March/April 2014 Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine SERVING THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1912 97th ABMA Convention Coverage ABMA Division Reports Technical Presentations Recent Changes In Logistics And The Effects On Your Business How Has The ACA (Obamacare) Affected Your Business? Staple Strip Brushes And The European Market Strip Brush 101 2014 ABMA Suppliers Display Photo Gallery 2014 Housewares Show Photo Gallery 2013 Year-End Import/Export Totals Raw Material Report ABMA Holds 97th Annual Convention
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March/April 2014
Broom, Brush & Mop MagazineS E R V I N G T H E I N D U S T R Y S I N C E 1 9 1 2
97th ABMAConventionCoverageABMA Division
Reports
TechnicalPresentations
Recent Changes In LogisticsAnd The Effects On Your
Business
How Has The ACA(Obamacare) Affected Your
Business?
Staple Strip Brushes And The European Market
Strip Brush 101
2014 ABMASuppliers DisplayPhoto Gallery
2014 Housewares Show Photo Gallery
2013 Year-EndImport/Export
Totals
Raw MaterialReport
ABMA Holds 97thAnnual Convention
www.zahoransky.com
“RUSI Cosmetic is one of the lead-
ing companies in the cosmetics
industry. We have been cooperating with ZAHORANSKY for years on the
strength of their reliable and durable machines. The company has an excep-
tional wealth of experience at its disposal and always delivers well thought
out designs combined with exemplary service and support.”
Karl Schwarz, RUSI Cosmetic GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
Growing Number Of First Timers, New Members Attend ABMA 97th AnnualConvention In Rancho Mirage, CA _______6
Growing Number Of First Timers, New Members Attend ABMA 97th Annual Convention In Rancho Mirage,CA
Borghi S.P.A. was the winner of the 2014 Innovation Excellence Award. Pictured, from left,are Carlos Petzold and Paolo Roversi, of Borghi, accepting the award from Greg Miller, right.
“Marilyn Monroe” sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to ABMA President Jeff Malish.
By Harrell Kerkhoff | Broom, Brush & Mop Editor
Looking toward the future, with plans in fullswing to celebrate the past, the 97th AmericanBrush Manufacturers Association AnnualConvention took place March 26-29 at theWestin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in RanchoMirage, CA.
The theme of this year’sevent was “Corporate Bran -ding” and featured a two-part presentation on the sub -ject by guest speaker IraBlumenthal, president ofCo-Opportunities Inc., anAtlanta, GA-based consult -ing company. ABMA President Jeff
Malish, of The MalishCorporation, Willoughby,OH, announced during theOpening Business Sessionon March 27 that 234attendees were present at the2014 ABMA Annual Con -vention. Of this num ber, 21were first-time attendees. It
was also noted that ABMA has gained 26 new members within the past15 months. “This is one of the best years (for new members) that we have had
in a long time at ABMA,” Malish said. “We are very proud of the workour ABMA Membership Committee has done to recruit new membersfor the association. These new members represent quality companies.”This year’s convention included the annual ABMA Suppliers
Display and annual Suppliers Reception, both taking place on March
28. It was reported there were 44supplier booths at this year’s display.In addition to networking opp -
ortunities at various receptions andthe annual golf outing, the 2014ABMA Annual Convention alsofeatured division and committeemeetings as well as several technicalpresentations. Also during the Opening Business
Session, Malish reported on thecreation of the ABMA Foundation.According to its mission statement,the role of the foundation is to serveas a “catalyst for uniting people and
organizations to make a difference through better education andopportunity. (The ABMA Foundation will) secure contributions andprovide grants for sustainable programs in research, education andassistance for industry associates and their families in need. Strategicties with the American Brush Manufacturers Association, coupled witha strong volunteer leadership and generous donors, give (the ABMAFoundation) a powerful yet flexible infrastructure to anticipate andquickly respond to the needs affecting the industry and the welfare ofits associates.”“In addition to providing grants and scholarships, the ABMA
Foundation will also allow for special purpose funding so individual andmember companies can raise specially directed funds,” Malish said.Malish also spoke of the creation of the Kathy K. Parr Memorial
Endowment Fund, named after the late Kathy Parr, wife of ABMAExecutive Director David Parr, who died suddenly in 2013. According to the ABMA website (www.abma.org), this fund was
designed to provide two $2,500 annual scholarships to industryemployees and their families for the purpose of continuing education.Applications for the award shall be submitted to the ABMA FoundationBoard, and the monies shall be paid out upon satisfactory completionof said coursework with a passing grade of “C” or better, or the
PG 6 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
Continued On Page 8
Jeff MalishABMA President
Ira Blumenthal gave a presentationon Corporate Branding at the OpeningSession of the ABMA Convention.
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equivalent certification.“More information (about the ABMA Foundation) is available on the
ABMA website,” Malish said during the Opening Business Session.“It’s very gratifying to know that as we approach our 100th anniversary(in 2017) as an association, we are in a strong position to give back tothe industry, member associates and their families. We think it’s afantastic thing to do and it’s an additional (ABMA) member benefit.”
100th ABMA Anniversary Is Just 3 Years Away!
Activities continue in preparation for the ABMA 100thAnniversary Annual Convention in 2017. As part of thecelebration, efforts are underway to produce a documentary
chronicling ABMA and the brush industry over the past 100 years. The title of the documentary is: “The Brush Industry: A Manu -
facturing Love Story.” It’s being produced by Robin Peters, ofDreamscape Design. Malish told those in attendance at the Opening
Business Session that it’s not too latefor representatives of ABMAcompanies to be interviewed for thedocumentary. “We are producing a documentary
that will chronicle our industry overthe past 100 years with an aim ofgetting the documentary (aired) onsuch (media outlets) as Discovery,PBS, History Channel, etc.,” Malishsaid. “The documentary will showhow resilient, vibrant and importantour industry has been and how we arewell positioned to carry on for the next100 years.”Malish urged people to contact
David Parr or members of the ABMA 100th Anniversary Task Force ifthey would like to participate in the anniversary effort in any way,including the documentary. Task force members include: Chair Greg Miller, The Mill Rose
Company, Mentor, OH; Carlos Petzold, Bodam International/BorghiUSA, Aberdeen, MD; Ian Moss, Static Faction, Salem, MA; KristinDraper, Draper Knitting, Canton, MA; Jeff Malish; AndrewMarsden, The Sherwin Williams Co., Cleveland, OH; ChrisMonahan, Brush Fibers, Inc., Arcola, IL; Andrew Dailey, JonesCompanies LTD, Humboldt, TN; and Daniel Sinykin, MontereyMills/Roller Fabrics, Janesville, WI.Malish also stated at the Opening Business Session that ABMA
members should expect a huge celebration in 2017. “It will be a party not to forget, and definitely one not to miss.
Committees have been formed and started working on the ABMA100th anniversary celebration in 2009,” he said. “The entire(anniversary) project is being funded through donations. You can makea donation in any amount. We are very grateful for all contributions todate and appreciate the outpouring of support. However, we still havea long way to go.”There are different ways to send donations for the anniversary
celebration, Malish said, including online at www.abma.org and thenclicking on the 100th anniversary link. Donations to the 100th anniversary effort at four levels include the
following benefits:n Platinum— Donations or pledges of $50,000 and above. Benefits
include recognition in Brush Up Monthly, special recognition at everyannual convention through 2017, banner advertising on www.abma.org100th anniversary pages, special banner advertising on www.abma.orghome page, and named as “official sponsor” on all media, material andweb information;
n Gold — Donations or pledges of $25,000 and above. Benefits
include recognition in Brush Up Monthly, special recognition at everyannual convention through 2017, banner advertising on www.abma.org100th anniversary pages, and special banner advertising onwww.abma.org home page. Contributors may combine entities toachieve Gold Sponsorship level and will be entitled to have up to threelinks and three full-sized logos to the entities of the contributors’choice;
n Silver — Donations or pledges of $10,000 and above. Benefitsinclude recognition in Brush Up Monthly, special recognition at everyannual convention through 2017, and special banner advertising onwww.abma.org 100th anniversary pages. Contributors may combineentities to achieve the Silver Sponsorship level, but will be entitledonly one link to an entity of choice, and all logos will be reformattedby the sponsor to fit in the space allowed other Silver Sponsors; and
n Bronze — Donations or pledges of $5,000 and above. Benefitsinclude recognition in Brush Up Monthly and special recognition atevery annual convention through 2017.Companies that have donated or pledged thus far include:n Gold: Osborn International; the Zahoransky Group; The Mill-
Rose Company; Gordon Brush; Malish Corporation; BodamInternational/Borghi USA; and, Brush Fibers/MonahanFilaments/Static Faction;
n Bronze — Draper Knitting Co.; Pferd Milwaukee Brush; SpiralBrushes Inc.; E. Gornell & Sons, Inc.; and Pioneer Packaging Inc.It was noted that Michigan Brush, YY Wire, Hans Schuhmann
Holzwarenfabrik, and Power Brushes, Inc., have also made donations. Also recognized by Malish during the Opening Business Session
were companies that contributed to the convention’s ABMA golfscramble tournament this year. They were: Beatty Machine and ToolWorks; Hahl Pedex; iD Additives; Inter-Wire Products; La FranceIndustries, Div. of Mount Vernon Mills; Monahan Filaments/BrushFibers; PelRay International; PMM; and Zahoransky USA. Reports were also given during the Opening Business Session about
upcoming international events involving the brush and relatedindustries. Ian Moss reported on the upcoming 56th FEIBP/European
Brushware Federation Congress scheduled for September 25-27 inBrussels, Belgium.“(FEIBP) is expected to announce
two keynote speakers very soon forthe event,” Moss said. “The setup forthe FEIBP event is very similar to the(ABMA Annual Convention), but oneday shorter. The event covers theentire European market and is veryinteresting. Visit www.eurobrush.comfor more information.”Malish agreed, stating, “It’s an
incredible venue and provides a goodway to network with more people inour industry. You just never knowwhen one of those relationships willturn into a good business opportunity.I would encourage everybody to attendthe FEIBP Congress.” Malish also introduced Daniel Stowitzki, representing Messe
Mass production machine for interdental, medical and mascara brushes, according to the carrousel principle.
system for excellent clamping part durability
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PG 10 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
Freiburg/InterBrush, who reported that thedates for the next InterBrush trade fair inFreiburg, Germany, are April 27-29, 2016.This global specialized trade fair – held onceevery four years – features machinery,materials and accessory equipment for thebroom, brush, paint roller and mop industries.“We will be sending out more information
about InterBrush 2016 by the end of May,”Stowitzki said. Malish added: “Once again, I encourage
everyone to attend InterBrush. It’s the maintradeshow for our industry. You miss a lot bynot attending. Freiburg is also a wonderfulcity to visit.”
