supplier or region as your supply could simply be cut off. For example, the Baxter manufacturing plant for dialysis solutions and IV fluids was flooded during the hurricane, immediately stopping supplies to 60% of U.S. facilities. Similarly, the East Coast and Gulf Coast port strike shut down goods movement to the east half of the country, creating shortages, production interruptions and concerns across a wide spectrum of industries.
Immediate action must be taken. Successful companies are performing supply chain assessments to identify high-probability and high-impact vulnerabilities, prioritize them and put corrective actions in place. Since these risks can be severe, there is no time to waste in diversifying and expanding your supply base, sourcing backup suppliers and formalizing relationships with your best suppliers.
Near-term and medium-term priorities must also be pursued as triage plans alone will not be sufficient. Proactive companies are friendly shoring and reshoring production, expanding regional manufacturing facilities and capabilities and vertically integrating to regain control to ensure the timely delivery of quality products. For example, Medical Murray, a privately held medical device development and manufacturing company that specializes in complex catheters, implants and single-use devices, is expanding its plant in North Carolina. It provides greater control and expands capacity of critical product lines.
In addition, process and technology upgrades are critical to address these supply chain vulnerabilities. SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning) programs are becoming a critical necessity to stay on top of changing customer and supplier conditions and to proactively optimize demand and supply plans to ensure profitable growth while mitigating risk. Similarly, ERP upgrades and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics and advanced planning systems are the lynchpin to optimizing the supply chain, reducing costs and increasing productivity. All these improvements are to no avail unless you also prioritize cyber security.
Since supply chain vulnerabilities, risks and disruptions are commonplace, successful companies must pivot from reactive to proactive. Instead of being dependent on unknown or risky supply chain partners, smart executives are taking control of their end-to-end supply chain. Assess, diversify, reconfigure and digitize your supply chain to ensure customers and markets are served as vulnerabilities are exposed and risks come to fruition. Proactive companies will thrive as disruptions occur and the prepared are ready to leverage the opportunity.
Lisa Anderson is the founder and president of LMA Consulting Group, Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in manufacturing strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation that maximizes the customer experience and enables profitable, scalable, dramatic business growth. She recently released “SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning): Creating Predictable Revenue and EBITDA Growth,” an e-book on how to better navigate supply chain chaos and ensure profitable, scalable business growth. A complimentary download can be found at www.lma-consultinggroup.com/siop-book/.
FEIBP’s New Era Begins
Positive Changes Sweeping Through the European Brushware Federation
By Alice Castle, Brush Expert Ltd | Photos by Brush Expert Ltd
The 2024 FEIBP Congress took place this year in the famed “White Island” of Ibiza, the jewel in the crown of Spain’s Balearic Islands. As the popular party destination began to close its doors for the season, it felt like the dawning of a new era for the European Brushware Federation.
Hosted in the prestigious Hotel Torre del Mar in Playa d’en Bossa, located near the island's top nightlife areas, this beachfront property welcomed delegates with its panoramic views and elegant luxury while providing the ideal setting for a refreshed, contemporary style of association meeting.
Wednesday: October 9, 2024
Golf Outing
Organized by Andrew McIlroy of Perlon, the FEIBP unofficial golf event was held on the opening day of the Congress, attended by 10 participants at Golf de Ibiza, a short 20-minute bus ride away from the Torre del Mar.
“The course was surprisingly hilly, and conditions were far from easy with a 20-30 kph wind blowing,” says McIlroy. “Our two female players came out on top — the winner with 45 Stableford points was Caroline Schroth from Rothländer, second was Regine Stollberg from Wistoba with 34 points and third place went to Arndt Stollberg, also from Wistoba with 30 points. An enjoyable time was had by all.”
Welcome Reception
Following registration, delegates and their families gathered for a welcome reception on the terrace in the hotel’s pool area which exuded a serene ambiance with soft lighting casting a gentle glow on the water’s surface, showcasing its famous eponymous tower.
Mouth-watering canapes, cocktails and live music provided by the popular island duo “Acoustic Grooves” with cool covers of classic and modern hits got the party started. It was the perfect way to launch the 2024 Congress.
Thursday: October 10, 2024
Official Opening
FEIBP President Alessandro Acquaderni (SIT) opened the Congress by exploring the idea of togetherness and how companies can come together to better understand market trends, pertinent information and issues. He said, “It’s simply fantastic being here and opening this 64th Congress.” He welcomed 111 participants, of which 82 were delegates and 29 were partners.
Following on from the 2023 Congress which looked at the theme of “No Man is an Island” analyzed through the perspective of company leaders discovering how communication can impact upon people no longer acting alone. The theme for the 2024 Congress examined the notion “No Company is an Island,” inspiring an approach of openness and, as Acquaderni stated, “Sharing common fears and facing them together to make all the difference in the experience of brushmaking.”
ABMA Greeting
In this special year of partnership between the FEIBP and its American counterpart, Chris Monahan of Brush Fibers was invited to the stage and said it was “a great honor and privilege to be here today addressing the FEIBP Congress as the President of the American Brush Manufacturers Association, particularly following the inaugural World Brush Expo. This event was only possible through the collaboration of the FEIBP and the ABMA, and I would like to take the opportunity to once again thank the entire FEIBP, all of the attendees and all of the exhibitors for making this a great success.”
Wöhler's Matthias Peveling and Claudia Peveling at the Welcome Reception
Nico Djonghe (Boucherie), Paolo Roversi (Borghi), Kris Geldof (Boucherie), Miguel Medrano (Borghi) and Kate Medrano (L to R)
FEIBP Congress attendees ready for the closing Flower Power Brush Night event
Monahan went on to say how proud he was of the close relationship with the FEIBP, especially as it shows what is possible by working together for the benefit of the brush industry which ties in well with the Congress’ theme.
Looking forward to continuing this unique partnership between the two associations, Monahan extended an invitation to all FEIBP members to attend the 2025 ABMA Convention to be held from March 25-28, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort in Austin, Texas.
2025 FEIBP Congress Announcement
Revealing the 2025 Congress details, Acquaderni invited delegates to Ischia, Italy, recently voted as the “world’s most beautiful island,” from October 8-10, 2025. With its historical castles and cultural heritage, breathtaking coastal views and unforgettable culinary experiences, all FEIBP and ABMA members are invited to gather once again for what will no doubt be a unique teambuilding adventure.
Centered around the theme “No Association is an Island,” this will conclude the current trilogy of Congress topics. Acquaderni invited delegates to take advantage of the early booking deal deadlines, with more information to be announced shortly.
New FEIBP Secretariat
After 17-plus years of dedicated assistance and guidance to the FEIBP, the board and members expressed their gratitude to Fons Ceelaert, previous association Secretariat. Although he was unable to be there in person, a metal plate in commemoration of his service will be sent to Ceelaert, thanking him on behalf of the FEIBP.
Embarking on a new era of leadership, SEC Newgate EU will operate as the new Secretariat and was represented by Zeynep Yildizeli and Feriel Saouli at the Congress. Since their engagement at the start of 2024, Yildizeli and Saouli have worked tirelessly to grow the association and played a pivotal role in the organization of the World Brush Expo held in May.
“At the beginning of the year, we took over the Secretariat, and already it has been a very busy but great year. It is a pleasure meeting you all and I am looking forward to working together,” says Yildizeli.
Saoulil says that in addition to providing association management services, “SEC Newgate EU is an integrated policy communication agency based in Brussels. So, what we provide is lobbying, advocacy, government relation services, PR and communications and also EU funding services and expertise.”
With 34 staff members based in Brussels, Belgium, and a total of 1,400 employees worldwide, Saoulil says SEC Newgate EU is an extremely entrepreneurial organization that likes to change things, transform and challenge. She went on to say they are delighted to be on this journey with the FEIBP and looking forward to many more Congresses and a bright future ahead.
Opening Business Session
Feriel Saouli and Zeynep Yildizeli
FEIBP President Alessandro Acquaderni (SIT) with ABMA President Chris Monahan (Brush Fibers) during the Opening Business Session
World Brush Expo 2024 Facts and Figures
FEIBP Vice President Simon Lorillière, from Brosserie Brenet, addressed the delegation to share key insights, statistics and feedback from the inaugural World Brush Expo, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the federation and the American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA).
Held in May 2024 in Bologna, Italy, the Expo exceeded expectations for both the FEIBP and ABMA, attracting over 3,000 visitors from 76 countries and featuring more than 200 exhibitors from 26 nations. A post-show survey, completed by 163 visitors and 69 suppliers representing 34 countries, reflected strong satisfaction. On a scale of five, visitors rated the event an average of 4.23, while exhibitors scored it slightly higher at 4.33.
Survey feedback highlighted the event’s lively atmosphere, valuable networking opportunities and impressive showcase of advanced technology. Respondents also offered recommendations for future editions, suggesting a greater variety of exhibitors, improved communication and promotion efforts, enhanced transportation services, clearer cost structures and more vegetarian and vegan dining options.
This input will play a crucial role in planning the next World Brush Expo, scheduled for 2028 in Belgium. The host city will be announced during the upcoming ABMA Convention in March 2025.
Social Media Data and Future Projects
A key initiative for the Federation involves the ongoing monitoring and analysis of social media performance both for the FEIBP and its member companies. This project aims to assess the Federation's online visibility and evaluate how effectively members are promoting themselves across social platforms, while also tracking public engagement with these communications.
During the latest update, Acquaderni shared findings from this research, revealing that not all members are fully leveraging social media. Of the 208 FEIBP member companies, only 58 are currently active on social platforms.
Facebook remains the most widely used platform, followed closely by LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. LinkedIn stands out with the highest number of followers—1.83 million—marking a four percent increase since September 2024. Facebook follows with 334,000 followers, while Instagram has 120,000, both showing slower growth. Other platforms, such as X (Twitter), Xing and Pinterest, exhibit minimal engagement, suggesting they may be less relevant for the brush industry’s audience.
The Federation encourages all members and industry professionals to follow its LinkedIn page to stay informed about the latest developments and Congress updates at www.linkedin.com/company/feibp.
Congress Feedback
Carlos Petzold | Borghi USA
What a great FEIBP in Ibiza!!! Everyone in attendance this year could feel the positive energy and with the new FEIBP management team in place (who helped with the success of World Brush Expo 2024), the organizers of this Congress hit a home run! Touchdown! Goal! Whatever you want to call it. What was it about this year’s Congress that was different? In my opinion, many past FEIBP Congresses have been very enjoyable and had great venues and experiences, but sometimes there were things we all found lacking or mediocre. NOT Ibiza!
• Location, hotel, hotel staff, hotel food and beverages, services: outstanding! Check!
• The speaker was inspirational and received a standing ovation! Check!
• Working Groups, Innovation Award and Brush Forum were well attended and wanted more time for some as there was much to discuss. Check!
• Team Building events (Beach Sports and Craft Cocktail making) were a hoot (that means fun)! Check!
• Flower Power Brush Party a huge hit!!! Food and drinks were delicious, and venue and entertainment were top-notch! Laughter and good times were there for everyone! Check!
• Additional Saturday program, for those who extended the FEIBP experience, were highly rewarded with some fun shopping opportunities at the Hippy Market, more free time to relax by the pool on one of the best weather days of the week and then a glorious view from one of the highpoints of Ibiza with a full rainbow and sunset that was nothing short of spectacular! It was truly one of the most amazing views of my life! Hopefully, the photos I took do it a little justice. Check!
• Was there anything to truly complain about? Some lost minutes with a couple of bus hiccups, but aside from that, pure joy, networking and fun-filled times with brush people from all over Europe and America. Checkmate!
To everyone who attended FEIBP in Ibiza, I wish to thank you for the kindness and joy that we felt together. To those who could not attend or decided it was not worth attending, I am sorry to say that you missed out on a marvelous experience. This will be one of those trips I remember until I’m too old to remember my own name. With peace, love, and kindness, Gracias!
Carlos Petzold, Borghi USA
Photo by Carlos Petzold
Keynote: Araceli Segarra
Inspires with Lessons from Mount Everest
A standout moment at this year’s Congress was the keynote address by renowned mountaineer and author Araceli Segarra. In 1996, Segarra made history as the first Spanish woman to summit Mount Everest, an achievement documented in the IMAX film “Everest.” That same expedition placed her on the frontlines of the deadliest disaster in the mountain’s history, where 13 climbers lost their lives. Drawing from these experiences, Segarra delivered an engaging presentation that emphasized overcoming challenges, fostering collaboration and connecting these lessons to the complexities of the business world.
Using mountaineering as a metaphor for life, Segarra reflected on the insights she gained into human behavior under extreme conditions and how those principles can be applied in business. Her message aligned seamlessly with the event’s theme, “No Company is an Island,” encouraging leaders to navigate challenges by building strong teams and making thoughtful preparations.
“Even when things don’t go as expected, the feeling of satisfaction comes from the effort,” Segarra explained. She stressed that fear can be managed with the right preparation, the right information and the right team — essential elements not only in climbing but also in business.
Her heartfelt and inspiring speech left a lasting impression on the audience, many of whom regarded it as the best keynote the association has ever hosted. The standing ovation she received was both lengthy and well-earned.
Reflecting on her experience at the Congress, Segarra says, “It was a truly wonderful experience to see such a diverse group come together to share ideas and collaborate. It was an honor to be part of it. I was also really impressed to learn that some of the companies present have been around for over a century — an incredible testament to survival and adaptation.”