ABMA Welcomes NewMembers And First-TimeConvention Attendees
Several new ABMA active (manu -facturer) and affiliate (supplier) membercompanies were recognized during the
Opening Business Session. Representatives ofthese companies who were in attendance atthe session spoke about their individualbusinesses. They included:
n Debbie Wilson, of Carlisle SanitaryMaintenance Products, Oklahoma City,
OK, who stated she looked forward tospeaking with as many ABMA conventionattendees as possible and learn more about theindustry. The company is a manufacturer of
professional cleaning products for sanitarymaintenance, food processing and foodservice professionals;
n Matthew DeSantis, of Hamilton BrushCompany Ltd., Hamilton, ON, whointroduced his father, fellow Hamilton Brushrepresentative Osvaldo (Ozzie) DeSantis.The company specializes in providingtwisting wire and tufted plastic brushes;
n Bob Shaw, of Nour Trading House Inc.,Waterloo, ON, who noted the company is aformer member of ABMA and glad to be backwith the association.“I’m looking forward to seeing old friends
and meeting new ones,” Shaw said; n Bob Goralski, of Cesyl Mills, Inc.,
Millbury, MA, who noted the company is amanufacturer of fabric used in paint rollerproduction. The company is also involved inother industries.“We look forward to a new relationship
with ABMA,” Goralski said;n Gary Wiest, of Deco Products
Company, Decorah, IA, who said the
company produces zinc die castings for thebrush, broom and mop industries. “We have received an overwhelming
welcome from everyone after joining ABMA.We are very happy to be here,” Wiest said;
n Marisol Castillo, of GrupoInteroceanica Cala LLC, Saltillo, Mexico,who explained the company supplies naturalfiber to the brush and related industries;
n Nick Sotos, of iD Additives, LaGrange,IL, who reported the company supplies a lineof chemical foaming agents and purgingcompounds. “We help processors find ways to save
money and put out quality products,” he said;and,
n Mike VanGilder, of Inter-WireProducts, Lombard, IL, who reported thatthe company is a former member of ABMA.Inter-Wire Products provides wire for thebrush and related industries. “I see a lot of familiar faces and look
forward to meeting some new people,” hesaid. Other new ABMA member companies
include: Newton Broom & Brush Company,Newton, IL; Cardinal Brush, Olathe, KS;Societa Italiana Tecnospazzole SpA,
Continued On Page 12
Debbie WilsonCarlisle Sanitary
Maintenance Products
Matthew DeSantisHamilton Brush Company
Bob ShawNour Handcrafted Painting Tools
Bob GoralskiCesyl Mills, Inc.
Gary WiestDeco Products Company
Marisol CastilloGrupo Interoceanica Cala
Nick SotosiD Additives
Mike VanGilderInter-Wire Products
ABMA Convention: Continued From Page 8NEW ABMA MEMBERS
Casalechio Di Reno, Italy; JieDa (Shanghai) New MaterialsTechnology, Shanghai, China; and Torrington Brush Works,Sarasota, FL. Meanwhile, first-time ABMA Annual Convention attendees for 2014
not already mentioned included: Mark Maninfior, of American SelectTubing, Mattoon, IL; Kris Geldof, of Boucherie USA, Knoxville, TN;Matt Schulz, of Deco Products Company; Chris Mills, of FeltonBrushes Limited, Hamilton, ON; Michael Hooper, of FiberbuiltManufacturing Inc., Calgary, AB; Barbara Castillo, of GrupoInteroceanica Cala LLC; Shaoche Gong, of JieDa (Shanghai) NewMaterials Technology Co., Ltd.; Melanie Hansen, of Liberty BrushManufacturing, Shakopee, MN; Kevin Monahan, of MonahanPartners, Arcola, IL; Chris Orenchuk, of Parker Brush Co., Inc.,Rocklin, CA; and Paulina Licona, of PMM, Mexico City, Mexico. Also recognized during the Opening Business Session were past
ABMA presidents in attendance: John Cottam, Industrial BrushCorporation, 2001-2003; Bruce Gale, Michigan Brush, 2003-2005;Ken Rakusin, Gordon Brush, 2005-2007; Mark Godfrey, Felton, Inc.,2009-2011; and Ian Moss, Static Faction, 2011-2013.
Committee Reports, Innovation AwardPresented During Closing Business Session
Various ABMA committee reports were presented during theClosing Business Session on March 29, the final day of theconvention.
The ABMA Finance Committee report was given by ChairCarlos Petzold, who is also the ABMA treasurer. Petzold gave apositive report on the association’s finances. The majority ofABMA’s revenue comes from membership dues. ABMA Convention Committee Chair Mark Fultz, of Abtex
Corporation, Dresden, NY, reportedthat the next three ABMA AnnualConventions will take place inFlorida, beginning with the 2015event on March 18-21 at theRenaissance Vinoy, in St. Petersburg,FL. ABMA Membership Committee
Chair Carlos Petzold reported thatthe association now has 165members.ABMA Public Relations Comm -
ittee Chair Greg Miller encouragedmembers to visit the association’swebsite to make sure their companyinformation is correct. He added thatmembers will soon receive an emailor mailing reminder on this matter. Miller also reported that ABMA
will man a booth during theInterBrush 2016 event, as it has donein the past. While at InterBrush,association members will heavilypromote ABMA’s upcoming 100thanniversary in 2017.Miller is also chair of the ABMA
100th Anniversary Task Force. “I’m happy to report that ex -
citement is building and things arecoming along nicely for the
anniversary celeb ration in2017,” he said. “There is alot going on behind thescenes to promote thespecial event. ABMA sub -com mittees ha ve beenformed to develop aworking action plan forOrlando, FL (where the2017 convention will beheld). We are encouragingsug gestions from every -body to help us make theevent a huge success.”Safety & Standards
Committee Co-ChairScott Enchelmaier, of The Industrial Brush Company,Fairfield, NJ, announced that ABMA recently was re-accredited by ANSI (American National StandardsInstitute) for 2014.Enchelmaier also reported that ABMA’s safety slips
have been revised.“We are pleased to report as well that costs associated
with producing these slips have gone down significantly.As a result, the committee has approved a reduction in thecost of purchasing the saf ety slips,” he said.
Statistical CommitteeChair Jill Shinners, ofPioneer Packaging, Chic -opee, MA, discussed theimportance of ABMA me -m bers participating in thisyear’s Business RatioSurvey. “The survey allows a
member to compare how(his/her) company is doingagainst others in the ind -ustry,” Shinners said. She added that the
survey does not take long to complete and the informationabout each company is strictly confidential. Jeff Malish added: “This information (from the survey)
is one of the key member benefits to our organization. Thisis statistical data that we collect. Better participationmeans better data. As Jill said, this data is completelyanonymous. We don’t know who is sending theinformation. You can’t tell what company is what. It isgeneric (information) yet very useful and a benchmarkingtool. The survey is also very easy to fill out.”Malish also thanked Kristin Draper and others for
planning the ABMA Suppliers Reception held March 28.The theme of the reception was “Easy Rider Biker Night.” Also during the Closing Business Session, Greg Miller
announced the winner of the ABMA 2014 WilliamCordes Innovation Excellence Award. The winning entrywas Borghi s.p.a. for the company’s electronic strokedrill/fill staple-set brush manufacturing machine called e-Stroke with KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System).
ABMA Convention: Continued From Page 12
Jill ShinnersStatistical Committee Chair
Jan Haviland, right, won the award (presented during theSaturday morning general session) for the Best Costume at theFriday night Suppliers Reception with its theme of “Easy RiderBiker Night.” Kristin Draper, left, made the presentation.
“Easy Rider Biker Night” was the theme of the SuppliersReception held on March 28 at the ABMA Conventon. Picturedin theme attire are, from left, Paolo and Silvia Roversi andMaureen and Ken Rakusin.
Greg MillerPublic Relations Chair and 100th Anniversary
Task Force Chair
Building on a legacy of innovation, our global team of scientists and development engineers continues to expand the broad range of � lament variations we o� er for use in premium quality brushes and industrial applications, giving brush manufacturers increasingly greater design � exibility. Here are just a few examples of the real-world bene� ts of our innovation in action.
Improved cleaning of electronic devicesUsed in a wide variety of consumer products—from computers, televisions and cell phones to clocks, watches and gaming devices—liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are an important part of everyday life. In the past, cleaning the glass panels for LCDs has presented a unique challenge for manufacturers.
Now, manufacturers have an improved product to clean these sensitive surfaces. � ey are using brushes made with DuPont™ Tynex® � ne � laments. Typically used for cosmetic brushes, Tynex® � ne � laments are strong enough to e� ectively remove foreign particles from LCD panels while being gentle enough to prevent damaging the surface. Filaments speci� cally developed for this application measure only 0.05 to 0.10 mm in diameter and range from 17 to 20 mm in length. � ese � laments also provide the necessary chemical resistance to withstand the chemicals used in manufacturing LCD panels.
Helping steel mills increase productivityLike most industries, steel manufacturers are always looking for ways to increase productivity. � e emphasis is on getting more square feet of metal through the mill, cleaned and coated faster than ever before. To accomplish this, steel mills are using more aggressive cleaning solutions. � e problem is that the cleaning brushes typically used were quickly degrading because many plastics used in the brush � laments can’t handle the higher pH level.
� e technical resources at DuPont Filaments were able to help solve this problem by adding stabilizers to one of our nylon polymer formulations, e� ectively extending the pH range that these � laments can be used in. Brushes made with these � laments deliver cleaning performance over an improved service life, helping steel manufacturers to achieve higher productivity.
Natural feel, improved performance for cosmetic brushesA growing trend in the cosmetic industry is to discontinue using natural animal hair for brush bristles. � e challenge is to � nd a � lament that combines the touch and feel similar to that of natural bristle with the consistency associated with controlled, advanced production technology.
A� er conducting extensive testing with cosmetic brands and makeup artists, DuPont Filaments introduced DuPont™ Natra� l® � laments. � is technology is the result of two unique processes—texturizing and tipping. Texturizing creates a so� but structured surface, enabling excellent powder pickup. Tipping alters the end � lament, giving it a so� feel and optimizing
the release performance. � is enables pickup and precise release of even the most di� cult powders. Brushes made of DuPont™ Natra� l® � laments are
now gaining rapid acceptance for use in brushes for applying facial cosmetics.
Better performance and quicker cleanup with water-based paintsWhen manufacturers began changing their paints to water-based formulations, more people began using paintbrushes made with synthetic bristles because the hog bristles traditionally used in paintbrushes lost sti� ness in water-based paints. Synthetics such as DuPont™ Tynex®, DuPont™ Chinex® and DuPont™ Orel® brand � laments quickly became popular choices. As paint manufacturers continue to improve their water-based formulations by reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) content, increasing solid loadings and decreasing
drying times, there is an ongoing need for increasingly higher performing brushes.
To meet this need, DuPont Filaments continues to innovate and help customize solutions. For example, we developed � laments with a sti� er cross-section that can push higher viscosity paints more e� ciently. We also changed the shapes of the � laments so they not only pick up more paint from the can for faster application, but are easier to clean.
Listening to customers helps create innovative solutionsAt DuPont Filaments, we listen intently to our customers and work closely with them to support them in their selection of the right � lament to meet their speci� c product design requirements.
Usually, it’s a matter of helping to select a � lament from our extensive range of � laments based materials such as nylon or polyester. Sometimes, the choice may not be obvious because a particular � lament is typically associated with another type of industry. Other times, we will create a customized � lament solution or develop a new � lament, such as DuPont™ Natra� l®. Simply stated, we have the experience to help deliver solutions.
And, with locally based technical support, sales and service in DuPont Filaments-Americas, DuPont Filaments-Europe, and DuPont Xingda Filaments, we are uniquely positioned to serve the needs of brush manufacturers and others around the world. Our manufacturing plants, located in Asia, the United States and Europe, are third-party-certi� ed, meeting the requirements of ISO 9001:2000.
DUPONT FILAMENTS CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAY IN INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONSFor more than 70 years, DuPont Filaments has been recognized as a leader in
the development of innovative synthetic fi laments that enable brush manufacturers
to address emerging trends and meet evolving consumer expectations.
All stock photography is owned by the applicable image provider. All usage rights regarding such images are governed by such provider(s) terms and conditions of use set forth at the provider’s(s’) website(s).
application measure only 0.05 to 0.10 mm in diameter and range from 17 to 20 mm in length. � ese � laments
chemical resistance to withstand
Helping steel mills increase
manufacturers are always looking for ways to increase productivity. � e emphasis is on getting more square feet of metal through the mill, cleaned and coated faster than ever before. To accomplish this, steel mills are using more aggressive cleaning solutions. � e problem is that the cleaning brushes typically used were quickly degrading because many plastics used in the brush � laments can’t handle the higher pH level.
� lament, giving it a so� feel and optimizing the release performance. � is enables
pickup and precise release of even the most di� cult powders. Brushes made of DuPont™ Natra� l® � laments are
now gaining rapid acceptance for use in brushes for applying facial cosmetics.
Better performance and quicker cleanup with water-based paintsWhen manufacturers began changing their paints to water-based formulations, more people began using paintbrushes made with synthetic bristles because the hog bristles traditionally used in paintbrushes lost sti� ness in water-based paints. Synthetics such as DuPont™ Tynex®, DuPont™ Chinex® and DuPont™ Orel® brand � laments quickly became popular choices. As paint manufacturers continue to improve their water-based formulations by reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) content, increasing solid loadings and decreasing
Division Chair Steve Workman, ofThe Wooster Brush Co., Wooster,OH, began the meeting by
introducing Vice Chair Brent Swenson, ofLinzer Products, West Babylon, NY, whoreported the division currently has$22,039.68 in savings.Workman then presented the ASTM
(American Society for Testing andMaterials) Subcommittee D01.61 report. Hesaid the subcommittee met on June 25,2013, and again on Jan. 28 of this year. Thenext meeting is scheduled for June 2014.ABMA Executive Director Dave Parr
reported on the progress of a documentarybeing prepared for the ABMA’s 100thanniversary celebration in 2017.“I’m pleased to report that the pledge
collection rate for 2014 is at 100 percent.Thank you all for your pledges,” Parr said.“We are totally on track for thedocumentary (“The Brush Industry: AManufacturing Love Story”). We are nowlooking for footage of brushes andinteresting uses. So as you go back to yourcompanies, think about how your customersuse your product. “If you know of interesting uses, or if a
customer has an interesting video that theywould give us permission to use, we wouldlove to have that information. We havesubcommittees now working on behalf ofthe 100th anniversary and we are goingstrong. Thank you again for your donationsand thanks for your support.”
Technical PresentationRecent Changes In Logistics And The Effects OnYour Business —Barbara Adamson, Susan Sinfield and Albert Yi, UPS
Compliance Manager Barbara Adamson,UPS Customs Brokerage, UPS Supply ChainSolutions, Inc., Coppell, TX, and West DivisionManager Susan Sinfield, North AmericanOcean Operations, UPS, Torrance, CA, bothspoke about several aspects of dealing in theimport marketplace including regulations and bestpractices. Among other topics, Adamson focusedon import compliance issues.“Import shipments are not only reviewed by
U.S. Customs, but may also be subject to reportingand release by up to 40 other governmentagencies,” she said. “It’s critical that importersunderstand which agencies regulate their importedproduct and ensure all reporting is in place at timeof entry into the United States.”Adamson also spoke concerning compliance
programs and self-audits.“There are increasing expectations by Customs
that local traders and importers are going toengage in comprehensive self-audits internallyand also implement compliance programs,”Adamson said. “So, if you don’t have acompliance program in place, it is a good time tothink about establishing one. While there arebenefits to importers having a strong complianceprogram in place, increasingly there are penaltiesfor importers who don’t. “It is important to understand proposed
legislation, and changes in rules and regulations
regarding the product you import — for example,new trade agreements that are coming into placethat might affect your imports. You want tounderstand what is required of you as an importer.Another good idea is to closely monitor traderegulations. Regulations might change around aparticular product, or one of the agencies mightchange their requirements. It’s a best practice tostay ahead of the changes.”Adamson warned of companies becoming too
complacent in the way they have always donethings.“I think it is really important to be able to think
outside the box and say, ‘Where do we need to gomoving forward? Would changing the aspect ofan imported product result in a lower duty rate?Could we benefit by sourcing from a differentcountry or market?’”Sinfield spoke about the ocean freight market.“Before the new year, we had a surge of
imports,” she said. “Imports were stronger inJanuary, but were a little weaker in Februarybecause of the Chinese New Year.”Sinfield showed a slide that indicated industry
sources forecast import growths for the comingyear. Sources are bullish and forecast at 6.7percent growth compared to 3.3 percent in 2013.This can be attributed to a favorable grossdomestic product (GDP) and consumerconfidence. Weak U.S. exports are forecast basedon a strong U.S. dollar and slowing China growth,the slide said.Sinfield outlined several carrier alliances in
place that will have an impact on theimport/export market.“(Something) a little bit different in the ocean
freight market are several carrier alliances,”Sinfield said. “Some of the big carriers thatrecently have been marketing their offerings based
Pictured during the Paint Applicator Division Meeting are, from left, Brent Swenson, Linzer Products, Vice Chair; Steve Workman, The Wooster Brush Co., Chair; and Andrew Marsden, The Sherwin Williams Co., Secretary.
One of the highlights ofWednesday, March 26, thefirst day of the ABMA AnnualConvention, was the divisionmeetings. Incorporated intothree divisional meetings weretechnical presentations. Thefour divisions are the PaintApplicator, Broom & Mop,Industrial & Mainten ance andSuppliers. Below are reportsfrom the meetings.
PG 16 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
By Rick Mullen | Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor
BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014 PG 17
on their own sailing schedules and assets are nowstarting to work together in what they are calling‘alliances.’“The ‘P3: Maersk, CMA-CGM, MSC’ alliance
is going to account for a sizeable portion of thetotal global capacity. This is something that isgoing to be different, and this alliance, in and ofitself, may be driving other carriers to make somealliances. “Another alliance, called the G6, is comprised
of member carriers Hapag-Lloyd, NYK Lines,Orient Overseas Container Line, HyundaiMerchant Marine, APL and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.In response to P3 moves, sources indicate the G6carriers plan to deploy up to 240 container shipsserving 66 ports in Asia, America and Europe.”Still another alliance includes the CKYHE,
comprised of Cosco, Kline, Yang Ming, Hanjinand Evergreen. In addition, Cosco and ChinaShipping have signed a cooperation agreement,Sinfield said.“The carriers themselves are saying that their
focus is on cost reduction and the alliances aresupposedly going to give stability to the market,”Sinfield said. “Within the ocean freight segmentthere are industry concerns the alliances will‘commoditize’ the industry. As the alliances areimplemented we will monitor to determine theimpact on the ocean market.“Another change to the industry is the
deployment of mega-ships. These big ships thatare coming out will be carrying 10,000-15,000TEUs. As they put these new bigger vessels intoplay steamship lines may pull or reroute the
smaller vessels. Not all the mega-ships can serviceports here in the United States. The ports of LosAngeles and Long Beach, for example, are goingthrough a process of modernizing some of theterminals to be able to accommodate the mega-ships.”Sinfield outlined some port, drayage and
chassis issues.“In relation to Long Beach and Los Angeles,
the current chassis system has been disruptive fordraymen picking up or dropping off import orexport loads,” she said. “As the steamship linestransition from the chassis business terminal,operations may change from wheeled operationsto grounded operations. “When truckers come in to pick up a load, they
may have to first go someplace off-site to get achassis, then they have to go to the appropriate
terminal to locate the container. Afterwards,truckers must return the chassis to the chassispool. This doesn’t make for a seamless process.As such, additional charges may be passed to theimporter to recoup the additional draymen’sexpense.“Furthermore, when the larger mega-ships
come into play, that may change how the terminalsoperate as well. Can they operate efficiently?When will containers be made available? Will thetruckers be stuck in line waiting to drop off or pickup loads? Some terminals have increased theirautomation, but some may not due to operationallimitation or underlying union contracts and theprovisions within.“When it comes to changing the chassis system,
part of the difficulty is determining who owns thesolution. The bottom line, unfortunately, is we do
Barbara AdamsonUPS
Susan SinfieldUPS
Albert YiUPS
PG 18 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
expect more delays and cost increases.”Because of the possibility of delays, Sinfield cautioned manufacturers to be aware
and plan lead times accordingly.Sinfield showed a slide outlining service delays. The slide highlighted cargo delays
in different areas of the United States. Weather conditions on the East Coast havecreated backlogs in New York/New Jersey terminal operations. Inland ramp pointswithin the Midwest are also affected by severe weather conditions. Detroit and Ohio,in particular, have experienced delays. Canadian ports have also been impacted for avariety of reasons.Supply Chain Ocean Trade Supervisor Albert Yi, UPS, Los Angeles, CA, gave
a West Port Labor update. He reported the port labor contract for U.S. West Coast portsexpires June 30, 2014.He displayed a slide that showed the “Journal of Commerce” reported on February
21 that negotiations between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) andInternational Longshore Workers Union (ILWU) regarding a contract that expires July1 are not expected to begin until mid-May.“Customers should determine risk tolerance for supply chain disruption and plan in
advance,” he said.