Segarra also praised the participants’ sense of humor, adding, “I thoroughly enjoyed the participants' sense of humor too. I see humor as a sign of intelligence because it shows a critical spirit, which is indispensable for adapting to change. What I truly admire about this Federation is the pioneering spirit of working together as companies, beyond competition. It’s not only a generous concept but also a bold and daring one. When you do something no one has done before, they might first call you crazy, and then they follow you. I love that fearless approach!”
To explore more about Araceli Segarra’s incredible adventures, visit her website at aracelisegarra.com or follow her on Instagram: @aracelisegarra.
Working Group Meetings
The late morning and early afternoon sessions were dedicated to the meetings of the four FEIBP Working Groups, representing Technical Brushes, Paintbrushes, Personal Care Brushes and Professional Hygiene Brushware (PHB). These working groups serve as key forums for in-depth discussions throughout the year on sector-specific developments, industry charters, standards and emerging concerns.
A defining feature of these sessions is the open exchange of information between companies, fostering collaboration in a spirit of collective progress. The insights
Araceli Segarra. Photo by Alfons Valls
Araceli Segarra
and outcomes from these discussions were summarized and presented during the General Assembly on Friday, ensuring the broader membership remains engaged with the key developments from each sector.
BBQ Dinner and DJ / Open Bar Session
Thursday evening concluded with a relaxed BBQ dinner for all Congress attendees on the hotel’s picturesque terrace. With cooking stations set up around the venue offering a delectable array of dishes, delegates and their families came together to enjoy an evening filled with delightful company and shared laughter. The night continued in the “Funky Room,” where a lively DJ and an open bar created the perfect atmosphere for music and dancing, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
Friday: October 11, 2024
Brush Forum
Friday’s business commenced with the opening of this year’s Brush Forum, where suppliers and machinery manufacturers showcased their products in the main meeting room. In total, eight companies took part in the forum: Pogliani, Borghi, Mapei, Zahoransky, Roth Composite Machinery, Perlon, GB Boucherie and Wöhler Brush Tech GmbH (including Wöhler Bohemia s.r.o.). In addition, the three nominees for the 2024 Innovation Award (Ebnat, Borna and Borghi) were also given the opportunity to display their nominated products ahead of voting.
The Brush Forum offered an excellent opportunity for business connections and networking, as the tabletop displays attracted a substantial number of visitors, with reports indicating that a great deal of successful business was conducted.
General Assembly
Acquaderni opened the concluding business session of the Congress, introducing the chairs of the four Working Groups. The chairs provided insights into the meetings held the previous day with the delegates.
Working Group for Technical Brushes
Jürgen Lessmann (Lessmann GmbH) and Thomas Holland-Letz (Verband der Deutschen Pinsel- und Bürstenhersteller e.V.) spoke on behalf of the Working Group for Technical Brushes. Lessmann provided an overview of the current economic outlook for the technical brush industry in Europe, describing the situation as generally challenging, with expectations for the next six months that are even more pessimistic. However, he tempered this outlook with optimism, noting that such fluctuations are part of the economic cycle and that this period of weaker economic activity will eventually see improvements.
Congress Feedback
Andrew McIlroy | Perlon
Ibiza was one of the best congresses to date — a fantastic location to relax and network and a great chance to catch up with old and new friends in the industry. The guest speaker was probably the best we have had in recent years. I recommend that all brush manufacturers attend at least one FEIBP congress to see how it can benefit their business.
Chris Monahan (Brush Fibers) | ABMA President
Another excellent FEIBP Congress! The FEIBP team keeps raising the bar higher and I get more and more benefit out of the Congress every time I attend. As an American, I find it very worthwhile to meet with the best and brightest from the European brush industry to discuss new trends and get updates on the global brush market. In addition, everyone is extremely welcoming, and I make new business contacts and more importantly new friends in the industry each time I attend. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said — I'll be back!
Paolo Roversi | Borghi
This year’s FEIBP Congress was a superb event, very well-organized by the new Secretariat and set in a wonderful location. President Alessandro Acquaderni brought a breath of fresh air to the Congress with the only flaw remaining that there are too many suppliers and too few manufacturers, an aspect that should be improved by widening participation.
Chris Boomer | Denroy
Change is in the air at the FEIBP. Following the success of World Brush Expo and with the new association management making us look good, the future looks bright.
My first FEIBP Congress experience in Ibiza was truly inspiring, thanks to the brush community. The sense of community, the insightful conversations, and the networking opportunities were exceptional. It’s clear how important these events are for us to connect and grow as an industry.
Looking ahead to our next congress in Ischia, Italy, I’m excited for what’s to come. We will focus on more engaging discussions that reflect the needs of our industry, while keeping the perfect balance between business and enjoyment. I encourage everyone to join us — you won’t want to miss it!
Alessandro Acquaderni (SIT) | FEIBP President
The 64th FEIBP Congress was unique in many aspects; A record-high attendance for FEIBP Congresses after COVID and with a good amount of first-time attendees (17) and young delegates under 30 years old (7). The vibe was “young” and powerful for sure, thanks also to the natural vibe and beauty of the island of Ibiza and to the great preparatory work of the FEIBP board.
The Everest climber Araceli Segarra dove deep into our minds challenging us on the importance of not behaving like islands both as individuals and as companies. We have carried on this perspective during our insightful Working Group meetings, and we practically trained this concept during our team building (cocktail making, the giant paddle board, the rescue team and the sand-ski won't be forgotten).
In the end, seeing over 110 brush passionates spreading their "love" during the Flower Power Brush Party was priceless, and I will keep it in my heart forever together along with the gratitude towards every person who attended and who made this possible.
Paolo Roversi, Borghi
The Working Group also welcomed presentations from key brush machine manufacturers and component suppliers. Roth Composite Materials and Borghi showcased their latest machinery advancements, while Perlon presented updates on its newest abrasive filament.
In addition, Holland-Letz briefed delegates on relevant technical and legal developments, with particular emphasis on the revision of technical brush standard EN 10183 for powerdriven brushes. He confirmed that the revision process is nearing completion and is expected to conclude by the end of the year.
Working Group Personal Care
Chris Boomer of Denroy reported the findings of the Working Group for Personal Care brushes, now in its eighth year. During its short meeting, the Working Group discussed the possibility of creating an FEIBP Standard involving the ISO 16409:2016 which specifies requirements and test methods for performance criteria for manual interdental brushes. The proposed standard would focus on the testing of cleaning efficiency and the environmental implications and lifespan of the product. This would be similar in nature to the PHB charter and would allow manufacturers to supply better products for the European market and hopefully encourage increased membership in the Federation.
Working Group Paintbrushes
Yildizeli of the FEIBP Secretariat spoke on behalf of the Paintbrush Working Group. She reported that their discussions had centered around updates from the different markets of its members, as well as some relevant legislative items at a European level.
Working Group
Professional Hygiene
Brushware (PHB)
Lorillière from Brosserie Brenet summarized the meeting of this Working Group, sharing that their discussions had included topics such as revising the website and updating the PHB charter. With insufficient time to fully explore all items on the agenda, it was decided there will be a follow-up meeting in April.
Following 25 years as chair of the PHB Working Group, Philip Coward (Hillbrush) has stepped down from this role. He was invited to the stage to receive a gift of a silver plate in commemoration of his time at the helm of the group. He also received a specially boxed gift of champagne upon which the group’s members had written personal messages of thanks for his contribution over the years.
Coward remarked how wonderful it is to have so many friends in the FEIBP and ABMA and encouraged members to attend their meetings for years to come, as these are where strong bonds and fantastic relationships are formed. To Lorillière, Philip said, “It has been fun, but I am glad I have handed over now, and I think you should do 25 years as well!”
FEIBP Annual Report
Yildizeli provided an overview of the Federation’s activities over the last 12 months, commencing with the handover of the Secretariat role which happened smoothly, with plans well underway for moving the association forward. This was made possible, Yildizeli says, “with the active involvement and continuous support of the FEIBP Board.”
The Board has already met five times in what has been a busy year with the transition and preparations for both the World Brush Expo and the Congress.
“I think this Expo did not only bring the industry together, but it strengthened the cooperation with ABMA that we look forward to developing in the future,” says Yildizeli. 2024
Gernot Müller, Dr. Andreas Reimann and Dennis Brückner of Roth Composite Machinery
PHB Working Group
2024 FEIBP Innovation Award
Echoing the spirit of advancement within the FEIBP itself, three companies proudly presented their innovations to the audience this year during the Opening Session of the 64th Congress. Each company was also allocated a display space within the Brush Forum, enabling delegates to find out more about each product or concept ahead of the ballot to find a winner.
Ebnat | “Loop” Dish Brush (Winner)
Loop was born out of our quest for ever more sustainable products, combined with the desire for a “state-of-the-art design.” This innovative lifestyle dish brush is not only stylish, handy and efficient, but it has also been thought through down to the smallest detail in terms of sustainability. Three important features emphasize this:
Material-saving design: The handle consists only of a frame that encloses the brush head. The brush head itself is also kept minimalist thanks to the hole. Compared to our lightest interchangeable head dish brush to date, we have been able to reduce material consumption by around 50 percent.
Recycling material: The brush head is made of 95 percent post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR), while the bristles are made of 100 percent post-industrial recycled polyester (PIR). In this way, we give plastic a second life.
Extended service life: The handle can be used again and again thanks to the interchangeable heads.
Loop also has a distinctive, purist design and comes with a practical, large hanging hole that is suitable for all standard hooks. To top it all off, Loop is made in Switzerland and the key features include:
• Brush head with effective ring punching
• Stable and lightweight
• Easy changing of the heads
• Practical to hang up
• Washable in the dishwasher and longer hygienic durability
• Material saving of 50 percent
Without compromising on quality and effectiveness, Ebnat has once again demonstrated how simple changes can be made with great impact.
Borghi | ECO-FILL Concept
Have you ever imagined that you could produce a fully plastic brush with conventional technology? With the now-known effects of industrial activities on global warming, the brush industry needs to change. Following the establishment of the first EU circular economy action plan in 2015, now is the time to develop new methods and materials to minimize the environmental impact of production and consumption.
The circular economy is a model whose aim is to extend the life cycle of products through sharing, leasing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials. In practice, it implies reducing waste to a minimum. When a product reaches the end of its life, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible thanks to recycling.
Products composed of different materials are harder to separate and recycle. Enter the ECO-FILL concept which uses a polymer anchor (rather than the traditional metal staple) to set tufts into a plastic block.
The ECO-FILL concept can, for example, be added to Borghi’s new STARGATE machine which was launched at WBE24 and is its first fully automatic vertical machine for brushes and brooms. STARGATE can be used with metal staples or its cam head can be revised to accommodate the ECO-FILL concept, becoming a more versatile machine, giving the operator the opportunity to achieve fully plastic, fully recyclable brushes.
Borna Arbeits- und Wohngemeinschaft Pet Brushes and Personalisation
As one of the first-time attendees to the FEIBP Congress, it was great to see Borna participating in this year’s Innovation Award. Founded in 1931 by a man who had lost his sight, Borna quickly became established as an employer of the blind, producing baskets and brushes. Today, Borna’s mission is to provide care, health promotion and employment for those who need support in the area of psychosocial independence and/or a sensory/physical impairment. With individual care offered, Borna allows the clientele to strengthen their identity, take on responsibility and learn to deal with the environment.
With living space for 85 clients and working space for 155, Borna is steadily growing and will move to a new facility in August 2025, where living and working will be possible with greater efficiency. It currently employs 15 clients in its brushmaking division, ranging from 19 to 73 years of age. As well as 58 stock items, Borna accepts special custom orders made to the customers’ specifications.
Animal Brushes
Borna’s new products include a range of animal brushes for horses, cats and dogs. Borna says, “We create animal brushes according to your templates and wishes. Thanks to our wide range of different filling materials, we can equip the animal brushes entirely according to your wishes. You can even determine the length of the filling material yourself. We also offer the option of personalizing your pet brush with our laser. Immortalize a name or even a photo on the brush you have assembled yourself!”
The new animal brushes key features are:
Handmade: Each of Borna’s brushes is absolutely handmade and has been drawn without any mechanical help.
Individual: You decide what to use. Borna offers a wide range of brush bodies and filling materials.
High quality: Borna only uses high-quality materials for the brush body and filling materials.
The Borna vision: Borna strengthens community spirit and promotes a life of selfdetermination and autonomy.
Looking forward, the focus turns to World Brush Expo 2028 in Belgium, with the goal being to maintain and build upon this year’s success while making sure that the Expo sets even higher standards for the industry.
This year also saw the launch of the FEIBP’s LinkedIn account with the aim being to promote visibility and share updates. In addition, a new association platform was introduced to make it easier to stay connected and informed. If you are not already registered to this platform, please email Yildizeli at info@feibp.eu who will be happy to send you a link.
The FEIBP added two new companies to its membership this year: Sajas Group from Finland and Dosco from Ireland. Neither company was able to attend this year’s Congress, but they hope to attend in 2025.
The Congress sponsors (Boucherie, Borghi, Perlon, Zahoransky, Celanese, PMM, Wöhler, DKSH, Pogliani and SIT) and the supporting media partners were thanked for their support.
Yildizeli concluded her report by thanking Acquaderni, Lorillière and the entire FEIBP Board for their corroboration and guidance throughout the year and finished by saying that she is excited to continue working to move the FEIBP forward and is already looking forward to next year’s Congress.
Guided Tour: Dalt Vila
Following a delightful lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, participants embarked on an optional guided tour of the historic fortified upper town of Ibiza. Commanding a strategic position atop a small mountain overlooking the sparkling sea and Ibiza town, Dalt Vila — translated as “Upper Town” — is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore its narrow, winding streets which are lined with an array of art galleries, boutique shops showcasing local crafts and a selection of exquisite restaurants and bars. The tour, well-attended and thoughtfully curated, provided attendees with a unique opportunity to appreciate the panoramic views and the vibrant history of this remarkable destination.
Flower Power Party
Ibiza's hippy heritage is renowned, as the island emerged as a sanctuary for free spirits, artists and musicians seeking refuge from conventional society since the 1960s. With its open-air markets, eclectic festivals and thriving arts scene, the echoes of this rich legacy are still evident today, and the enduring spirit of artistic expression continues to attract visitors from around the globe, including the brush industry!
Friday night’s closing Flower Power Brush Night was a spectacular celebration, showcasing the European brush industry in true Ibiza style. The event, held at the vibrant Tanit Beach Club, saw
Boucherie’s Kris Geldof and Nico Djonghe with Izabela Kolon and Simon Lorillière of Brosserie Brenet
attendees enthusiastically embrace the optional hippy dress code, immersing themselves in the spirit of the era. The venue was transformed with hippy-themed decorations, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the colorful, free-spirited 1960s.
The final business of the Congress took place during the evening with the announcement of the winner of the 2024 Innovation Award. Ebnat’s “Loop” Dish Brush proved to be a popular winner and Peter Langenegger collected the coveted trophy to loud applause.
Guests were treated to an array of entertainment, including captivating music, face painting and dynamic performances from dancers and impersonators.
Complemented by a selection of delicious food, the night offered an unforgettable experience that transported everyone back in time to an era of creativity and camaraderie, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Ibiza's renowned party culture and our own brush industry. All agreed that this was the best FEIBP Congress closing party to date.
Saturday: October 12, 2024
Trip to Las Dalias
The optional Saturday morning tour to the Las Dalias Hippy Market saw many delegates staying the extra day to take advantage of this group visit to the vibrant open-air market. With over 300 colorful stalls, the market offers something for everyone, selling
everything from handmade jewelry, unique crafts, fashion and accessories all with live music and street food contributing to the lively atmosphere.
It was the perfect spot to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir while enjoying the spirit of Ibiza’s hippy heritage!
Dinner at Hacienda Na Xamena
The Hacienda Na Xamena resort is a whitewashed property nestled in the heart of a preserved natural park boasting famed panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Well away from clubland in the north of the island, this elegant and serene property is one of the most luxurious properties on the island. Its Edén Restaurant takes inspiration from remarkable surroundings and the ingredients grown in its own garden, selected based on their seasonality and sustainability. Participating guests enjoyed the world-class cuisine and were wowed by stunning natural scenery; the perfect way to end a wonderful few days on this magical island.
ABOUT THE WRITER:
Alice Castle is the Editorial Director at www.brushexpert.com — the online magazine, directory and networking portal for the global brush industry.
FEIBP Congress Market Reports
By Alice Castle, Brush Expert Ltd | Photos by Brush Expert Ltd
The annual reports on the state of the markets with reference to the following raw materials were shared with the delegation. Each report examined the availability and pricing of the various commodities used widely in brush manufacturing.
Chinese Bristle | Reinhold Hoerz, DKSH
The market for Chinese bristle is evolving as synthetic filaments gain popularity, particularly in paintbrush manufacturing. Reinhold Hoerz highlighted a decline in overall demand for natural bristle, although niche applications continue to maintain steady interest. Bristle is still sought after for use in mixtures and specialized products, including polishing tools for mobile phone screens, dental instruments, jewelry applications and premium hairbrushes.
Quality Control Challenges
Market pressures to reduce prices have led some Chinese suppliers to compromise on quality, making stricter quality control essential. To maintain high standards, each batch of bristle is now meticulously inspected upon arrival. These rigorous measures aim to reduce quality claims and ensure customer satisfaction.
Price and Demand Overview
Black Bristle:
• 38-44mm: Strong demand from inland China
• 51-64mm: Strong demand from Europe and the U.S.
• 64-83mm: Under pressure
• 102mm and up: Strong demand from Korea, Europe and Japan
White Bristle:
• 38-57mm: Demand from inland China
• 64-89mm: Under pressure
• 102mm and up: Stable demand
Market Outlook
The production of industrial brushes remains stable, while demand for hair brushes in the beauty sector continues to be robust. Recent interest rate cuts in Europe and China are expected to stimulate the renovation and real estate sectors, boosting demand for renovation tools, including paintbrushes and other related products. This trend offers a positive outlook for the use of bristle in the coming months as markets prepare for renewed growth.
Synthetics | Andrew McIlroy, Perlon
The synthetic filament market continues to be influenced by fluctuating energy prices and shifting global supply dynamics. A 20 percent decline in oil prices over the past 12 months has had a minor influence on polymer costs. Increased shipments of Russian oil to China and India have reduced demand for western refineries. Plus an overall slowdown in global demand has also had an impact.
Electricity prices, which peaked in 2022, have since fallen but remain above pre-COVID levels. Forecasts from the electricity futures market suggest modest reductions in energy costs over the next few years.
Polymer Market Insights
Polypropylene (PP): Supply constraints persist due to the shutdown of several reactors, resulting in a slight price increase since early 2024. However, further price hikes are unlikely in the short term.
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT): Demand remains weak, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): A slight reduction in contract prices was anticipated for September, driven by subdued demand.
Polyamide 6 (PA6): Prices have been stable throughout 2024, though production volumes have declined globally. Despite a drop in benzene contract pricing, no significant changes are expected in the short term.
Polyamide 66 (PA66): Prices remain steady, with minimal demand, particularly from the automotive industry. The trend of substituting PA66 with PA6 continues.
Polyamide 610 & 612 (PA610 & PA612): Low demand has kept prices stable through 2024.
Vegetable Fibers | Urte Rietdorf, Friedrich Platt
The vegetable fiber sector remains relatively stable, although rising energy costs, inflation and labor challenges continue to shape market dynamics. Here is an overview of the latest developments for key fibers used in the brush industry.
Tampico (Mexico): The outlook for Tampico fiber remains consistent with 2023. While no major disruptions have impacted this year’s harvest, the ongoing shortage of field workers continues to pose challenges. Prices are seeing modest increases, and availability, though somewhat limited, remains manageable. Despite rising energy and wage costs, the situation is still more favorable than during previous shortages.
Bahia Piassava (Brazil): Pricing for Bahia Piassava is gradually increasing, following similar trends as Tampico. Product quality is closely tied to the skill level of the workforce, making it essential to identify reliable suppliers who prioritize worker welfare. Availability has decreased compared to earlier years but remains steady.
Sherbro Piassava (Sierra Leone): Demand for Sherbro Piassava (also known as Bass) remains low, with little market fluctuation. Quality has stayed consistent, with only a minor increase in pricing.
Palmyra (India): Palmyra fiber has maintained stable pricing over the past year, with quality remaining high. Availability is better than for Bahia Piassava, ensuring a more reliable supply.
Coconut Fiber (Sri Lanka): The coconut fiber market has faced upward pressure on prices, driven by high demand and unfavorable weather conditions that have constrained supply. These challenges have also impacted the quality of available material.
Arenga (Indonesia): Prices for Arenga fiber remain stable, with good availability and consistent quality. However, the industry faces common challenges, including inflation, unfavorable exchange rates and rising energy costs, along with broader geopolitical impacts.
Market Summary: Despite rising costs across the board, the quality of vegetable fibers remains stable, with all major materials readily available. However, prices are trending higher, reflecting the broader economic environment. Brush manufacturers will need to remain vigilant in sourcing quality materials while navigating ongoing inflation and labor challenges in the year ahead.
Fine Hair | Mark Samuel, Mark Samuel Trading
The market for natural fine hair continues to face significant shifts, driven largely by the growing adoption of synthetic alternatives. As synthetic options become more prevalent, demand for natural fine hair has declined, contributing to a steady increase in available supply.
One emerging trend is the introduction of biofilaments, plant-based alternatives marketed as environmentally friendly replacements for natural hair. However, these biofilaments still require the use of polyethylene (PE) and chemical tapering, complicating their claim to full sustainability.
Regulatory changes in China, particularly tighter restrictions on the trade of live animals, have had a substantial impact on the market. While these policies initially caused steep price increases, costs have begun to stabilize. Despite the rise of synthetics, natural fine hair remains indispensable in many niche brush applications.
Economic Forecast 2025
A Welcome Economic Rebound
By Phillip M. Perry
Healthy economic growth will help bolster profits for construction and manufacturing operations in 2025. Lower interest rates, a decline in inflation, a rebound in housing activity and governmental infrastructure support will generate tailwinds. However, businesses must beware of supply chain disruptions resulting from geopolitical tensions, as well as the growing threat of tariffs.
Photo by istockphotos/bymuratdeniz
www.brushwaremag.com
brushware 2025 PHOTO ISSUE
Brushware magazine invites you to participate in the upcoming January/February Photo Issue by submitting any interesting or creative photos related to the brush industry by December 4, 2024. We’re particularly interested in showcasing unique brush product applications. To submit a photo, simply send a photo along with a brief caption to: An opportunity to demonstrate the ingenuity and usefulness of the products that define the brush industry and gain exposure for your company.
“It's taking longer to ship equipment around the world, in part because of issues in the Red Sea,” says Basu. “Cargo is being diverted and having to travel much longer distances in many instances, especially cargo from Asia. That leads to increases in the cost of transportation and insurance, which squeezes margins for contractors.”
Manufacturers can look forward to a gradually improving operating environment in 2025, thanks to lower interest rates, moderating inflation and steady if unspectacular growth in the nation’s overall economic activity.
“We look for real GDP growth of 2.5 percent in 2025,” says Bernard Yaros Jr., Lead U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics (www.oxfordeconomics.com). (Gross Domestic Product, the total value of the nation’s goods and services, is the most commonly utilized measure of economic growth. “Real” GDP subtracts the effects of inflation).
The good news is that the 2.5 percent boost is not far off what economists peg as the nation’s “natural growth rate” — one that supports business activity and maintains full employment. And reduced volatility in the GDP growth pattern in recent years suggests the nation is on a glide path to a so-called “soft landing,” avoiding a recession after a lengthy inflationary binge (see chart, page 30).
Despite its positive nature, the GDP figure for 2025 is slightly lower than the 2.7 percent anticipated when 2024 numbers are finally tallied. That’s because the nation is in a so-called “late-stage expansion,” characterized by a tendency to slow down while maintaining sufficient force to invigorate commercial operations.
Fair Winds
In 2025, construction operations and manufacturers can look forward to a decline in both interest rates and inflation — two bugbears that have drained profits in recent times. “We anticipate a federal funds interest rate of 2.75 percent by the end of 2025, down from a recent 4.75 percent,” says Yaros. “And we look for inflation to average 2.2 percent in the final quarter of 2025, which will be within spitting distance of the Fed’s two-percent target.” That’s an improvement from the 2.5 percent inflation level toward the end of 2024. (These figures represent the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation: the “core personal consumption expenditure deflator [PCED]” which strips out volatile food and energy prices).
Relief from the costs of interest and inflation will help fatten the bottom lines of businesses everywhere. “We anticipate corporate profits will increase 9.6 percent in 2024 and 9.0 percent in 2025, up from their 6.9 percent gain in 2023,” says Yaros.
Reports from the field confirm the economists’ optimistic view. “Our members are looking forward to a growth year in 2025, largely from expectations that interest rates will decline,” says Tom Palisin, Executive Director of The Manufacturers' Association, a York, Pa., based consortium with nearly 500 member companies (www.mascpa.org). The change in fortunes can’t come soon enough, he adds. “High interest rates have been putting constraints on many of our members who have been trying to maintain their financial margins, so relief in this area will be helpful.”
Construction Rebounds
Analysts expect construction companies and manufacturers to share in the nationwide economic upsurge. Economists expect healthy growth in housing activity, a mighty driver for the economy. “We forecast housing starts to increase by 6.2 percent in 2025, after falling by 4.7 percent in 2024 and declining 8.4 percent in 2023,” says Yaros.
Why the rebound? A decline in the cost of money and a concomitant loosening of credit standards. “Lower mortgage rates should help the single-family home market,” says Bill Conerly, Principal of his own consulting firm in Lake Oswego,
Oregon (www.conerlyconsulting.com). “It will be a little less painful for people with three percent or four percent mortgages to give them up, sell their current houses and move up.”
Housing is not the only construction sector that will do well. “This is the era of the megaproject, and future prospects are quite positive for contractors who are able to participate in major public works,” says Anirban Basu, Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group (www.sagepolicy.com). Basu noted that much construction activity is being driven by the re-emergence of industrial policymaking in America, an economic transformation that has led to programs such as the Inflation Reduction Act, the Chips and Science Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“Manufacturers are receiving billions of dollars in subsidies for large-scale infrastructure projects, computer chip and battery manufacturing plants and data centers, many in support of technological transformation such as the growth of artificial intelligence,” says Basu.
For contractors dependent upon multifamily construction, hotels or retrofits of existing office space, the 2025 outlook is a bit more bleak.
“High interest rates have led to very high financing costs, along with the general inflation experienced within the construction sector,” says Basu. “And banks have become more reluctant to lend, partly
because of an increase in regulatory oversight. As a result, certain contractors have become vulnerable to a lack of work and they are quite concerned about 2025.”