Broom & Mop Division
This year’s meeting was presided over byVice Chair Gary Townes, of MagnoliaBrush Mfgrs., Ltd, Clarksville, TX.
Townes reported the division has a balance of$12,321.43.Bart Pelton, of PelRay International, San
Antonio, TX, reported on the 2013 NationalBroom & Mop Meeting conducted last Octoberin St. Louis, MO.“We had a good turnout,” Pelton said. “There
were 12 manufacturers represented and asimilar number of suppliers. We try to pickcompanies from suppliers to the mop, brush andbroom segments to present information on thecommodity markets that affect the industry,such as broom corn, mop yarn, tampico fiber,metal handles, wood handles, etc.”Pelton reported St. Louis will again be the
site of the 2014 meeting scheduled for October2-3.“St. Louis is a central location. We have very
good turnout from the folks in Missouri, Illinoisand around the area. This year, we have had afew more brush companies from around thecountry attend. Most people felt like it was aworthwhile endeavor. Hope to see many of youagain this October.”
Technical PresentationHow Has The ACA (Obamacare)Affected Your Business?
This year’s technical presentation wasoriginally to be presented by Broom &Mop Division Chair Tina Burnet, of
Freudenberg Household Products, Aurora,IL. However, she was not at the meeting as shehad been held up in Chicago due to inclementweather.ABMA Executive Director David Parr
explained Burnet’s intent was to present slidesoutlining information concerning the ACA(Affordable Care Act), void of opinion,
Bart Pelton, PelRayInternational, gave a reporton the National Broom &Mop Meeting held annuallyeach October in St. Louis.
Gary Townes, MagnoliaBrush, vice chair, chairedthe Broom & Mop DivisionMeeting. Chair Tina Burnet,Freudenberg HouseholdProducts, was unable to
attend the division meetingdue to flight delays.
Continued On Page 20
PG 20 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
followed by a discussion among attendees about how their respectivecompanies have dealt with the issue.One of the slides was a pie chart indicating where Americans get
health coverage. According to the chart, 48 percent of Americans getinsurance from their employers or the government. Medicare andMedicaid account for 15 percent each with 15 percent in the uninsuredcategory. Of the remaining 7 percent of the insured population, 5percent are in the non-group category and 2 percent receive insurancefrom other government sources.At the bottom of the slide was a statement that said, “Here’s the
biggest thing to know about Obamacare: Most people will never noticeit.”Other slides titled, “What about the remaining 20 percent?” made the
following points:n 20 percent of Americans are either uninsured or get insurance on
the individual (or ‘non-group’) market. Anyone in these groups can getinsurance through Obamacare;
n Those who make more than the federal poverty line ($23,550 for afamily of four), but less than four times the poverty line ($94,200 for afamily of four), can buy subsidized insurance on the marketplaces;
n Those making less than 133 percent of the poverty line ($31,332for a family of four), and living in a state that has accepted theMedicaid expansion, can get Medicaid; and,
n Medicaid is optional by the U.S. Supreme Court. It is available in26 states.Still another slide, titled “Will everyone be insured?” said, “The
Congressional Budget Office expects that the Affordable Care Act willcover about 14 million of the uninsured in 2014 and 25 million by theend of the decade. That still leaves about 30 million people uninsured.”Following the slide presentation, three attendees spoke concerning
their respective company’s reactions to the ACA.The first to speak was Parr, who said, “As some of you may know, I
still have a small manufacturingcompany (SilvaCor, Inc.) thatmanufactures hardwood lumber in thestate of Kentucky with two plants and38 employees. We have been self-insured for 25 years.”Parr explained for many years the
company had an 80/20 PPO(treatment, payment or health careoperations) plan that cost about $1,000a month per family for group medical.“It was a pretty good plan,” he said.
“One of our Kentucky employees gotcancer and had to have a doublemastectomy. When we renewed ourinsurance August 1 (2013), this wasbefore Obamacare, our regular carrier said our premium was going up30 percent. They said our $25,000 deductible per employee and our$50,000 cap would apply to everybody but her (the employee who hadcancer). Her deductible for the next year was going to be $150,000. “So, we are a little lumber company with 38 employees and we were
looking at a group medical premium that was going to go up to the tuneof about $225,000 for the next year, which was an extraordinaryamount for us.”Parr explained the company’s situation was that, since it had fewer
than 50 employees, it was not required to provide health insuranceunder the ACA, but it was too small to be able to afford to purchase agood plan for its employees.“Because we have fewer than 50 employees, we had to make the
horrible decision to stop giving our employees group medical,” Parrsaid. “What we did, in exchange, is we provided all our employees witha $250 a month stipend that they could use to go into the marketplaceand buy their group insurance.”Parr explained the $250 a month stipend is not taxable income, since
the law views it as a reimbursable expense for the company. He alsosaid that with the $250 a month stipend, employees are generallybreaking even on their insurance costs compared to when the groupplan was in place. He added that most employees signed up on the Obamacare website
on January 1.Parr said his biggest fear leading up to the implementation of the
ACA was that he would lose all his employees.“Change terrifies everybody,” he said. “We’ve lost one employee. I
saved more than $100,000 this year, and that is $100,000 I saved ongroup medical goes right to the bottom line. So, for my company, it wasan amazing transition.”As for the employee who had the cancer treatments, Parr said she is
currently covered on a guaranteed disaster insurance plan offered by thestate of Kentucky.“Her premium is $1,600 a month, and for the first year, I am paying
it, because I am already $100,000 ahead,” he said. “I am covering herfor the first year and on Jan. 1 next year, hopefully we will have sortedout some of this law (ACA) and there will be some better options forher. Next year, our intent is to get her back to $250 a month, likeeverybody else on the plan, and, if we can’t, we will figure somethingout. “She was one of those people who was absolutely stuck by our
insurance company before any of this went into place. We had a groupmedical plan, but even our group medical plan wouldn’t cover her,because they started dropping people who were bad risks.”One audience member asked Parr about how the employees have
fared with the ACA.“We like the exchanges and we are completely OK with it (the ACA),
Parr said. “Our employees are going to the same doctors and getting800.533.5667 • 860.928.7981 • [email protected] • www.jewelwire.com
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Tina BurnetBroom & Mop Division Chair
Continued On Page 22
ABMA Convention: Continued From Page 18
PG 22 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
effectively the same coverage at equal or less cost, after you considertheir prior company co-pay responsibilities. It is an 80/20 PPO-basedplan through the state exchange in Kentucky. I buy separate personalinsurance through an exchange plan in the state of Colorado for meand my savings are about $20 monthly over my previous co-payrequirements.”The second attendee who told about how his company has reacted
to the ACA was Carlos Petzold, of Bodam International/BorghiUSA, Aberdeen, MD.As was the case with Parr’s company, Petzold’s company, with four
employees, fell into the area where it was not required to offer healthinsurance to employees. Furthermore, as group health care costsskyrocketed prior to the ACA, Petzold’s company found itself unableto continue to afford offering the type of group insurance plan it hadoffered in the past. After researching the issue, the company came upwith the idea of implementing health saving accounts (HSA).“We had an 80/20 plan with a pretty decent deductible and co-pay
for prescriptions,” Petzold said. “Unfortunately, we could notcontinue to have what we thought was a very good plan.”To be able to continue to offer employees health insurance, Petzold
explained the company purchased a group plan with what he called a“super-high deductible” of $6,000, making the plan affordable forboth the company and employees.Furthermore, to help employees deal with such a high deductible,
the company “front-funded” the $6,000 into HSAs.“With the HSAs, we were able to frontload the individual
deductibles through health savings accounts, which is nontaxablemoney,” he said. “Here is where the savings comes in for thecompany. If an employee doesn’t use the money in his or her HSAaccount in a year, the following year, all the company has to do is top
off the account, which may only cost $1,500 or $2,000.”The third speaker was Ken Rakusin, Gordon Brush, Commerce,
CA and Milwaukee Dustless Brush, Delavan, WI, whose situationwas somewhat different than the previous speakers.“We have more than 100 people,” Rakusin said. “With Obamacare,
if you have multiple companies under the same ownership, you haveto add them together. So if you have 40 people here, and 40 peoplethere, and 40 people in the third place, as far as the Affordable CareAct (ACA) is concerned you have 120 employees. “What we do with our self-insurance program is we buy from Blue
Cross a very high deductible 70/30 plan with a high deductible of$1,500 and we pay the deductible and the 30 percent that wouldnormally be paid by the employee. So, if one of my employees goesto the doctor and the bill is $175, they will pay a $20 co-pay, andwhatever the insurance company doesn’t pay, we pay the difference.The employee’s out of pocket cost is a $20 co-pay.“If the employee goes into the hospital, the employee will pay $250
whether he or she is in the hospital for an out-patient procedure or fortwo weeks, his or her out of pocket expense is $250, we payeverything else.“In October 2013, we had a 25 percent increase on the Blue Cross
portion. The prior year we had a 34 percent increase. The plan that wehave for our employees is so value rich, that if I went to a comparableplan, it was going to cost me $60,000 more per month to do it asopposed to the way we do it with self-insurance. “Our self-insurance plan has allowed us to give our people, literally,
probably the best insurance you could ever get … and lets us save atremendous amount of money. We’ve been doing this since 1996. “The worst part about Obamacare to me is all the taxes and the
penalties and all the rest of the bureaucracy that goes into it. So, onJune 30 this past year, we fired all our employees. OnJuly 1, we hired them through an employee leasingcompany, because the legal aspects of the ACA are sogreat, that we can’t figure out what we have to do. “Whatever the rules are, we want to adhere to them,
but we don’t know what they are. I felt it was betterfor me risk-wise to go with a company that wouldspecialize in making sure everything was legal. Thatis how we approached the ACA. Every single day Iworry about this because I don’t know what is goingto happen.”An audience member asked Rakusin, “How much
did leasing increase your payroll costs?”Rakusin replied, “I think I saved money because in
California I’m not allowed to self-insure workman’scompensation. I self-insure our health insurance andsave a fortune, but I’m not allowed to self-insureworkman’s comp. The employee leasing company hasa master policy with a deductible of $25,000, so thesmall accidents don’t get reported. Most of the claimsthat we have had have been small.“Because (the employee leasing company) has this
master policy that covers everything over $25,000,there are no claims. (The employee leasing company)can save us a lot of money. My offset to paying itsadministrative fees is the reduction in my workman’scompensation insurance.“I don’t have any employees. I don’t have any risks.