A change in fortune will not happen overnight. “With lower interest rates, there'll be an easier time lining up project financing at an acceptable cost,” says Basu. “But these things take time. We might see some softness in a meaningful fraction of contractors in 2025. And then perhaps things get a bit better in 2026 as these lower interest rates prompt more activity.”
Healthy Employment
The economy does better when people are optimistic, since consumer spending accounts for a large portion of the nation’s business activity. While consumers remain troubled by the residual effects of inflation in the form of high prices for gas and groceries, they remain in a fairly good mood. “We look for consumer confidence to move slightly higher in 2025,” says Scott Hoyt, Senior Director of Consumer Economics for Moody’s Analytics (www.economy.com).
Why the optimism? Healthy employment levels. “We look for the unemployment rate to end 2025 at 4.2 percent and 2026 at 4.2 percent,” says Yaros. This is roughly in line with the 4.1
percent reported toward the end of 2024. Many economists peg an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent as the “sweet spot” that balances the dual risks of inflationary wage escalation and economic recession.
If favorable unemployment figures will encourage consumer spending, employers should also enjoy relief from the deleterious effects of the past year’s tight labor conditions. “While many contractors continue to view the lack of skilled labor as their number one challenge, it is not necessarily of the same magnitude as a year ago,” says Basu. “The number of available unskilled job openings has shrunk, particularly in construction, thanks to a slowing economy, so hiring has slowed. Residential contractors in particular appear to be looking for fewer workers.”
Softening employment growth has given workers less bargaining power, so employers are experiencing some much-needed relief from the rising trendline of worker wages. Entry-level hourly wage increases came to 3.7 percent in 2024 at Palisin’s member companies, markedly lower than the vigorous eight to 10 percent
levels clocked for each of the previous two years. Historically, such increases have tended to settle in the 2.5 percent to 3.0 percent range.
National figures concur. “The Employment Cost Index (ECI) is slowing,” says Hoyt, referring to a common measure of average worker wages. “We are forecasting 2.8 percent growth in 2025, compared to 3.9 percent in 2024 and 4.5 percent in 2023.”
Despite the ongoing de-escalation in the ECI, Hoyt says it remains healthy enough to support consumer spending, as does the expected increase in the nation’s total personal income level, an important driver of business activity. Like the ECI, it is expected to follow a familiar 2025 trendline: a healthy increase despite deescalation. “Mainly because of slower job growth, we have the increase in wage and salary income slowing to 4.7 percent in 2025, compared to our expectation of 6.6 percent for 2024, and 5.4 percent for 2023,” says Hoyt.
Maybe it’s a looser labor market, but employers are in no hurry to trim their employee rosters. “Employers want to maintain their
US Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Annual % Change
Modest growth in the nation’s economy will support business profits in 2025.
Sources: World Bank, *Projections by Moody’s Analytics.
ability to jump on the growth side once the economy rebounds a little,” says Hoyt. “So employment levels have held fairly steady.”
Supply Chains
Construction companies will benefit from a national commitment to reposition supply chains in the United States. “Logistical issues are persuading many CEOs to place production closer to final consumers,” says Basu. “There is also a trend toward favoring nations that provide significant protection for intellectual property.”
Indeed, many contractors are concerned about the re-emergence of supply chain issues. “It's taking longer to ship equipment around the world, in part because of issues in the Red Sea,” says Basu. “Cargo is being diverted and having to travel much longer distances in many instances, especially cargo from Asia. That leads to increases in the cost of transportation and insurance, which squeezes margins for contractors.”
While the U.S. is committed to the reshoring of production, the task of increasing domestic manufacturing and delivery systems will take time. “We are not going to turn things around right away,” says Palisin.
Palisin confirmed that supply chain disruptions are not a thing of the past. “We are seeing shortages around semiconductor chips and some other technological products, as well as chemicals, equipment assemblies and metal parts. That’s causing production delays and late deliveries.”
There are a number of causes for the problem. Over the past year, the nation has lacked sufficient skilled workers to meet production demands. And in an environment of high interest rates and slowing growth, companies did not invest as much as required in new facilities. “As for the semiconductor situation specifically, there's this huge demand coming up against a shortfall in global supply,” says Palisin.
While the U.S. is committed to the reshoring of production, the task of increasing domestic manufacturing and delivery systems will take time. “We are not going to turn things around right away,” says Palisin.
The Road Ahead
Despite optimism on the part of businesses and consumers, economists eye some dark clouds on the horizon. In the opening months of 2025, they advise construction companies and manufacturers to keep a close watch on the following areas for any deleterious changes:
Interest Rates: “Going forward, the major concern for businesses will be the pace of interest rate cuts and where they will end up,” says Yaros.
Inflation: “If the consumer price index returns to positive territory, that could throw a monkey wrench into many business plans,” says Conerly.
Tariffs: “Tariffs amount to price increases for our members who have to buy materials from abroad,” says Palisin.
Geopolitics: “An increasing level of turmoil around the world can disrupt supply chains,” says Conerly.
Concerning as these risks are, economists anticipate a fairly benign operating environment in 2025. “The U.S. economy has been remarkably resilient despite all the hits it’s taken over the past few years,” says Yaros. “We don’t anticipate a recession, as the Federal Reserve will be dialing back the restrictiveness of monetary policy, and there are no glaring imbalances in the economy.
FLAT AND ANGULAR BRUSHES PLANTS
A complete range ready to satisfy all your needs in the field of the paint brush production from 1” to 5”. User friendly set-up and quick format change, up to 1400 pieces/hour.
1. IVM/CS1 Automatic feeder for bristles
2. IVM/11SL Head assembly
3. IVM/AGR Automatic feeder for ferrules
4. IVM/10SP Vulcanizing machine
5. IVM/13S Epoxy resin pump
6. IVM/AM10 Automatic feeder for handle
7. IVM/MS10 Unloading manipulator
8. IVM/CON Conveyor belt
9. IVM/MC12 Loading manipulator
10. IVM/12AE Nailing machine
11. IVM/AM12 Automatic feeder for handle
12. IVM/PA10.27 Cleaning machine
13. IVM/9L Trimming machine
14. IVM/7AVL Wrapping machine
15. IVM/6SP Printing machine
16. IVM/MP18 Boxing machine
17. PALLETIZER
2024 MACHINERY SHOWCASE
AUTOMATION S.r.l.
Via M. Buonarroti, 67 35010 PAVIOLA DI SAN GIORGIO IN BOSCO (PD) - ITALY
Tel: +39 049 9451067
Fax: +39 049 9451068
Contact: Marco Bizzotto, General Manager
Handle Machinery Sector:
Sanders, chucking machinery (i.e. doming, tapering, tenoning, threading, end boring, cross boring, etc.), painting machinery (lacquering), labeling systems and packing machinery for the production of wooden handles; Complete machinery lines for the production of metal handles, starting from the flat steel or aluminum band coil and including painting lines, machines for assembling various plastic inserts (hanger tips, thread inserts, mop inserts, tapered inserts, etc.), boring, deforming and cutting equipment, as well as labeling systems and machines for packaging with the use of different systems even robotized.
Woodworking Machinery Sector:
Profiling and shaping machines, boring and tapping machines, sanders for the production of broom and brush blocks, paintbrush handles and similar items.
Industrial Automation Sector:
Customized machinery for the preparation, positioning and assembly of particular products and accessories for the cleaning industry (mops, floor scrubbers, detergent dispensers, velvet lint brushes and adhesive lint brushes for clothes cleaning, etc.), oral hygiene industry (toothbrushes, accessories, etc.), automotive industry and kitchen appliance industry.
Company Philosophy:
Your Automation, Our Mission
Understanding customers specific needs and providing state-of-the-art solutions.
Bodam International Ltd.
903 Cirelli Court
Aberdeen, MD 21001 USA
Tel. +1-410-272-9797
E-mail: cp@bodam.com
Contact: Carlos Petzold
BODAM, Delivering Advanced Machinery to the Broom, Brush and Mop Industry!
Bodam has been providing manufacturing solutions to the Broom, Brush & Mop Industry for over 35 years. Founded by Carlos Petzold in 1986, Bodam represents the very best machinery and technology suppliers, representing them for the following countries: USA, Canada, Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand.
Key
Products:
Borghi s.p.a., broom, brush and mop manufacturing equipment: Staple-set brush, Anchor-set brush, Twistedin-wire brush, Strip Brush and Mop manufacturing MACHINERY to produce almost any kind of broom or brush imaginable. Also injection molds for producing your own plastic parts (one component or two component injection). For more information, visit: www.borghi.com
Borghi s.p.a also manufactures equipment and Metal Handle production machinery and more: Twisted-Knot Brush, Segment Brush, End Brush and many other Power Brush manufacturing and testing machines, wire bundling and wire crimping technology, all now made
by Borghi. Also produced by Borghi, they offer metal handle manufacturing machinery such as tube mills, assemblers, telescopic handle production machines, and many specialty assembly machines as well as custom automation equipment. For more information, visit: www.borghi.com
Sima monofilament extrusion lines and strapping band extrusion lines: All equipment and know-how to produce broom and brush monofilament made of a variety of polymers, such as: PET, PP, PS, PBT, SAN. Also available are extrusion lines and manufacturing systems for concrete reinforcement fibers. For more information, visit: www.sima-ds.com
Carnevali Dino trimming units: Motorized clipper heads, monofilament hank cutters, steel wire hank cutters, rotary mill trimmer heads and many types of trimming devices for the Brush Industry. Carnevali Dino is especially known for their cutting heads for abrasive monofilaments (grit hanks or grit brushes). For more information, visit: www.carnevalidino.com
Borghi USA, Inc.
903 Cirelli Court
Aberdeen, MD 21001 USA
Tel. +1-410-272-9797
Spare Parts E-mail: USAparts@borghiusa.com
Technical Support E-mail: USAtec@borghiusa.com
Website: www.borghiusa.com
Borghi USA provides technical support and spare parts support for Borghi machinery in the USA, Canada and Caribbean. With over 20,000 spare parts in stock in Aberdeen, Maryland – USA, Borghi USA is able to provide prompt and reliable service. Borghi USA supports their customers by being able to provide in-house training as well as on-site technical support and repairs when required, or help with moving Borghi machinery.
Also, Borghi USA has a huge stock of carbide drill bits (spoon bits, single-point/2 flute bits, spur-point bits) ready for immediate shipment and available in a large variety of sizes. With very competitive prices and a significant inventory, Borghi USA is able to help their customers reduce costs with quality drill bits for all brands of drilling/filling machines.
Borghi USA - More than just a service company!
Borghi’s Technological Innovation
Driven by a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions tailored to market demands, Borghi continues to pioneer new machinery and enhancements to existing equipment. This commitment ensures a constant stream of technological advancements aimed at meeting customers’ needs.
From brooms to dishwashing brushes, mops to cylinder brushes, and catering to small batches or large-scale production, Borghi offers solutions across the spectrum of brush manufacturing needs.
Household Brushes
Recognizing the varied needs of different companies—from high output demands to budget constraints—Borghi prioritizes offering a tailored approach to customers. Therefore, two things are extremely important: having the right solutions for the diverse needs and helping the customers to find the machine that best suits them.
For those requiring frequent production changes, single headers such as the STAR V1 or the enhanced SPRINT PLUS are ideal, minimizing changeover times. Furthermore, the SPRINT PLUS is perfect for both beginners, who can start manufacturing brushes with a limited investment, and experts, who will find the most efficient way to make specialty brushes in small series. SPRINT PLUS can produce wide and diversified variety of brushes, thanks to the 5 axes of movement and can be equipped with double clamping system.
Figure 1 - SPRINT PLUS - Indian double hockey carriage
Vertical tufting machines like the STAR V2 strike a balance between productivity and ease of use, catering to products ranging from banisters to cloth brushes, from tank brushes to Indian toilet brushes double hockey.
However, the most innovative solution for vertical machines is STARGATE. STARGATE is Borghi’s first fully automatic vertical machine for brushes and brooms. It is equipped with an automatic feeder with a capacity of 20 virgin blocks that are automatically transferred to the vertical drilling and filling station. At the end the filled brushes are transferred to a rotary trimming machine in order to obtain the finished product.
Thanks to its 5 axes, STARGATE can also be used without the feeder and the trimmer (placing it in park mode), to allow to produce other flat brushes, rounded brushes as well as toilet or dishwashing brushes, exactly like a STAR V2. These systems and configuration make this machine one of the most versatile on the market.
2 - STARGATE automatic feeder with a capacity of 20 virgin blocks that are automatically transferred to the vertical drilling and filling station.
Figure
For larger volumes and increased automation, Borghi provides double header carousel machines like the SMART R32 series, offering efficiency and operator comfort.
The range of carousel machines starts with manually fed machines like the SMART R32 and the STAR R32, which are the first step into this type of machinery, offering maximum tufting efficiency and highest level of comfort for the operator, together with simple manual feeding of the virgin blocks. Going up with the automation level, the SMART R32 MATIC is an intermediate step, combining automatic feeding of the virgin blocks, 3 stations drilling & tufting cycle and automatic transfer of the tufted brushes to the finishing station.
The top of the automation level is made possible with the MOON, Borghi’s first fully versatile and multi-product automated machine: universal with 5 axis CNC control, continuously drilling and filling for higher output with no index time, thanks to the innovative machine design with independent motion carriages.
The machines can set up with different configurations, automatic fiber feeding system or automated block loading feature with a magazine block feeder.