(The employee leasing company) has to know what therules are. Another of the nice things about the employeeleasing company is it has a master policy that coversthings like discrimination and sexual harassment.”
ABMA Convention: Continued From Page 20
BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014 PG 23
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Industrial & Maintenance Division
Division chair D. Scott Enchelmaier, of The Industrial Brush Co.,Fairfield, NJ, introduced Secretary James Benjamin ofPrecision Brush Co., Solon, OH, who reported the division had
$11,203.71 in the bank.In his statistical report, Enchelmaier told attendees, “In 2014, we will be
publishing or sending out this year’s Business Ratio Survey. “This is the survey that basically requests financial data that follows your
tax return. It is generally the least participated survey that we publish of thethree surveys we conduct biannually. We are going to be encouraging folksto participate, as it gives some really useful data that allows you tobenchmark your companies against your peers.”In presenting the safety and standards report, Enchelmaier said, “Our
safety slip has been revised this year. It is a reduced sheet in fourlanguages.”Enchelmaier said the safety slips have been switched to a smaller format
with a white background, as opposed to the previous yellow and black slips,which reduces costs. As a result, the committee has approved the reductionof the cost to purchase the safety slips.“We encourage those who are industrial and power brush manufacturers
to take a look at the slips and participate. It affords you the ability to usethe slips and mark your products with a manufacturer’s mark, while beingprotected by an expert witness program provided by the association or bythe group. The entire process is funded by the sale of safety slips.“Also, concerning ANSI B165.1, we have been reaccredited for 2014.”In addition, Enchelmaier recognized long-standing member Sam Birel,
of PFERD, who has announced his retirement.“He has been an integral part of this committee and has done a lot of hard
work in maintenance standards and support of the committee,” Enchelmaiersaid. “He has notified us he will be retiring in the middle of April. Onbehalf of the committee, we want to formally thank Sam for all his greatwork and efforts throughout the years.”Birel was not present at the division meeting.
Technical PresentationsStaple Strip And The European Market — Robert Dous
In his presentation, Robert Dous, of Zahoransky AG, Todtnau,Germany, spoke on the benefits and applications of staple stripbrushes. Using a series of charts, Dous explained some of the basics
concerning the manufacture and application of staple strip brushes.“The manufacturing process of staple strip, in general, is the same as for
Officers of the Industrial & Maintenance Division are pictured at thebeginning of the Division meeting. The officers are, from left, Jim Benjamin,Precision Brush Co., Secretary; Scott Enchelmaier, The Industrial Brush Co.,Chair; and Greg Miller, The Mill-Rose Company, Vice Chair.
other brushes such as broom brushes or technical brushes,” Dous said.“Zahoransky specializes in manufacturing machines for the productionof strip brushes.”Dous explained the production process of staple strip brushes begins
with placing pre-cuts or endless strips by hand or automatically into abrush making machine.“Then it will be handed to automation, meaning the drilling unit,
tufting unit and, ultimately, to trimming,” Dous said. “Between (thedrilling unit and the tufting unit) there is an option, which is the millingunit, a place to adjust the gap between the brush and the tuft.”In the final leg of the process, finished brushes are ejected by the
machine.Dous also showed slides showing a staple strip brush produced with
milled notches, compared to one without milled notches. He alsoshowed photos of a staple strip brush compared to a metal back stripand fused strip brushes.Working from a chart, Dous explained some of the properties of
three types of strip brushes — staple strip, metal back strip and fusedstrip.“They each have some benefits and some restrictions,” he said. “For
example, metal back strip brushes are excellent when it comes toproduction speed. Staple strip brushes have excellent bending behavior— they are flexible. You can run multiple rows and wide strip brushesup to 150 mm, as well as three colors. You can run up to three differentmaterials at the same time.”Dous concluded his presentation discussing the various applications
of strip brushes, including dental, street and runway sweepers,splashguards, sealing, polishing and more.
Strip Brush 101 — Matthias Peveling
In his presentation, Matthias Peveling, of Woehler Brush TechGmbH, Bad Wuennenberg, Germany, a leading manufacturerof brushmaking machines, divided strip brushes into two basic
categories — traditional metal back and flexible, which is a plasticproduct.“At Woehler we make machinery for wire brushes, power brushes,
dental brushes, paintbrushes, etc.,” Peveling said. “We also makeproduction machinery for airport cassette brushes, thickwalled tubesand discs, street sweeper brushes, gutter broom brushes and runwaywafers.“We make machines to produce brush bodies, especially focusing
on low-cost recycled materials. In most technical applications, theusers don’t care if there is high-cost virgin raw material in the brushor recycled material.”Peveling showed diagrams of traditional strip brush designs, such
as the “U” form and the “double band.”“As for the new generation of brushes, there are plastic brushes,
which are flexible depending on the kind of application,” Pevelingsaid. “They can be very solid and stable or they can be very flexible.Plastic brushes can also be rolled in brush rollers.“Flexible strip brushes are used in a wide variety of fields. One
popular field is escalator brushes used for floor sealing, high pressurecleaning and vacuum cleaners. All vacuum cleaners have brushes.”Peveling showed a slide presenting an overview of several Woehler
production machines and their capabilities.“Robert (Dous), in his presentation, showed the difference between
the staple set and the traditional metal back brush,” Peveling said. “Ithink the main difference is the speed of the processes. The staple setprocess is 25 feet a minute and the metal back production works at
120 feet a minute.“Metal back strip brush production is the widest
developed field because it has a long history.”Peveling explained that as machines were able to
produce brushes more quickly, the problem arosethat by the time an operator set up the machine,began the production process and then walked to theend of the machine, the box where the completedbrushes emptied into was already full. This did notallow the operator to inspect the quality of brushesas they came out of the machine.“As a result, machines had to be equipped with a
system to give immediate information about thequality of the brushes being produced,” Pevelingsaid.Peveling also spoke of a new item.“Just recently, we developed a new custom
product for the Asian market,” he said. “It is abroom made out of flexible strip brush material, andit seems to be a big success.”
Suppliers Division
D ivision Chair Carlos Petzold, of BodamInternational/Borghi USA, introduced 2ndVice Chair — Secretary/Treasurer-
Suppliers Reception Jill Shinners, of PioneerPackaging, Inc., Chicopee, MA, who reportedthere was $28,469.15 in the division’s account. Also,a decrease in the suppliers additional assessmentfrom $84 to $80 was approved.
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Continued On Page 26
PG 26 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
ABMA does not allow hosted events during the convention asABMA board members have concluded that big companies withlarge budgets could dominate the hosting of parties during week-longevents. To keep that from happening, suppliers contribute a per duesunit assessment, which contributes to the expense of the annualABMA Suppliers Reception.The dates for InterBrush 2016 in Freiburg, Germany were
announced. The event will take place April 27-29, 2016.
Smart Uses Of Color And DesignEmphasized At 2014 International
Home & Housewares ShowWhile everyone wants to know the perfect color for their product, not
one solution exists. In the world of color, housewares manufacturers andretailers need to be smart, savvy, educated and investigate each usage ofcolor within its own context in order to reach the consumer. “There are generalizations and trends with color, but the magic bullet
doesn’t exist. You need to know the audience, the consumer, lighting,competition and more,” Lee Eiseman told an audience during the 2014International Home & Housewares Show held last March in Chicago. In a presentation, “Engaging the Consumer - Facts vs. Fiction in
Lifestyle and Color” Eiseman, a color and design forecaster andexecutive director of the Pantone Color Institute, along with TomMirabile, senior vice president of Global Trend & Design for LifetimeBrands and consumer trend forecaster for IHA, discussed the changingrealities of today’s consumer and the essential role of color in bothserving and connecting with them.After discussing attributes of the four generations of consumers – Gen
Y, Gen X, Baby Boomers and Active Seniors – Mirabile noted that coloris important to each generation, although in different ways. For example,he said, baby boomers are very color savvy, as color is a part of theirnature. Gen X seeks color as they are exposed to it with their children.And Gen Y are using color in their homes to express independence. The generations respond to colors differently, noted Eiseman. “From my perspective, color is about emotion, and each person has
their own attachment,” she said. “Color delivers emotions to consumers.Baby boomers are appreciating it even more with the proliferation of eyesurgeries – many can see far more clearly than before. The Y generationas new parents is inclined to be savvy with trends and you as a retailer ormanufacturer need to stay on top of those trends and be more educatedthan they are.”Mirabile agreed, saying “We have never dealt with a consumer that is
as educated as the consumers of today. People are so exposed and theyare expecting you to be knowledgeable as well.” While color is limitless, it is expected to be prominent in retail.“As retailers you have to do your homework,” Eiseman said. “What
colors have historically sold well for you? Blue, for example, is aninternational favorite and many customers are dedicated to it. I rarelywork on a product line where I don’t recommend some shade of blue. Buteven though it’s been a big seller, you need to ask yourself what shade ofblue and what intensity do you use to get newness out there?“Of course white is always a safe bet, but what can we do with it to
make it different? Can you work with the form or shape or contrast?Black and white is a given that never goes away but still we need tocreate something new with those colors,” she added. “Engageconsumers’ other senses and ask what makes them want to reach out andtouch it? And while red is popular it needs to be skewed. So you need toarm yourself with the necessary information to make informed choices.”Eiseman also noted that there have been notable shifts in color and
design that could make a retailer’s knowledge of color trends even morecritical; for example, the usage of celebrities to sell products, technologythat can transform color hues and use of lighting. She cited the color orange as the example of how the consumer
mindset has changed. Inexpensive fast food outlets such as Arby’s andA&W had orange logos so it was a hard sell to sell anything associatedwith orange at a high price point, she said. That changed when Apple,Inc. introduced laptops with colors, including orange. “That opened up ideas to use orange in a far reaching way. We now see
the color orange at every price level, and that will continue. Orange is acolor that has amazed me and has gained so much acceptance, so quickly.These are the types of trends in today’s consumer and how color isessential to connect with them,” Eiseman said.
The officers of the Suppliers Division are, from left, Kirk Beatty,Beatty Machine and Tool Works, At Large; Kevin Lannon, LanocoSpecialty Wire, At Large; Chris Monahan, Brush Fibers, 3rd ViceChair, Exhibit Chair; Jill Shinners, Pioneer Packaging, 2nd ViceChair, Secretary/Treasurer-Suppliers Reception; David Kalisz, MFCLtd., Vice Chair; and Carlos Petzold, Bodam International, Ltd./BorghiUSA, Chair.
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Photo gallery of theSuppliers TabletopDisplay Program held during ABMA’s 97th Annual Convention.
SUPPLIERS ON DISPLAY
Jones Companies
Brush Fibers, Inc. of Arcola, IL, was an exhibitor at theABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured, from left, areChris Monahan, Chuck Copp, both of Brush Fibers, andDon Leventhal of Newton Broom & Brush Co.
Jones Companies, Ltd. of Humboldt, TN, was anexhibitor at the ABMA Suppliers Display Program.Pictured is Andrew Dailey, Jones Companies.
Machines Boucherie NV and Boucherie USA of Izegem,Belgium, and Knoxville, TN, were exhibitors at the ABMASuppliers Display Program. Pictured, from left, are KrisGeldof, Machines Boucherie NV and John Williams,Boucherie USA.
PelRay International of San Antonio, TX, was an exhibitorat the ABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured, fromleft, are Mike McKenzie, Pel-Ray; Ron Cherryholmes, Pel-Ray; Bart Pelton, PelRay; Ray LeBlanc, PelRay; and R.J.Lindstrom, Zephyr Mfg. Co.
Hahl, Inc. of Lexington, SC, and Hahl-Pedex wereexhibitors at the ABMA Suppliers Display Program.Pictured, from left, are Terry Hogan, Hahl, Inc.; MichaelHolzmann, Hahl-Pedex; Judy McGuire, Weiler Corp;Andrew McIlroy, Hahl, Inc.; and Florian Kisling, Hahl-Pedex.
MFC Ltd. of Laredo, TX, was an exhibitor at the ABMASuppliers Display Program. Pictured, from left, areDavid Kalisz, MFC; Fred Spach, Carolina Brush Mfg.;Paty Cavazos, MFC; and Ken Rakusin, Gordon Brush.
PelRay InternationalZahoransky USA &Zahoransky AG
Zahoransky USA of Sugar Grove, IL, and Zahoransky AGof Germany, were exhibitors at the ABMA SuppliersDisplay Program. Pictured from left, are UlrichZahoransky, Zahoransky AG; Frank Kigyos, ZahoranskyUSA; D.J. Anawalt of A & B Brush Mfg. Corp.; and ArturSeger, Zahoransky USA.
Borghi USA of Aberdeen, MD, and Borghi S.P.A., of Italy,were among the exhibitors at the ABMA Suppliers DisplayProgram. Pictured, from left, are Vanes Villani, Unimacs.r.l.; Paolo Roversi, Borghi s.p.a.; Carlos Petzold, BorghiUSA; Lynne Petzold; Eric Juarez, Borghi USA; and MattTompkins, Borghi USA.
Proveedora Mexicana De Monofilamentos (PMM) ofMexico City, Mexico, was an exhibitor at the ABMASuppliers Display Program. Pictured from left, are JimBenjamin, Precision Brush Company; Dennise Silva, PMM;Paulina Licona, PMM; Gary Townes, Magnolia Brush; andEnrique Mejia, PMM.
Beatty Machine and Tool Works Limited of Scarborough,ON, was an exhibitor at the ABMA Suppliers DisplayProgram. Pictured is Kirk Beatty.
Borghi USA & Borghi S.P.A.Static Faction, Inc.
Static Faction, Inc. of Salem, MA, was an exhibitor at theABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured is Ian Moss.
American Select Tubing of Mattoon, IL, was an exhibitorat the ABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured areMark and Susan Maninfior.
Monahan Filaments of Arcola, IL, was an exhibitor at theABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured, from left,are Matt Monahan and Jon Monahan.
Keystone Plastics, Inc. of South Plainfield, NJ, was anexhibitor at the ABMA Supplier Display Program.Pictured are Frances and Marvin Naftal.
Jewel Wire Co, a division of Loos & Co. of Pomfret, CT,was an exhibitor at the ABMA Suppliers DisplayProgram. Pictured, from left, are Richard Griswold, Loos& Co., Inc., and Mike Fredrickson, Jewel Wire Co.
Draper Knitting Co. of Canton, MA, was an exhibitor atthe ABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured, fromleft, are Bill Shaul and Kristin Draper.
DuPont Filaments, of Wilmington, DE, was among theexhibitors at the ABMA Suppliers Display Program.Pictured, from left, are Bob Shaw, Nour HandcraftedPainting Tools; Tom Vichich, DuPont; and JohnHackney, DuPont.
Carolina Filaments of Mt. Pleasant, SC, was an exhibitorat the ABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured, fromleft, are Brian Crawford, Carolina Filaments; and JeffGhilani of United Rotary Brush Corp.
Woehler Brush Tech GmbH of Germany, was among theexhibitors at the ABMA Suppliers Display Program.Pictured are Frank Kigyos, left, and Matthias Peveling.
Northeast LTDA of New York City, NY, was an exhibitorat the ABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured isMike Grossmann.
JieDa (Shanghai) New Materials Technology Co. Ltd. ofShanghai, China, was an exhibitor at the ABMASuppliers Display Program. Pictured, from left, are PeterZhang and Michael Gong.
Inter-Wire Products of Lombard, IL, was an exhibitor atthe ABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured, fromleft, are Sergio Gallo and Mike VanGilder .
iD Additives of LaGrange, IL, was an exhibitor at theABMA Suppliers Display Program. Pictured is NickSotos.
Royal Paint RollerRoyal Paint Roller — a name known in the industry for over35 years for top quality products, fine service and competitive prices.
Manufacturer of paint rollers in ALL SIZES—from Slim Jim to Jumbo 21⁄4”I.D. in VARIETY OF FABRICS—including lambskin, kodel, lambswool,synthetic blends & “Lint Free” woven line.
Also a complete line of frames, trays, paint brushes & painting accessories forthe professional and Do-It-Yourself markets.
Specializing in private labeling at competitive prices.
ROYAL PAINT ROLLER248 Wyandanch Avenue West Babylon, N.Y. 11704
Tel: (631) 643-8012 • Fax: (631) 253-9428
BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014 PG 35
Grupo Interoceanica Cala
Grupo Interoceanica Cala LLC of Saltillo, CO, Mexicowas an exhibitor at the ABMA Suppliers DisplayProgram. Pictured, from left, are Barbara Laborde,Marisol Castillo, and Barbara Castillo.
The 98th AnnualABMA Conventionwill be held March18-21, 2015 at theRenaissance Vinoy in St. Petersburg, FL.
Next Year
U.S. government trade figures for all of 2013 indicated rawmaterial imports were down in all three categories outlined:broom and mop handles, brush backs and metal handles,compared to all of 2012. For December 2013, raw materialimports were down in two categories outlined: broom and mophandles and brush backs, compared to December 2012.Import totals for all of 2013 were down in one of the finished
goods categories outlined: paintbrushes, while the other tworemained the same, compared to the same time period in 2012.In December 2013, two categories outlined recordeddecreases: brooms and brushes of vegetable material andpaintbrushes, compared to December 2012.
RAW MATERIAL IMPORTSHog Bristle
The United States imported 36,429 kilograms of hog bristle inDecember 2013, up 79 percent from 20,345 kilograms imported inDecember 2012. During all of 2013, 295,101 kilograms of hog bristlewere imported, down 13 percent from 338,669 kilograms importedduring all of 2012.China sent 294,478 kilograms of hog bristle to the United States
during all of 2013.The average price per kilogram for December 2013 was $10.32,
down 36 percent from the average price per kilogram for December2012 of $16.12. The average price per kilogram for all of 2013 was$14.71, up 3 percent from the average price per kilogram of $13.77 forall of 2012.
Broom And Mop HandlesThe import total of broom and mop handles during December 2013
was 1.1 million, down 31 percent from 1.6 million for December 2012.During all of 2013, 15.4 million broom and mop handles wereimported, down 12 percent from 17.5 million for all of 2012.During all of 2013, the United States received 6.3 million broom and
mop handles from Brazil, 3.9 million from Honduras, 2.6 million fromChina and 2.2 million from Indonesia. The average price per handle for December 2013 was 99 cents, up
10 percent from the average price for December 2012 of 90 cents. Theaverage price for all of 2013 was 88 cents, up 13 percent from 78 centsfor all of 2012.
Brush BacksDecember 2013 imports of brush backs totaled 482,521, down 41
percent from 821,526 for December 2012. During all of 2013, 5.8million brush backs were imported, down 32 percent from 8.5 millionfor all of 2012.Canada shipped 3 million brush backs to the United States during all
of 2013, while Sri Lanka shipped 2.5 million.The average price per brush back was 39 cents during December
2013, up 5 percent from the average price for December 2012 of 37
cents. For all of 2013, the average price per brush back was 47 cents,up 4 percent from 45 cents for all of 2012.
Metal HandlesThe import total of metal handles during December 2013 was 3.2
million, up 3 percent from 3.1 million for December 2012. During allof 2013, 26.2 million metal handles were imported, down 9 percentfrom 28.8 million for all of 2012.During all of 2013, Italy sent 13.8 million metal handles to the
United States, while Spain shipped 6.2 million and China exported 5.3million.The average price per handle for December 2013 was 66 cents, up
18 percent from 56 cents for December 2012. The average price for allof 2013 was 71 cents, up 9 percent from the average price for all of2012 of 65 cents.