The innovative MOON features four independent carriages arranged in a circle (hence the name) and the machine runs at Zero Index Time when it turns from one carriage to the next. That means when the carriages move from one station to the other, the machine movements don’t stop and so they continue as if still
drilling/filling, even though it isn’t, and the result is zero stops and restarts, cutting down indexing time and wear and tear. Upon reaching the next brush block, the cycle resumes drilling and tufting. The automatic fiber feeding system, a robotic arm grabs the fiber bundles, removes the plastic wrap and inserts the fibers into the stock-box.
On the MOON machine, featuring the automatic block loading system, the blocks are loaded into a hopper, then the unit runs it up on a conveyor, almost like a waterfall system, the conveyor then brings the blocks back down, where a vision inspection camera analyzes how each block is laid out on that conveyor. It sends that information to the robot. The robot then decides which angle is best and starts picking up the products according to the vision inspection result and positions them into a temporary holder. From there, the next robot picks up the blocks and automatically loads them into shuttles that carry the blocks to the next station.
The MOON is fully configurable to meet the needs of individual customers going from a standard machine that offers the ability to isolate to specific automation stations — where a customer is comfortable — or utilize the available stations to create a fully automated line. Customers have different goals and levels of needs for automation.
The MOON has the ability to allow operators to manually load blocks, mount a magazine-loading system, or incorporate a fully automated loading unit such as the waterfall system. The machine can also be configured to have a station for adhesive sticker labelling, pad printing or laser marking the customers’ products.
The pinnacle of automation is reached with the MOON, a versatile, multi-product automated machine designed for maximum output and efficiency.
In order to provide all the household brush manufacturers with the right solution, Borghi also offers a complete range of standalone trimming & finishing machines for flat, curved, and round brushes, and twisted-in-wire brushes (U TWIST) for the production of twisted-in-wire brushes with loop end or closed end. The new systems to feed cotton and/or steel wire are now available on the U TWIST.
Personal Care Brushes
Borghi extends its expertise to personal care brush manufacturing, offering technology and automation solutions for products including hairbrushes, mascara brushes, and nail polish brushes.
STAR R31 set up for hairbrush production runs at 900 RPM and OBERON is the latest technology to produce twisted-in-wire brushes for cosmetic, dental and medical applications.
Figure 4 - STAR R31 set up for hairbrush production runs at 900 RPM
Figure 5 - OBERON for mascara brushes produces up to 100 brushes/min
Technical & Industrial Brushes
In the realm of technical and industrial brushes, Borghi presents innovations such as the GEMINI machine, featuring e-STROKE technology for enhanced productivity and flexibility. The GEMINI can include as an optional feature, an integrated bridge for tufted strip brushes. The SPECIAL version offers significant advantages for flat brush trimming and tufted strip brushes.
The ARCHIMEDE machine also incorporates e-STROKE technology, offering significant productivity and flexibility advantages.
Looking for a machine for the continuous production of tufted strip brushes? The INFINITY range machinery is able to produce (in a continuous way) brushes filled with vertical tufts or fixed inclined tufts, up to a maximum of 15 rows wide and infinite length. Available for strip brushes or lag brushes.
Mop Production
Borghi offers the OCTOPUS PACK, a fully automatic machine for the assembly and packing of mops made of cotton, non-woven or synthetic material (spun-lace).
The OCTOPUS STITCH machine can produce nine mops per minute. The machine sews with a chain stitch method. The mop head using a head band that in the middle of the product, can automatically incorporate a label stitched into the product with company logo and bar code or QR code. The innovation is that the stitching is secured into the headband by fusing the bands and stitching together via a sonic welder, which allows for continuous production without having to change out a bobbin. OCTOPUS STITCH chain stitches with a threemillimeter step, that way it holds as many strands of mop materials as possible to create more strength. On each end of the band, it is sonic welded to create even more strength for the mop head. The flaps left over are clamped in use, so they are not visible.
Borghi Spa provides you with the best machine solutions for the broom and brush industry, with a high-level service approach. Flexibility and Versatility, combined with Quality and Reliability at your disposal for over 75 years.
To learn more about Borghi, please visit www.borghi.com
Figure 6 - INFINITY PLUS can produce inclined tufts, up to a maximum of 15 rows wide and infinite length
Figure 7 - OCTOPUS STITCH fully automatic machine for the production of narrow-band mops
Carnevali Dino S.A.S.
Via Federici, 120
26040 Casalbellotto (CR)
ITALY
Tel. +39-0375-59527
Fax +39-0375-59650
Contact: Wilma Carnevali
E-mail: info@carnevalidino.com
Website : www.carnevalidino.it
Products:
Carnevali Dino manufactures a variety of Quality Brush Trimming Tools and Equipment for the Broom, Brush and Paintbrush Industry:
• Rotary Mill trimmers for all types of fibers (including silicone carbide!)
• Rotary Drum trimmers
• Paint Brush Clipper units
• Clippers of all types
• Hank cutters for synthetic or metal fibers
• Custom made knives and blades
• Custom made trimming devices
In North America, contact our sales agent:
Bodam International Ltd. • 903 Cirelli Court
Aberdeen, MD 21001 USA
Tel. +1.410.272.9797 • Fax +1.410.272.0799
E-mail: cp@bodam.com • Contact: Mr. Carlos Petzold
MULTIFILAMENT: Abrasive or Non-Abrasive
DENTAL CARE: Toothbrush bristle and Cosmetic bristle
LEISTNER DRILLS FOR THE BRUSH INDUSTRY. MADE OF TUNGSTEN OR HSS. FOR USE ON HIGH PERFORMANCE CNC MACHINES
Leistner Werkzeug GmbH
Auerbacher Str. 15
D-08328 Stuetzengruen/Germany
www.leistner-gmbh.de info@leistner-gmbh.de
Ph: +49-(0)37462-288 150
Fx: +49-(0)37462-288 159
Proud Member of
Mgg North America, Inc.
8050 Corporate Center Drive
Suite 100 A
Charlotte, NC 28226
USA
Tel: +1 724 713 2224
info@mggnacorp.com
www.mggmeccanica.com
Contacts:
Alberto Voltolina, CEO MGG NORTH AMERICA
Carlo
Pozzobon, AFTER SALES SERVICE MANAGER MGG NORTH AMERICA
Gianfranco Marcon, PRESIDENT MGG GROUP
Key Products & Services:
Paintbrushes Machinery Sector:
A complete range ready to satisfy all your needs in the field of brush production (Flat, Round and Paintrollers). From the formation, with our assembly, vulcanizing and nailing machines, to the finishing process with cleaners, trimming and packaging machines, you will have all the support you need.
Our lines are completed with all the material feeders needed for the production: ferrules, handles, bristle and glue.
Future plans:
MGG is an Italian company for the production technology of paint brush industry. Our knowledge covers the entire production value chain, from basic design and detail engineering, in-house manufacturing and testing and after sale services.
Our customers benefit from our organization by competence, lean processes, fast decision making and reliable service.
With the US branch, the goal is to guarantee our North American customers the utmost quality of our Italian production technology and a dedicated after-sales service.
Company Philosophy:
Constant innovation addressed to the quality and to customer satisfaction.
New products:
The service on site, 24h will allow SERVICE and TRAINING activities to be carried out in complete autonomy by the client/operator thanks to the use of our app installed on your devices (smartphone - tablet).
e-mail: info@paggin.it
A complete line of mixing and bundling machines for filaments and hairs, ranging from short sizes for cosmetic brushes, paint brush filling materials and up to industrial brushes filaments and fibers.
Wöhler-Platz 2
Bad Wünnenberg
Germany
Phone: +49 29 53 / 73 300
Fax: +49 29 53 / 73 96 300
Website: www.woehlerbrushtech.com
Email: bt@woehler.com
Contact: Managing Director: Dipl.-Ing. Matthias Peveling; Daniel Horenkamp MBA
No matter which area of the brush industry you are in, one thing is constant - the extraordinary degree of innovation! Whether strip brush, roll brush, power brush or twisted brush - the possibilities are countless. The constant search for new applications and possible uses fears no challenge. This driving innovative force has contributed to the realization of visionary progress in entire industries to this day.
The greatest challenge in the brush industry, as in other industries, is the development of new, innovative products. Increasing demands require not only inventiveness, but also know-how to turn a good idea into a successful product. Many factors have to be considered to turn a brush prototype into a commodity or consumer product: Factors such as automated manufacturability combined with the necessary flexibility. This point should be included at an early stage in product development, in order to an economical production process with the new product.
WÖHLER BRUSH TECH supports the brush industry as a partner with more than 90 years of experience and know-how in brush manufacturing and mechanical engineering.
The latest machine developments WÖHLER has realized together with brush manufacturers show how successful such cooperation can be.
Inside wound strip brushes with cutting on the machine
The MBI 86 is a device for continuous inside winding of strip brush rolls. It can be mounted either directly on a strip brush machine or on a stand-alone drive unit SAE
The outer diameter is set using an adjustable universal bending tool. To achieve minimum tolerances (< 2 mm) and in particular to realize relatively small outside diameters in relation to the profile size, we recommend the use of special shaped pieces optimized for a single outside diameter.
The brush roll is cut to length manually with the strip brush machine stopped. When mounted on an SAE, cutting to length can optionally be performed automatically directly on the unit.
Automatic fill material feeding for WÖHLER SBM 840
The Wöhler SBM 840 strip brush machine can now be optionally equipped with the BUD 300 automatic bundle feeder when fitted with a vertical picker. The bundles are transported to the picker, where they are unpacked and fed fully automatically to the filling magazine of the picker.
In combination with the BC 760 automatic bundle cutter, a fully automatic process is possible. Only the magazine of the bundle cutter has to be filled manually. The BC 760 cuts the bundles reliably and quickly to the set length, including clean cut and residual bundle sorting.
Winding and cutting of roll brushes with WAC 800
The WÖHLER WAC 800 in combination with a strip brush machine allows the outside winding of a strip brush into roll segments with a selectable number of windings.
The particular strength of the WÖHLER WAC 800 is the integrated cutting unit, which cuts off the strip brush without stopping production once the set number of windings has been reached. The number of windings, as well as the number of roll brushes to be produced, is freely selectable and adjustable via a touchscreen panel.
The strip brush produced as an endless brush by a strip brush machine is fed to the WÖHLER WAC 800, wound into a roll brush and automatically cut after the desired number of windings.
As the strip brush machine produces at a continuous speed, the WÖHLER WAC 800 compensates for the length produced during the cutting cycle.
Tool sets consisting of the winding core, a pressure wheel, the strip brush guide, the cutting blade, the driver ring and optionally the counter holder are available for all possible combinations.
Trimming of long roll brushes with WÖHLER MTB 1000
A particularly stable, welded steel frame forms the basic framework of the WÖHLER MTB 1000. The machine concept, which has been optimized for brush manufacturers, includes sliding doors that allow roller brushes to be loaded into the machine both from above with a crane and from the front. However, the 90° swivelling cutter can also be used to trim disc brushes.
The quick-action brush clamping system consists of the chuck on the right on the drive side and the pneumatically actuated tip on the tailstock on the left. The tailstock can be conveniently moved electrically.
All guides are protected against contamination. The cutting is collected in easy-to-empty trays.
Standard programs for rolls with cylindrical, concave and convex contours as well as disc brushes are already pre-installed.
A CNC control with touch screen allows to process CNC data (socalled G-code) and thus to cut any contours. For this purpose, G-code data can be loaded directly from a CAM program.
A large program memory is available for the operator’s own recipe management.
The WÖHLER MTB 1000 is available in two versions with a clamping length of 3.0 m and 5.3 m.
Fully automatic wire tuft brush production with WÖHLER FWB 700 series
The WÖHLER FWB 700 series produces tuft brushes from all flat wires used in the road sweeping sector. Wire quantity and wire length are variably adjustable.
With a WÖHLER FWR 250 flat wire rolling unit, the FWB 700 series can be expanded into a fully automatic machine.
Three variants of the WÖHLER FWB 700 are available: FWB 710 and FWB 720 bend wire bundles and hold them together with push-on elements.
The FWB 710 saws plastic rings directly from the tube. An FWB 720 separates metal sleeves and attaches them to the bundle. When the tufts are later joined into plates, these rings and sleeves slip off. An FWB 730 crimps the metal sleeves to the tuft to form impact sleeves.
A special switch system allows the connection of the WÖHLER FWB 700 series to a WÖHLER FWR 250 or the integration into an existing production line consisting of WÖHLER FWR 250 and a WÖHLER gutter broom machine.
Low-priced automated gutter broom production with WÖHLER GB 50
The WÖHLER gutter broom machine GB 50 is a simple and low-priced entry into the automated production of gutter brooms and segments - and it grows with your market - up to a fully automatic production line with automatic wire and PP bundle production and automatic drilling of filling and fixing holes with angle adjustment. The GB 50 can be configured for all commercially available disc and segment formats with wire, synthetic or mixed fill. New plates as well as recycled plates can be processed.
In the basic configuration, the operator manually inserts individual bundles into the GB 50, which automatically bends and fills the bundles into pre-drilled segments or discs. An industrial robot takes a segment or disc from the magazine, moves the filling holes one after the other into their filling position and places the finished segment/gutter broom stacked on a pallet with the bristles facing upwards.
Depending on the budget and the desired degree of automation, the GB 50 can be modularly expanded with a wide range of options – on purchase or at a later date. In this way, the production capacity of the machine simply grows with the increasing order intake.
The extension bundle transport FBT 50 allows the loading of several bundles that are automatically inserted into the bending station. This increases the filling speed and reduces the dependence on the operator.
Fully automatic bundle production on the FWR 250 flat wire rolling machine and the PBT 50 for PP bundles maximises the production output of the GB 50. The optional drilling station enables the use of raw discs.
All holders can be exchanged in a few simple steps. The multifunctional disc fixture also reduces the time required for a product change. The minimised set-up times enable production close to order entry while reducing finished goods inventories.
The clearly designed and intuitive user interface and the fully automatic processes minimise dependence on operator qualifications. All settings can be saved as a recipe in the control system.
ARROWORTHY
248 WYANDANCH AVE
WEST BABYLON, NY 11704
Tel: 888-444-4949
Fax: 631-253-9428
Email: rolandk@arroworthy.com
Website: www.arroworthy.com
Contact: Roland Kolilias, President
Company Key Materials, Machines, Products: Brushes, Rollers
New Materials, Machines, Products: Microfiber roller covers, Rembrandt paint brushes
Company Philosophy:
Always use the very best materials to make a quality product.
Future Plans or Goals for Company:
Continue to expand, improve, service and provide the best line of professional tools.
Brush Fibers, Inc.
202 North Oak Street
Arcola, IL 61910, United States
Phone: 217-268-3012
Fax: 217-268-3245
Website: www.brushfibers.com
Email: chris@brushfibers.com
Contact: Chris Monahan
Profile:
Distributors and manufacturers of a full range of vegetable fibers, horse hair, hog hair, plastic blocks, wire, and fiber mixtures. Including the following: Tampico, Palmyra, Horse Hair and Horse Hair mixtures, Foam and Solid Plastic Brush Blocks, and Brush Staple Wire.
Celanese Filaments
Company Key Materials, Machines, Products:
Celanese Filaments is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of brush manufacturers and others around the world for high-quality, application-tailored polymerbased filaments.
Production plants in Asia, the United States, Europe and India turn out an extensive range of filaments based on nylon 610, nylon 612, and polyester resins. Each global region has locally based technical support and sales service capabilities to serve customers making various kinds of brushes and industrial products.
The Company’s Filament Brands Include:
Celanese Tynex® filaments and Tynex® A abrasive filaments, both based on long-wearing nylon 612 polymer; Celanese Herox® filaments made of nylon 610; Celanese Orel® tapered filaments, based on polyester; and Celanese Chinex® modified nylon filaments.
New Materials, Machines, Products:
Newly developed Tynex® A filaments with ceramic and Herox® A filaments with diamond grits can sharply improve finishing or polishing efficiency and reduce costs with extended brush life and/or faster production rates. Another recent innovation is proving its value in cleaning glass panels for LCDs (liquid crystal displays) and other delicate items. Asian manufacturers are using brushes made with Tynex® fine filaments for gentle, effective removal of foreign particles from LCD panels without damaging their sensitive surfaces. Filaments developed for this application measure only 0.05 to 0.10 mm in diameter and range from 17 to 20 mm in length. Industrial applications outside the brush field are also opening up for Celanese filaments.
Company Philosophy:
For more than 80 years, Celanese Filaments has proven its ability to supply premium-quality products and firstclass service to brush manufacturers around the globe. The ultimate validation of their success comes from customers: their supplier decisions have made Celanese Filaments the global leader in the field.
Celanese Filaments is uniquely positioned to deliver locally based technical support, sales service and products from its locally based resources in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Manufacturing plants are located in Wuxi, China; Madurai, India; Landgraaf, Netherlands; and Parkersburg, West Virginia, U.S.A. Each location is thirdparty-certified as meeting requirements of IS0.
DKSH Switzerland LTD.
Wiesenstrasse 8
CH-8034 Zurich
Phone: +41 44 3867901
Mobile: +41 79 7854657
Email: Reinhold.hoerz@dksh.com
Website: www.dksh.ch/brush
Contact Name: Reinhold Hoerz
Brush Fibers, Inc. has been partners with DKSH in the sale of Hog Bristle in the North American market since 2012, and during that time the business has grown steadily. DKSH are the most important Bristle traders in the world. They are headquartered in Switzerland, but maintain a dedicated staff in China, who are constantly monitoring the supply situation in the ever changing landscape of Chinese bristle processors.
Reinhold Hoerz, the Bristle trading manager for DKSH, visits China regularly. This requires experience, expertise and energy, as China really is no country for old men. Regular visits are essential as the much stricter enforcement of Environmental laws in China has led to factory closures and defaults as the cost of compliance can be high and beyond the means of some of the processors.
The tightening of the “Shadow Banking” system has also led to more difficult credit conditions. The underlying imperative is that frequent visits by a team on the spot is essential, and all our shipments receive a pre-shipment QC inspection.
Brush Fibers, Inc. maintains a substantial inventory of Bristle from all origins in a full range of White, Bleached white, Black and grey in all popular lengths. We are always looking at least 6 months ahead to anticipate customer needs, as lead times in China are an ongoing problem.
We also offer many of the other animal hairs, such as Ox-Ear, Goat, Horse hair and Horse hair Mixtures.
Our plan is to continue to grow the business, and offer the best customer service in the industry. We promise a culture of integrity, reliability and unmatched quality control.
Deco Products
506 Sanford Street
Decorah, Iowa 52101, United States
Phone: 563-382-4264
Fax: 563-382-9845
Website: www.decoprod.com
Email: sales@decoprod.com
Contact: Dave Magner
The Deco Advantage and Partnerships
At Deco Products, our mission is clear: to solve problems and ensure success for our customers. Our deep understanding of the zinc die-casting process, coupled with our relentless pursuit of innovation, makes us a trusted partner in delivering solutions to meet modern industry challenges.
With over 60 years of industry expertise, Deco Products has become a leader in zinc die casting, with over 10 million pounds of zinc alloy processed annually at our Decorah, Iowa facility. This scale allows us to achieve efficiencies and synergies that directly benefit our customers, ensuring they receive the most cost-effective and reliable solutions.
Our dedication to zinc die casting means we focus entirely on providing the most advanced and practical solutions for our customers, without the added complexity of casting multiple materials. Since 1960, we have honed our engineering talent and operational excellence to address even the most complex problems, delivering innovations that drive success.
Deco understands that competitiveness and value are essential in today’s global market. We continually invest in new technologies that enhance efficiency, providing
long-term value across the entire product lifecycle. Our commitment doesn’t end at product launch. By focusing on tool longevity and process optimization, we ensure that our solutions remain effective and cost-efficient for years, or even decades, after production begins. This long-term approach has allowed us to build strong, lasting partnerships with our customers.
With over 100 zinc die-casting machines and a 150,000-square-foot facility, we have more production capacity under one roof than anyone else in North America. Our equipment can make diverse parts with locking forces ranging from 3.5 to 500 tons, making us an ideal partner for companies looking for versatility, capacity, and competitive pricing.
In addition to our casting expertise, we offer a range of value-added services such as machining, powder coating, and assembly, providing end-to-end support for our customers. This combination of capabilities, along with our financial stability, places us among the industry’s most reliable and respected manufacturers.
Serving the Broom, Mop and Brush Industries
Our commitment to excellence has made us a supplier of precision zinc die-castings to customers all over the world. With over 60 years of experience, we design and produce the most challenging components. Deco has invested in and been casting tips and other parts for mops, brooms, and brushes longer and more continuously than any other manufacturer in the industry. We have standard molds and tooling for “off the shelf” product solutions, but can also produce custom designed products per customers’ requirements. Our engineering team works diligently with our partners to provide the best product at the most competitive price. We are proud that we manufacture in the United States with our tenured experts in our Decorah Iowa facility.
Future Plans or Goals for Company:
Deco Products remains privately owned and financially strong, allowing us to continuously invest in new technologies and long-term improvements. We are always open to forming new partnerships with companies that share our commitment to excellence and long-term success.
Epic Polymer Solutions
104 Otis St, STE27
Northborough, MA, 01532
Phone: 458-209-4487
Website: www.epicpolymersolutions.com
Email: Info@EpicPoly.com
Contact: Brett Philip
Epic Polymer Solutions, LLC is a specialty manufacturer of high temperature and chemically inert monofilaments for harsh environment brush and broom applications. Our proprietary extrusion process delivers tight tolerance monofilaments down to 35 microns. Monofilaments are available in a wide assortment of polymers including FEP, PFA, ETFE, MFA, PVDF, PEEK, PAI and PEI – all of which can be delivered on bulk reels or hanks. Epic Polymer Solutions, LLC is based in North America and is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Results to be published in the January/February issue of Brushware Take part in the brief 2025 Brushware Industry Survey by scanning the QR Code below.
F.M.Brush
70-02 72nd Place
Glendale, New York 11385
Phone: 718-821-5939
Fax: 718-821-2385
Email: info@fmbrush.com
Website: www.fmbrush.com
Contact: Jeff Mink, President
Key Products:
FM Brush is a leading manufacturer of thousands of brush styles. We specialize in custom manufacturing, private label OEM, and branded brush production. Our diverse range of brushes serves various industries, including artist supplies, industrial applications, medical instruments, sign-writing tools, specialty brushes, craft essentials, and top-quality cosmetic brushes.
Philosophy:
The FM Brush Company is celebrating almost 100 years in business. We are proud of this accomplishment because the company remains under private family ownership. The factory and office headquarters are located in Glendale, New York. Our commitment to American manufacturing is without equal in the industry.
Maker of handcrafted quality brushes since 1929
Producer of private label and branded brushes
Two custom manufacturing facilities
Family owned and operated
FM Brush Company, Inc.
70-02 72nd Place . Glendale . New York . 11385
Ph: 718.821.5939 Fax: 718-821-2385
www.fmbrush.com . email: info@fmbrush.com
We are your continued preferred OEM suppler and are proud to share our heritage and expertise as we celebrate nine decades of American brush making.
Innovation:
Since the 1960s, FM has been at the forefront of working with synthetic materials. With years dedicated to perfecting our blends, we’ve mastered the art of capturing the essence of natural hair. Our vast repertoire of over 40 synthetic materials faithfully replicates the textures of natural bristle, pony, sable, and beyond. Explore limitless possibilities with our proprietary, inhouse-crafted synthetic blends, redefining the standards for artist-quality brushes.
Goals:
Our unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional brushes that surpass expectations, crafted with sustainable innovative materials, and customer-centric excellence which is at the core of our mission.
America’s Premier Artist Brush Manufacturer
Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc.
3737 Capitol Avenue
City of Industry, CA 90601-1732
Phone: (323) 450-2740
Email: KRakusin@gordonbrush.com
Website: www.gordonbrush.com
Contact: Kenneth L. Rakusin
President and CEO
Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., has a rich history as an American brush manufacturer. Founded in 1951, Gordon Brush® includes two brands whose origin dates to 1855 and 1897. The Company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a leading manufacturer of specialty, custom and standard brushes for industrial and consumer uses. Gordon Brush® manufactures the very popular FootMate® System, as well as over 17,000 standard and custom brushes at its state-of-the-art 183,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in California, 66,000 sq. ft. plant in Mississippi and 47,000 sq. ft. factory in Nebraska. Gordon Brush® stocks over 3,500 different brushes for
same day shipment, selling to a variety of industries including medical, electronics, manufacturing, military, aerospace, janitorial, automotive, bakery, restaurant, scientific and pharmaceutical. Gordon Brush’s recent acquisitions include Michigan Brush; Dorden & Co.; Justman Brush; Spectrum Paint; Kirschner Brush; J.B. Ward & Sons; StaticFaction; Easy Reach; and Parker Brush. Gordon Brush® has been featured on the ION Network, Discovery Channel, Bloomberg News, The Real Talk Show, The Today Show, and in the Los Angeles Times. The Company has received numerous awards and accolades including being the recipient of the 2018 Made: In America award. This award was presented to the Company at a ceremony in that was held in the rotunda of the United States Capitol.
Gornell Brush
1101 S Prairie Avenue
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186
United States
Phone: 773-489-2330
Fax: 773-489-1102
Email: sales@gornellbrush.com
Website: www.gornellbrush.com
Gornell Brush: A Leading Partner in Precision Brush Manufacturing
As a trusted partner to industry leaders worldwide, Gornell Brush has a proud tradition of innovation and excellence. Since our founding in 1892, we’ve remained dedicated to investing in cutting-edge technology and the continuous development of our team, ensuring that every
BRUSHES WELDER BRUSHES
With a portfolio of millions of brushes produced annually, Gornell Brush serves a broad range of industries, including aerospace, additive manufacturing, food processing, MRO, and power generation. Our advanced production facilities and commitment to modernization allow us to deliver custom-made, technical, and standard brushes efficiently, on time, and to exact specifications. We understand that every customer’s needs are unique. That’s why our team of skilled engineers works closely with you to develop the perfect solution, whether it’s a standard product or a custom design. Our comprehensive services, from CAD/CAM design to private labeling and special packaging, ensure that we can adapt to your specific requirements.
At Gornell Brush, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We are committed to providing high-quality brushes and engineered solutions that help you excel in your business operations, backed by fast, reliable service.
Gornell Brush: Innovation, Quality, and Solutions for Every Industry
Let us help you find the right brush solution. Contact us today for a partner who is as dedicated to your success as you are.