FINISHED GOODS IMPORTSBrooms Of Broom Corn
Valued At Less Than 96 CentsThe total import of brooms of broom corn valued at less than 96
cents per broom for December 2013 was 3,636, down 88 percent from29,556 for December 2012. During all of 2013, 130,908 brooms ofbroom corn were imported, down 42 percent from 225,992 importedduring all of 2012. All the brooms were imported from Mexico.The average price per broom for December 2013 was 89 cents, up
25 percent from the average price for December 2012 of 71 cents. Theaverage price per broom for all of 2013 was 58 cents, down 29 percentfrom 82 cents from all of 2012.
Brooms Of Broom CornValued At More Than 96 Cents
The United States imported 638,740 brooms of broom corn valuedat more than 96 cents per broom during December 2013, up 16 percentfrom 589,735 for December 2012. During all of 2013, 7.9 millionbrooms of broom corn were imported, down 1 percent from 8 millionfor all of 2012.Mexico shipped 7.8 million brooms to the United States during all
of 2013.The average price per broom for December 2013 was $2.47, up 7
percent from the average price for December 2012 of $2.31. Theaverage price per broom for all of 2013 was $2.38, down 2 percentfrom $2.43 for all of 2012.
Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable MaterialThe import total of brooms and brushes of vegetable material during
December 2013 was 95,645, down 34 percent from 144,090 broomsand brushes imported during December 2012. During all of 2013, 1.9million brooms and brushes were imported, the same as for all of 2012.Sri Lanka exported 1.1 million brooms and brushes to the United
States during all of 2013, while Vietnam sent 213,539.The average price per unit for December 2013 was $2.19, up 67
percent from $1.31 for December 2012. The average price for all of2013 was $1.39, up 14 percent from the average price recorded for allof 2012 of $1.22.
ToothbrushesThe United States imported 93.4 million toothbrushes in December
2013, up 2 percent from 91.3 million imported in December 2012.During all of 2013, 1.1 billion toothbrushes were imported, the sameas during all of 2012.China sent 786 million toothbrushes to the United States during all
of 2013, while Vietnam shipped 94.5 million and India sent 59 million. The average price per toothbrush for December 2013 was 21 cents,
IMPORTS/EXPORTSIMPORTS MOSTLY DOWN FOR ALL OF 2013
By Rick Mullen | Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor
PG 36 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014 PG 37
down 1 cent from December 2012. The average price for all of 2013 was23 cents, up 1 cent for all of 2012.
HairbrushesDecember 2013 imports of hairbrushes totaled 4.2 million, up 56
percent from the December 2012 total of 2.7 million hairbrushes. Duringall of 2013, 48.3 million hairbrushes were imported, down 12 percentfrom 54.6 million for all of 2012.China shipped 47.5 million hairbrushes to the United States during all
of 2013.The average price per hairbrush was 22 cents during December 2013,
down 27 percent from the average price for December 2012 of 30 cents.For all of 2013, the average price per hairbrush was 26 cents, down 1 centfrom the average price for all of 2012.
Shaving BrushesThe United States imported 5.8 million shaving brushes in December
2013, up 26 percent from 4.6 million imported in December 2012.During all of 2013, 57.6 million shaving brushes were imported, down 24percent from 76.1 million imported during all of 2012.China sent 34.6 million shaving brushes to the United States during all
of 2013, while South Korea sent 8.5 million and Germany shipped 7.5million.The average price per shaving brush for December 2013 was 14 cents,
down 13 percent from the average price for December 2012 of 16 cents.The average price for all of 2013 was 16 cents, up 33 percent from 12cents for all of 2012.
Paint RollersThe import total of paint rollers during December 2013 was 3.5
million, down 3 percent from 3.6 million recorded for December 2012.During all of 2013, 51.6 million paint rollers were imported, down 14percent from 60.1 million during all of 2012.China sent 42 million paint rollers to the United States during all of
2013, while Mexico exported 7.2 million.The average price per paint roller for December 2013 was 49 cents, up
1 cent from December 2012. The average price for all of 2013 was 53cents, up 18 percent from the average price recorded for all of 2012 of 45cents.
PaintbrushesU.S. companies imported 13.1 million paintbrushes during December
2013, down 33 percent from 19.5 million paintbrushes imported duringDecember 2012. Paintbrush imports for all of 2013 were 235.2 million,down 3 percent from 241.3 million recorded for all of 2012.China shipped 170.9 million paintbrushes to the United States during
all of 2013.The average price per paintbrush for December 2013 was 30 cents,
down 14 percent from the average price for December 2012 of 35 cents.The average price for all of 2013 was 27 cents, down 16 percent from 32cents for all of 2012.
EXPORTSExport totals for all of 2013 were down in three categories
outlined: brooms and brushes of vegetable materials, shavingbrushes and paintbrushes compared to all of 2012. In December2013, three categories outlined reported decreases: broom andbrushes of vegetable materials, toothbrushes and paintbrushes,compared to December 2012.
Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable MaterialsThe United States exported 4,899 dozen brooms and brushes of
vegetable materials during December 2013, down 53 percent from the
December 2012 total of 10,481 dozen. Exports of brooms and brushesof vegetable materials during all of 2013 were 85,794 dozen, down 25percent from 114,393 dozen for all of 2012.The United States sent 34,468 dozen brooms and brushes to Canada
during all of 2013, 11,554 dozen to Brazil and 10,047 dozen to theUnited Kingdom. The average price per dozen brooms and brushes was $60.21 in
December 2013, down 2 percent from $61.31 for December 2012. Theaverage price per dozen brooms and brushes for all of 2013 was$43.62, up 7 percent from the average price per dozen for all of 2012of $40.79.
ToothbrushesDuring December 2013, the United States exported 7.1 million
toothbrushes, down 41 percent from the total recorded in December2012 of 12.1 million. During all of 2013, 170.6 million toothbrusheswere exported, up 14 percent from 149.9 million exported during all of2012.The United States exported 67.1 million toothbrushes to Canada
during all of 2013, while sending 26.7 million toothbrushes to Mexicoand 24.2 million to Germany.The average price per toothbrush for December 2013 was 57 cents,
down 10 percent from the average price for December 2012 of 63cents. The average price per toothbrush for all of 2013 was 45 cents,down 8 percent from 49 cents for all of 2012.
Shaving BrushesThe United States exported 1.1 million shaving brushes during
December 2013, up 17 percent from 829,512 shaving brushes exportedfor December 2012. During all of 2013, 16.1 million shaving brusheswere exported, down 28 percent from 22.4 million during all of 2012.Canada imported 6.1 million shaving brushes from the United States
during all of 2013, while Brazil received 4.9 million and Mexicoimported 1.8 million.The average price per shaving brush for December 2013 was $1.34,
up 28 percent from the average price for December 2012 of $1.05. Theaverage price for all of 2013 was $1.01, up 34 percent from 67 centsrecorded for all of 2012.
Artist BrushesDecember 2013 exports of artist brushes totaled 799,946, up 31
percent from the December 2012 total of 549,946 artist brushes.During all of 2013, 9.6 million artist brushes were exported, up 4percent from 9.2 million for all of 2012.Canada received 6.5 million artist brushes from the United States
during all of 2013, while Mexico imported 515,776.The average price per artist brush was $2.08 during December 2013,
down 26 percent from the average price for December 2012 of $2.80.For all of 2013, the average price per artist brush was $2.50, down 13percent from the average price for all of 2012 of $2.86.
PaintbrushesThe export total of paintbrushes during December 2013 was
85,988, down 15 percent from 101,603 for December 2012. Duringall of 2013, 1.3 million paintbrushes were exported, down 24 percentfrom 1.7 million during all of 2012.Canada imported 538,150 paintbrushes from the United States
during all of 2013, while The Netherlands received 156,011.The average price per paintbrush for December 2013 was $15.28,
down 8 percent from $16.68 for December 2012. The average pricefor all of 2013 was $17.26, up 26 percent from $13.69 recorded forall of 2012.
PG 38 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
Domestic Merchandise1404902000 Broomcorn (Sorghum Vulgare Var. Technicum)Used Primarily In Brooms Or In Brushes, Whether or Not
In Hanks or BundlesDecember Year To Date
Country Net Q/Ton Value Net Q/Ton ValueColomb 18 34,000Brazil 1 3,583Paragua 2 9,000U King 1 4,844France 6 23,328 54 209,952TOTAL 6 23,328 76 261,379
9603100000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or OtherVegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles
December Year To DateCountry Net Q/Dozen Value Net Q/Dozen ValueCanada 2,946 119,157 34,468 1,587,675Mexico 32 2,665 1,065 34,551Guatmal 22 4,087C Rica 184 3,917 1,974 55,125Panama 42 2,640 2,911 103,106Bermuda 344 16,288Bahamas 70 5,037 1,113 199,754Jamaica 257 7,085Cayman 88 2,892Haiti 290 4,516
for Broom or Brush Making, NESOIDecember Year To Date
Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 194,699 2,603,040 2,500,784 30,174,464Mexico 52,426 588,193 710,517 9,148,806Guatmal 719 13,313 2,968 51,676
0502100000 Pigs’, Hogs’ or Boars’ Bristlesand Hair and Waste Thereof
December Year To DateCountry Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG ValueGermany 350 15,015Thailnd 273 16,870China 36,429 375,826 294,478 4,149,853TOTAL 36,429 375,826 295,101 4,181,738
0502900000 Badger Hair and OtherBrushmaking Hair and Waste Thereof
December Year To DateCountry Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG ValueU King 4 11,668Germany 59 134,683Thailnd 2,920 137,683China 7,765 366,049 43,792 1,213,724Japan 2 7,747 2 7,747TOTAL 7,767 373,796 46,777 1,505,505
0511993300 Horsehair and Horsehair Waste, Whether or NotPut Up As A Layer With or Without Supporting Material
December Year To DateCountry Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG ValuePeru 591 16,941Paragua 12,150 155,959 32,660 409,241Belgium 7,299 66,720Germany 17,457 207,807Italy 1,769 11,685China 4,328 71,398 252,851 2,981,359Austral 2 2,210N Zeal 43 10,123TOTAL 16,478 227,357 312,672 3,706,086
1404903000 Istle Used Primarily In Brooms or In Brushes,Whether or Not In Hanks or Bundles
December Year To DateCountry Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG ValueMexico 19,468 103,128 304,841 1,535,821TOTAL 19,468 103,128 304,841 1,535,821
4417002000 Broom and Mop Handles, 1.9 CM or More InDiameter and 97 CM or More In Length, Of Wood
December Year To DateCountry Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 1,130 8,447Mexico 2,208 3,797 153,334 132,393Hondura 253,720 139,355 3,938,934 1,898,156Dom Rep 9,360 12,189Colomb 142,010 66,644Brazil 627,603 699,491 6,317,431 7,342,656U King 12,800 12,807Belgium 900 9,919Indnsia 73,590 87,659 2,164,824 2,105,050China 179,752 197,830 2,638,175 1,873,750Taiwan 5,688 6,525TOTAL 1,136,873 1,128,132 15,384,586 13,468,536
4417004000 Paint Brush and Paint Roller Handles, Of WoodDecember Year To Date
Country Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable ValueMexico 4,572U King 5,622Germany 34,171Czech 122,491Poland 17,042 17,042Italy 527,249 6,855,304Thailnd 25,116 217,393Indnsia 95,552 1,423,914China 149,603 3,044,684Taiwan 2,595 19,827TOTAL 817,157 11,745,020
4417006000 Brush Backs, Of WoodDecember Year To Date
Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 172,972 64,275 3,010,379 1,244,500Germany 48,909 13,525Sri Lka 153,321 78,069 2,511,189 1,368,480China 156,228 47,722 245,748 80,141TOTAL 482,521 190,066 5,816,225 2,706,646
4417008010 Tool Handles of WoodDecember Year To Date
Country Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable ValueCanada 17,264 116,876Mexico 56,168 762,250Salvadr 7,003Hondura 39,550Colomb 7,754Brazil 463,994 5,511,636U King 6,182Nethlds 3,757Germany 2,181Switzld 3,073Spain 99,046Italy 79,247 185,568Sri Lka 3,475Thailnd 2,478Vietnam 42,478 521,251Indnsia 212,188China 42,091 719,457Taiwan 34,903 453,064TOTAL 736,145 8,656,789
4417008090 Tools, Tool Bodies, Broom or Brush Bodies,Shoe Lasts and Trees, of Wood
December Year To DateCountry Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable ValueCanada 82,061 1,051,178Mexico 127,826Colomb 4,530Chile 444,724 7,372,660Brazil 167,894 171,147Sweden 2,161U King 7,406 200,143Nethlds 5,562France 14,891 117,064Germany 16,513 85,491Austria 2,357
Located in Plattsburgh, NY, Brushtech, Inc., provides suchitems as barbecue, bath, car washing and wire brushes;kitchen tools and various accessories. Shown are NoraGunjian, president; and Zaven Gunjian, vice president ofsales.