Hahl inc./Perlon The Filament Company
126 Glassmaster Rd. Lexington, S.C. 29072
Phone: 803-359-0079
Fax: 803-359-0554
Website: www.perlon.com
E-mail: terry.hogan@perlon.com
Contact: Terry P. Hogan, Sales Director, North America
Company Key Material, Machines, Products:
SYNTHETIC FILAMENT: Polypropylene, PA 6, PA 66, PA 612, PA 610, Polyester-PBT, PE, Technical fibers > Antistatic PA 6, Conductive PA 6, HT Polyamide, PEEK, PPS, UL94V0 PA 6, Metal Detectable Polyester-PBT
DENTAL CARE: Toothbrush Filament and Cosmetic Filament
INNOVATIVE PERSONAL
CARE PRODUCTS MONOFILAMENT: Advanced Technical Textiles segment and PMC segments / Polypropylene, PA 6, PA 66, PA 612, PA 610, PA 12, Polyester-PET & PBT, PPS, HDPE, LDPE
New Materials, Machines, Products:
Hahl Inc is planning to add additional extrusion capacity for non abrasive filament production.
New products recently added to our range include BioniFil H® (horsehair replacement) and BioniFil P® (boar bristle replacement) and Perlon Green Line (100% biobased polymer) for technical brush applications.
Subscribe to the new Brushware Digest enewsletter to receive the Brushware Digital Edition and stay up to date on key industry headlines.
MFC LTD
1904 Freight St.
Laredo Texas 78041
Toll Free: 800 TAMPICO (8267426)
Phone 956 724 5191 Fax 956 725 8080
Email: info@mfc-usa.com
Website: www.mfc-usa.com
Contacts:
David Kalisz, dkalisz@mfc-usa.com
Paty Cavazos, paty@mfc-usa.com
Key Products & Services:
MFC, with roots in the brush making industry that span for over 150 years, is happy to continue to provide the brush manufacturer with consistently high quality fill fibers and fill fiber mixtures including but not limited to the following:
TAMPICO: White (natural), Black, Two Color, Three Color, Bleached, Patent (polished), Semi Patent UNIONS: Mixtures of Palmyra and/or Bassine (dyed Palmyra) & Tampico in many combinations
PALMYRA: Oiled or Unoiled, Medium Stiff or Prime Stiff
PALMYRA STALKS: Fine, Extra Fine, dyed or undyed HORSEHAIR AND HORSEHAIR MIXTURES: Dressed Black, Mixed, Silver Grey, or white horsehair or Processed (Sterilized, combed & mixed) to attain our customers performance and quality needs. The mixtures can be pure hair or mixed with other synthetic fibers (plastics, wire, etc.) and/or natural fibers (Tampico).
BRISTLE: boar bristle Processed or unprocessed
BROOM HAIR: Cattle hair mixtures
PAINT BRUSH FILAMENT PROCESSING: Dyeing, tipping, flagging and Mixing or Tapered filaments
CUSTOM MIXTURES: With more mixing machines in one location than any company in the world, MFC will work with the brush manufacturer to develop a mixture that will attain their price, quality and performance aims.
Philosophy:
MFC ‘s, its staff, processor and suppliers aim is to consistently provide our customer with good service and high quality material at a fair price. We listen to our customer and work with them to provide them on each and every order a product that will run well on their equipment, giving them high throughput, less waste, less rejects and a brush that will meet their specifications.
Goal:
MFC ‘s main goal is to continue to work with our customers so that both will have continued success.
...about
Mill-Rose is the largest U.S. manufacturer of twisted-wire brushes and the undisputed world market leader for brushes of all uses. Brushes are what we know; big ones, little ones, produced in large or small volumes. We design, engineer, manufacture and deliver brushes in any quantity, catering to customer’s specific needs.
We’ve been setting the standard for quality, performance, and innovation in brush technology for over 100 years. Mill-Rose brushes are used in virtually every industry around the world, including, but not limited to, aerospace, agriculture, automotive, defense, energy, manufacturing, medical, technology, and telecommunications.
Choose from thousands of “standard” and “not-so-standard” sizes and shapes of brushes that deburr, polish, finish, sort, auger, conduct, dissipate, collect, move and protect materials. Mill-Rose brushes are often used in non-brushing applications to solve engineering, design, and production problems. If you require a special or unique brush, we can design it and make it from any material the job calls for. Mill-Rose has designed more than 100,000 special brushes with unique configurations for unique applications.
...about Clean-Fit Products
Strong demand for Mill-Rose brushes by the plumbing, heating and cooling industry led to the formation of Clean-Fit Products, our fastgrowing division serving professional contractors, hardware wholesalers and Do-It-Yourself home centers. Clean-Fit Products offers contractors a complete line of brushes, abrasives, PTFE sealants and specialty tools, including our new line of Blue Monster ® professional-grade products. Clean-Fit Products has experienced explosive growth with its Blue Monster product line, demonstrating the need for highquality brushes and accessories with a unique and trusted brand name.
...about Mill-Rose Laboratories
Mill-Rose Laboratories manufactures a complete line of disposable and reusable brushes used throughout the medical industry. We’re the leading source for laboratory and scientific brushes, biopsy and micro brushes, and stainless steel wire forms used in a broad range of applications. Our commitment to cutting edge technology, product quality and customer satisfaction is second to none.
Clean-Fit Produc
Mentor, Ohio
Rose corporatehea
Mentor, Ohio
Monahan Filaments
215 Egyptian Trail Arcola, IL 61910
Tel: 217-268-4957
Fax: 217-268-4965
Website: www.monahanfilaments.com
Email: info@monahanfilaments.com
Contact Name & Title: Jon Monahan, President
Company Key Materials, Machines, Products:
Located in Arcola, Illinois USA, Monahan Filaments manufactures a wide selection of synthetic filaments for the brush and monofilament industry. Markets served include Oral Care and Cosmetic, Paintbrush, Industrial, Janitorial, Automotive, Construction and Agricultural. A wide range of diameters can be supplied in hanks, cut lengths, and on spools to meet customer requirements. Known as a developer of synthetic thermoplastic filaments to meet demanding end uses, we are ready to assist in meeting your filament needs.
Company Philosophy:
Along with our sister company Brush Fibers, Inc. we can provide you with almost every raw material to make a quality brush at competitive pricing and short lead time. We are here to do everything we can to support brushes being Made in the USA!
PelRay International A Division of Brush Fibers, Inc.
4712 Macro
San Antonio, TX 78218
Tel: 210-757-4640
Fax: 210-650-8103
Email: sales@pelray.com
Website: www.pelray.com
We are on WhatsApp:
+1-210-862-5731 Ron Cherryholmes
+1-210-846-1840 Bart Pelton
+1-210-772-2237 Kenneth Pelton
+52-811-503-7504 (Español) Robert Sixtos
As a division of Brush Fibers, Inc., PelRay International Company in San Antonio, Texas is poised to even better serve manufacturers of mops, brooms and brushes worldwide. Sourcing supplies from more than 10 countries, the company’s product line includes:
• MOP YARN – cotton or rayon/poly blend, colored, multi-end tubes, single end cones, 4 & 8 ply, string
• HANDLES AND DOWELS – Poplar, Pine, Tauari, and Metal Handles - PelRay can deliver what you need including finishes, end treatments and colors to match your specifications in lengths from 24” to 72” -- We can now offer FSC handles.
• BROOMCORN – Mexican processed and hand selected craft broomcorn for artisans
• OEM PRODUCTS that are “made in America” or imported such as angle broom heads, corn brooms and brushes
• BROOM & MOP SUPPLIES such as sewing twine, galvanized wire, ring ball caps, T-bars and more
PelRay specializes in carrying a wide variety of items to cover everything a manufacturer might need. Need your brooms boxed? Labeled with your UPC codes? PelRay can do that and more for you.
Whatever quantity you need – from full truckload to LTL –PelRay will work to get you a reasonable freight quote to get it there when you need it.
PELRAY is your one stop source for supplies and raw materials for mop, broom and brush manufacturers. Our employees regularly visit and conduct quality control inspections at our suppliers’ locations throughout the world to ensure excellent quality materials.
PelRay’s sales team of Ron Cherryholmes, Kenneth Pelton, Robert Sixtos and Bart Pelton has close to 90 years combined experience in the mop, broom and brush industry. Put that experience working for you to get exceptional quality with competitive pricing and outstanding customer service.
Precision Brush
6700 Parkland Boulevard
Solon, Ohio 44139
Contact: Jim Benjamin
Phone: 800-252-4747
Fax: 800-252-0834
A World-Class American Manufacturer of Industrial Brushes:
Precision Brush has been providing our customers with custom brush products for many years. From our humble beginnings in a two-car garage in downtown Cleveland Ohio, to our state of the art facility in the manufacturing district of Solon, Ohio—we have carefully and skillfully produced custom-designed brushes that have touched nearly every aspect of our society, both public and private. Our highly trained engineers, friendly custom service representatives and dedicated and loyal manufacturing staff are all committed to providing you with the best tools to help design and create your own custom brush.
Over time, some things have changed—there have been advancements with our facilities, our automated equipment and even the bristle materials we use. But one thing hasn’t changed: Our commitment to making you the best custom industrial brushes possible.
Each day Precision Brush receives requests for custom brushes. From engineers designing new products or processes to brush users who are looking for custom brushes to help where standard brushes do not work as effectively. We also hear from inventors who require uniquely designed brushes and universities that are experimenting with state-of-the-art brush applications. We have assisted customers in dozens of countries in designing custom brushes and have garnered a reputation throughout the world as a leading manufacturer of custom designed brushes.
Proveedora Mexicana de Monofilamentos, S.A. de C.V. (PMM)
Oriente 217 No. 190
Agrícola Oriental
08500 Mexico City
Phone: (52 55) 5763 86 63
Fax: (52 55) 5700 57 69
Email: pmm@pmm-mex.com
Web: www.pmmbrightline.com
Contact: Dennise Silva, Sales Manager
PMM is a Mexican company located in the heart of Mexico City that specializes in the production of synthetic-engineered plastic monofilaments. These are made of Nylons (Nylon 6.12, Nylon 6.6, Nylon 6 Plus, and Nylon 6), Polyester PBT, Polyethylene and Polypropylene, and are available in a wide range of calipers, profiles and colors.
PMM’s materials are mainly used for toothbrushes, interdental and cosmetic brushes and industrial brush applications.
Dennise Silva, PMM Sales Manager, explained how the product line has grown and developed, mainly because of the flexibility to adapt to the customer’s specifications.
Added to high quality filaments, PMM has a sales policy that enhances its operation. Punctual deliveries and service are key factors to success. PMM’s Sales Account Executives are instructed to provide a 24-hour service guarantee. All customer inquiries will be answered / serviced the same day PMM receive them.
Even though PMM was founded in 1976, the company is full of young people who bring new ideas and have made PMM evolve into an innovation and creativity center, with an impeccable sense of quality and an international perspective. A key element in PMM’s corporate culture is the drive for joint achievement, which is the “secret ingredient” which transforms good into outstanding.
This is the main reason why, despite an uncertain business scenario, Dennise feels confident about PMM’s future.
Royal Paint Roller Mfg. Corp.
248 Wyandanch Ave West Babylon, NY 11704
phone: 631-643-8012 • fax: 631-253-9428
email: randyb@linzerproducts.com
contact: Randy Boritz, President
Key Materials and Products:
We carry a complete line of paintbrushes, roller covers (in all sizes and variety of fabrics, including lambskin, kodel, lambswool, synthetic blends, microfiber and our “lint free”line), painter pads, frames, trays and accessories for the professional and do-ityourself markets.
New Materials, Machines and Products:
For the past several years, we have been featuring our new blue dolphin tape and abrasive products. New
to our roller cover line is the europa polymicro roller cover which is made with a high capacity polyamide fabric and is shed free. It has the capacity to hold and release more paint for interior and exterior application. This year, we also announced the acquisition of Allway Tools by our parent company, Linzer Products. Allway Tools is known in the industry for their innovative product line including scrapers, utility knives, blades and floor scrapers.
Company
Philosophy:
We take pride in the reputation we have established over the years for being more than simply a supplier, but rather a business”partner” to our customers. It is our goal to help our customers compete in today’s marketplace. Our customer’s success means our success. We look forward to our continued growth built on this philosophy, and to providing our customers the top quality products, competitive pricing, and excellent service they have come to expect from Royal Paint Roller.
Schaefer Brush
1101 S Prairie Avenue
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186
United States
Phone: 262-547-3500
Email: sales@schaeferbrush.com
Website: www.schaeferbrush.com
Schaefer Brush: A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation in Twisted-In-Wire and Metal Back Strip Brushes
For over a century, Schaefer Brush has been a leader in precision brush manufacturing, specializing in twistedin-wire, metal back strip brushes, and custom, handdrawn solutions. Our deep expertise and investment in modern technology allow us to deliver highperformance brushes for industries such as aerospace, additive manufacturing, food processing, MRO, and power generation.
Our advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities ensure that every brush is crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and durability. Whether it’s a standard brush or a custom hand-drawn design, Schaefer Brush excels in providing the exact solution for your specific needs. Our metal back strip brushes and twisted-in-wire brushes are known for their precision, resilience, and ability to perform under the toughest conditions.
At Schaefer Brush, we collaborate with our customers to create the perfect brush for any application. Our experienced engineers and in-house design team offer CAD/CAM services, private labeling, and custom packaging to meet your unique requirements. From concept to completion, we are dedicated to delivering brushes that exceed expectations.
Stainless Steel Products
In New York
561-T Acorn Street, Suite T Deer Park, NY 11729
Tel: 888-767-3040
Fax: 631-243-4064
Email: sales@stainlesswires.com
Website: www.stainlesswires.com
In Pennsylvania
3 Front Street Plaza Mohnton, PA 19504
Contact: Ralph Rosenbaum, President
About Us
Since 1995, STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCTS has distinguished itself with a wide variety of applications, gaining experience and capability in round and flat wire, metal strip, and tubing production and distribution. We pride ourselves on supplying manufacturers of all sizes, including industry leaders and global manufacturers across various industries. We differentiate ourselves with application engineering assistance, attention to detail on all aspects of supply management, and a culture of bringing added value through value-added products and services to our customers experience where possible. We custom manufacture materials to demanding specifications. In addition, we stock materials for quick shipments, just-in-time delivery, and/or use a kan-ban inventory system when appropriate. We serve Iron, Nickel, and/or copper based metal consuming manufacturers of all kinds, including: Brushes / Dental Products / Filtration Products / Flexible Metal Hoses / Heating Elements / Jewelry / Medical Products / Reinforcements / Specialty Products /Springs / Staple Products / Wire Braids / OEM / Wire Cloth & Mesh /Wire Forms / Wire Inserted Threads / Wire Inserted Yarns.
Draw Round Wire
Stainless Steel Products has several single and multiple die wire drawing machines. We have some machines dedicated for ironbased alloys, such as steel and stainless steel, and others for copper based alloys, such as brass, phosphor bronze, and nickel silver. Our in-house capabilities include drawing wire from 0.3125” to as small as 0.0080” in both ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. We can draw wire to standard tolerances or tight tolerances, if specified. We can package wire on spools, coils, or cores ranging from ¼ lb to over 1,000 lbs in various configurations. Our specialty is making bright wire. Our testing equipment includes laser micrometers, tensile testers, a fatigue tester, hardness testers, magnetic permeability meter, and microscopes with photo capability for surface evaluations.
Flat Wire Rolling
Stainless Steel Products has several rolling mills and various spooling or coiling equipment to service all of your packaging requirements. These can be as small as 1/4 lb or as large as 1,000 lb reels. Our in-house capabilities include rolling wire with rounded edges between 0.0060” to as wide as 0.250”. Rolling mill thickness capability is from 0.0053” to 0.250”.
Material Warehousing
Stainless Steel Products houses ample quantities of round wire and strip to meet existing customer demands. We can
stock round wire in sizes ranging from 0.0010” – 0.375. This can be in hardness ranging from dead soft annealed to spring temper and anything in between. Strip warehousing is for existing blanket orders only at present.
We offer stocking services of finished materials for just-intime delivery and blanket orders. When customers have tight on going delivery demands, we use a Kan-Ban system which generates internal replacement orders as we ship processed materials from stock. We can also generate reports on existing open orders and inventory for product planning managers and material buyers.
We also maintain adequate raw materials for our further processing. Our processing capabilities include drawing to specific sizes and hardness, wire cut to length, straightened, coiled, spooled, crimped, and/or on specialty packaging. We also offer basic wire forming and assembly services.
Wire Crimping
We crimp wire from prototyping to volume quantities. In the past year, we have added 6 new crimping lines at our facility in Pennsylvania. We can strand wire to your specifications and even assist with creating specifications. Our capabilities include being able to crimp from ultra fine diameters to tire chord in most ferrous and non ferrous alloys. Crimped Wire increases wire column strength and support of adjacent wires. The wire is typically full hard or spring temper. Sizes can range from 0.0030” to 0.035” or larger. This wire can be packaged as multi-stranded ends onto spools or cardboard cores from 10 lbs to 400 lbs or is available in hanks or in cut to length bundles.
Wire Straightening
Straight wire is used to make many types of brushes such as power brushes, scratch brushes, twisted-in brushes, and more. Wire is can be high fatigue resistant or standard quality. We can tailor wire to your fatigue resistance requirements. Round, flat, or shaped wire in any size or dimension. We can package crimped brush wire on spools single end or multiple ends in rope form, hanks, or cut to length bundles. Our inventory is tailored to meet industry requirements. We can offer high temperature resistant alloys and/or high strength alloys to meet the most demanding applications. Our extensive inventory not only covers standard industry sizes, but also those hard to find sizes. We can custom draw wire diameters to high precision if specialty sizes are needed.
Value Added Services
We offer custom made solutions to your hard to figure out material needs. Some examples of what we have successfully resolved include small quantities of simply formed parts, extra large holes on spooling requirements, non magnetic wire, above average fatigue resistance, and much more.
Other
At Stainless Steel Products, we are continuously improving our systems and capabilities for efficiencies and quality control bringing these benefits to all our stakeholders.
Wolf Abrasive
4th Building, Yong Yuanjin Industrial Park
No.8 Jinlong Fourth Road, Baolong, Longgang District Shenzhen, China
Phone: +86 138 2520 3390
Website: http://www.wolfabrasive.com
Email: sallylee@wolfabrasive.com
Contact: Sally Lee
Tidyfeel was established in 2007, which manufactured abrasive filaments in the early stage, and since early 2022, it has developed and produced molded abrasive bristle discs, plastic mandrel and metal clips, which are assembled into standard polishing brushes for general use.
Holding the principle of “High performance, High quality, High value”, we offer superior products and professional services through precision manufacturing and carefullyselected materials.
With “WOLF” as its Logo, Tidyfeel is well-known across China and Southeast Asia, and is exploring international markets such as Europe and the United States. We adhere to the concept of “Share values and satisfy customers” to win our users’ trust.
Together with WOLF, let’s achieve win-win cooperation!
Our Supplies
• “STD” standard abrasive bristle discs, polishing bristle brushes
Founded in February 2007, “WOLF Abrasive Filaments” is specialized in producing high-quality abrasive filaments. With “WOLF” as LOGO, it has taken the lead in Chinese market and also had good international markets in Asia, Europe and America.
We implement the production policy of “High Quality, High Efficiency, and Low Consumption”, adhere to “Precision Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement”, and carefully and rigorously manage every stage to ensure that the high-quality products and services are delivered to our customers.
We adhere to the market concept of “Value Win-win and Customer Satisfaction”, and win users’ deep trust with our reasonable price, stable quality and professional service.
“WOLF Abrasive Filaments” is your strategic cooperation partner and let us work together to create our win-win future!
WOLF’s Supplies
“SCF” household all-cleaning abrasive filaments: Manufacture household abrasive cleaning brushes featured by rapid friction, rapid dirt removal, polishing, and de-fouling.
I. WOLF’s vision: Experience in material and application in this field.
II. Higher cost performance: Comprehensive advantages in quality and price.
III. Excellent quality
• High grinding efficiency, good effects, long service life, and good core functions of brush
• Stable quality: Stable and nearly identical quality of different batches and safe usage
• Beautiful appearance: Uniform filament diameter, uniform buckling, and good brush appearance
• Quality assurance: Ensure identical product quality from small amounts of trial to mass production
IV. Multiple choices: Consider price budgets and operating condition differences, and set high/medium/ low-end products.
V. Cooperative suppliers: Practice the business philosophy of value marketing and customer satisfaction.
VI. Small batch supply: Conventional products are available in stock and easy to purchase.
Young & Swartz, Inc.
39 Cherry St.
Buffalo, NY 14204
United States
Phone: (716) 852-2171 / (800) 466-7682
Fax: (716) 852-5652
Website: www.youngandswartz.com
Email: info@youngandswartz.com
Contact: Raphael E. Winzig
We’ve been engineering, manufacturing and supplying brushes and accessories to large and small companies for over 150 years. We’re an American company, familyoperated for four generations. Customers tap our expertise from around the world.
If you don’t know us, you might give us a try. We handle everything from year-long production runs to problemsolving “one-offs.” We’re proud to be the brush experts you can rely on to do your job right every time.
Give us a call today at 716-852-2171.
Zelazoski Wood Products, Inc.
P O Box 506
835 Ninth Avenue Antigo, WI 54409-0506
Phone: 800-240-0974
Fax: 715-627-2347
Website: www.zwpi.com
Contact: Brett Zelazoski
Email: brett@zwpi.com
Company Key Materials, Machines, Products:
Brush Backs & Blocks - Wood, Handles - Paint Brush, Wood, Handles - Personal, Wood. Finishing, pad printing, laser engraving and branding available
New Materials, Machines, Products:
Provide quality parts, manufactured according to the customer’s specifications, delivered on time, for the best price possible.
US PMI Holds at 47.2 Percent in September
Global Manufacturing Slows Overall But Canada Pushes Into Growth Mode
The ISM U.S. Manufacturing PMI held steady at 47.2 percent in September, matching August's figure and marking the sixth consecutive month of contraction. According to Timothy R. Fiore, Chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, demand continued to weaken while production showed signs of stabilizing.
The New Orders Index rose slightly to 46.1 percent but remained in contraction territory, while the Production Index approached expansion, registering 49.8 percent, a significant five-point jump from August. The Employment Index dropped to 43.9 percent as manufacturers continued right-sizing their workforces. Prices fell into contraction for the first time this year, with the Prices Index at 48.3 percent.
Supplier deliveries slowed, with the Supplier Deliveries Index registering 52.2 percent, indicating some supplier challenges. Inventories contracted sharply, as the Inventories Index dropped to 43.9 percent, and new export orders shrank at a faster pace, falling to 45.3 percent.
Manufacturing activity remains sluggish, with 77 percent of manufacturing GDP contracting in September. Despite stabilizing production, subdued demand and political uncertainty are holding back the sector. Of the six largest manufacturing sectors, only the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Products segment showed growth in September, compared to two in the prior month.
EUROZONE: The HCOB Eurozone Manufacturing PMI registered 45.0 percent in September, falling from a 45.8 percent reading in the previous three months. The new figure is the lowest reading of the year as the sector deepens into contraction. Production and new orders fell sharply, with job losses reaching their highest level since October 2012. Input costs declined for the first time since May.
CANADA: Canada's S&P Global Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4 percent in September, signaling the first improvement in operating conditions since April 2023. A slight rise in new orders, driven by domestic demand helped push up the number. The country’s manufacturers saw marginal employment gains, but export orders continued to decline and input costs accelerated to a 17-month high.
CHINA: The Caixin China Manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.3 percent in September 2024, marking the lowest level since July 2023. The fall into contraction territory occurred as new orders fell to a two-year low and export orders also declined. Input costs and output prices decreased sharply due to heightened competition and weaker demand.
FRANCE: France's S&P Global Manufacturing PMI improved slightly to 44.6 percent in September, though it remained in contraction for the 20th consecutive month. Output and new orders continued to fall sharply, while input price pressures eased. Accordingly, business confidence hit its lowest level since January as firms expressed concerns about ongoing political uncertainty.
ISM® MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE (US)
GERMANY: Germany's HCOB Manufacturing PMI dropped to 40.6 percent in September, the lowest in a year, highlighting a deepening contraction in the sector. New orders fell sharply, particularly in the auto sector and employment levels sank at the fastest rate in four years as weak demand continued to pressure output and purchasing activity.
INDIA: India's HSBC Manufacturing PMI fell to 56.5 percent in September, marking the softest expansion since January. New orders and output grew at a slower pace, while export orders dropped and business confidence reached its lowest level since April 2023.
ITALY: Italy’s HCOB Manufacturing PMI fell to 48.3 percent in September as weak demand drove sharper declines in new orders and output. Despite the downturn, hiring expanded for the second consecutive month, while business sentiment fell below the historical average due to a pessimistic outlook for future output.
UNITED KINGDOM: The U.K. S&P Global Manufacturing PMI dropped to 51.5 percent in September, indicating expansion but with slower growth in output and new orders. Strong domestic demand supported the sector, but rising input costs and export weakness led to reduced employment and purchasing activity. Businesses were still optimistic about the future outlook, but not quite at the same level as seen in the previous month.
Credits: Institute for Supply Management®, PMI® (Purchasing Managers' Index), Report On Business®. For more information, visit the ISM® website at www.ismworld.org.
SEPTEMBER 2024 ISM® REPORT COMMENTS (US Manufacturers)
“North American demand has started to weaken. Asian demand is slightly higher but shows signs of weakness in future months. Comments tied to automotive builds.” Chemical Products
“Global demand continues to remain soft. Fourthquarter forecasts have been further reduced, with several new programs shifted from 2024 to 2025. Manpower, working capital and supplies are being flexed down in response. The previously anticipated shift from internal combustion engine to electric vehicle (EV) technology has been pushed out due to market response. Long-range plans are being adjusted to incorporate traditional products for longer, while new EV product offerings are being planned for slower rollouts.”
Transportation Equipment
“The second half of 2024 is trending upward enough to more than compensate for the year-overyear losses we experienced in the first half. We are anticipating a record sales volume for 2024.”
Food, Beverage and Tobacco Products
“The strategy of customer push-outs last year enabled those customers to adapt to the market. Now, while most companies are seeing a slowdown, we are seeing solid growth. The general slowdown in the economy is allowing for prices to continue to stabilize.” Computer and Electronic Products
“A continuing low order rate is resulting in ongoing manufacturing adjustments to balance output with demand.” Machinery
“The fourth quarter is slower than anticipated. We won’t realize the effect of interest rate adjustments with new project starts until the first quarter of 2025.” Fabricated Metal Products
“Business is flat. Waiting for interest rates to drop and the election outcome in November before we confirm our 2025 plans. Currently planning on a flat 2025.” Furniture and Related Products
“Our sales continue to be flat. Our customers are telling us that although our products perform very well, they are forced to seek lower-cost components to maintain their sales.” Textile Mills
“Sales have slowed this quarter compared to the same time period last year. Adjusting production accordingly.” Miscellaneous Manufacturing
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ABMA ....................................................... Inside Back Cover www.abma.org