Various cleaning-related items provided by Eagle HomeProducts, Inc., include bath and scrub brushes; brooms;scouring pads and sponges. The company is located inHuntington, NY. Shown is Setko Seter, vice president ofoperations.
The Fuller Brush CompanyPhoto Tour Of Industry Suppliers Exhibiting At TheInternational Home & Housewares Show
Many leading companies involved in theworld’s home and housewares marketplaceonce again met at Chicago’s McCormickPlace for the International Home &Housewares Show. The 2014 edition washeld March 15 -18. This year’s showincluded many exhibitors of broom, brush,mop, squeegee and related cleaningproducts, including those companies featured in the following gallery.
The Fuller Brush Company, of Great Bend, KS, providessuch cleaning-related products as brushes, mops, broomsand sponges. Shown is Caitlin Keller, vice president ofproduct development & marketing.
Brushtech Eagle Home Products
PG 46 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
2014 International Home & Housewares Show
The LibmanCompany, ofArcola, IL,provides avariety ofhousewaresincluding dust,sponge andwet mops;brooms;brushes; andbuckets.
The Libman Company
Ettore ProductsL C Industries
Wool Shop
Providing a wide variety of housewares is L C Industries, ofDurham, NC. Products include brooms, dust pans, spongesand wet mops. Shown are Laura Fahner, sales accountmanager; and Chuck Vinoverski, vice president of sales.
Offering a variety of cleaning items including squeegees,scrubbers, dusters, car washing brushes, buckets andmicrofiber products is Ettore Products Company, located inAlameda, CA.
BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014 PG 47
The Wool Shop, of Grant City, MO, offers various types oflambswool cleaning products such as dusters and floormops. Shown, left to right, are company representativesMitch Andrews and Allen Andrews.
2014 International Home & Housewares Show
Freudenberg Household Pds.
Lola Products Howard Berger Company
AquaStar, Inc.
PG 48 BBM MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2014
Freudenberg Household Products LP, of Aurora, IL, featuresthe O-Cedar® brand. Items include brooms, mops, brushesand scrubber sponges.
AquaStar, Inc., of Los Angeles, CA, provides many cleaningitems to the housewares industry including its Starfiber®brand of microfiber products. Shown, left to right, arecompany representatives Adam Byrne, Fiona Yang andThomas Yuan.
Howard Berger Co., Inc., of Cranbury, NJ, features suchhousewares as brooms and mops. Shown is companyrepresentative Diane Dunne.
Among the housewares provided by Lola Products, ofHackensack, NJ, are brooms, brushes, mops, scrubbers,sponges, scourers and cloths. Shown, left to right, arecompany representative Di Qiao, Nicole Kulhawy, CharlesSpitaletta and Ed Spitaletta.
Offering a variety of products for the cleaning industry isHayco Manufacturing Ltd., of Hong Kong. Items includebrooms, mops, brushes, squeegees, carpet and floorsweepers.
Among the various cleaning aids from Butler HomeProducts, LLC, are brooms; kitchen/vegetable and scrubbrushes; scrubber sponges; disposable cleaning supplies;mops; and lint rollers. The company is located inMarlborough, MA.
Ralph Jones Ben ZelazoskiRawMaterial Roundup
By Harrell Kerkhoff | Broom, Brush & Mop Editor
Raw materials serve as underlying components when producingmops, brushes, brooms and other cleaning items. A healthyand economical supply of raw materials is necessary for
manufacturing growth. Two industry suppliers recently discusseddifferent issues taking place on the raw material front. Jones Companies, Ltd., of Humboldt, TN, supplies a large variety
of yarns specifically engineered to meet the performance requirementsof the floor care industry. According to Jones CompaniesPresident/CEO Ralph Jones, primary raw materials the companyuses for yarn production are byproducts that come from the textileindustry. “They arrive from a variety of places within the supply stream such
as cotton gins, textile mills and processors that deconstruct pieces ofwoven and knitted fabrics into fibers known as ‘shoddies,’” Jones said.“We also use synthetic raw materials, whether virgin or from recycledpop bottles. “Almost all of the products that we produce domestically come
from the recycling process.”Along with different yarn varieties that the company produces
domestically, Jones Companies also supplies the mop industry withsuch items as mop tape, headband mesh and sewing thread. It providesas well such allied products as floor pads, microfiber mops andmicrofiber towels.“These are items our customers may not need in large enough
volumes to buy directly from an overseas manufacturer. They buy theitems from us due to the convenience factor,” Jones said. Jones Companies also has a partnership in place with a foreign
producer to provide lower-end economy products such as yarn.“By utilizing our imported yarns, in conjunction with the yarns we
produce domestically, it helps our company hedge against raw materialcosts that can fluctuate in (the United States) and other parts of theworld,” Jones said. “This also helps us provide multiple products tosatisfy the needs of our customers depending on the area of themarketplace they are serving. This includes foodservice, health care,commercial, jan/san and retail.” Jones reported that there are occasional shortages taking place with
some raw materials his company works with, while other items arefairly plentiful at the moment. “There are byproducts that go into the production of synthetic
mops that are very popular right now, such as rayon. This cancause pressure on supply,” Jones said. “On the plus side, the cottonbyproduct material we receive from U.S. textile mills is fairlyplentiful. This is because the U.S. textile industry is doing wellright now. There are more textile mill byproducts available todaythan we have probably seen in the past five years.”Jones added that the textile industry in China has been slow as of
late. This means competition for raw materials with many Chinesecompanies is not as great.“There is less pressure right now on domestic U.S. byproducts,
helping improve supply,” Jones said. When asked about overall business at his company, Jones was
pleased with first quarter volume. He attributed some of this growth tothe long, harsh winter experienced in many parts of the Midwest,Northeast and even the South. “Messy winters bode well for the sale and use of mops. Big box
retailers have strongly been moving such products in these regions.Meanwhile, on the West Coast, where many areas are going through adrought, business seems to be softer,” Jones said. “I’m probably morebullish this year with our business on the broom, brush and mop sidethan I have been in a while.”Reporting on the supply of wood for U.S. brush and broom block
production was Zelazoski Wood Products Secretary Ben Zelazoski.The company, located in Antigo, WI, supplies wooden blocks to thebroom and brush industry as well as other items to different businesssegments.“We work with just about any type of hardwood and softwood.
Maple and beech are used a lot for the broom and brush industry,”Zelazoski said. “We try to stay with domestic wood as much as we can,but we also supply imported wood if that is what the customerrequests.”He explained that maple and beech are closed-grain hardwoods. This
characteristic helps the wood better hold staples in place whenproducing such products as brushes. It also doesn’t allow the memoryof the wire to expand the bristle once it is set in the hole. Antigo is located in northern Wisconsin and the center of the area’s
lumbering district. Zelazoski reported that the Great Recession hit thearea’s lumber industry hard and it’s still trying to rebound. “Some of the small saw mills in our area closed down several years
ago due to the recession. They just didn’t have enough work to keepthem going. There were loggers who also stopped and foundsomething else to do. Now that business has picked up and there ismore demand for lumber, this is putting extra pressure on theexisting saw mills and loggers,” Zelazoski said. “This year’s cold andexcessive snowy winter also hurt local logging operations. “It’s good that business is speeding up, but the supply and demand
of wood is a key factor. We (as a company) are trying to be as forwardthinking as possible pertaining to the current domestic woodsituation.”It’s Zelazoski’s hope that more of the area’s loggers will return to the
northern Wisconsin forests. “The problem is, some of them have found out that there are easier
ways to make a living. In many other jobs they don’t have to battle thefreezing cold and snow in the winter, and the bugs and humidity in thesummer,” he said. Despite current challenges, Zelazoski sees improving conditions
taking place when it comes to overall business at his company. “We have been working some overtime this year. I’m happy with the
way the year is going thus far, and we hope lumber prices won’t nixthings,” he said. “The price of maple is increasing and othermaterials are also nudging up. The price of beech is still prettystable, but our concern is that its price could increase if there is toomuch pressure placed on other woods.”