Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine - March/April 2022 by Rankin Publishing

March/April 2022

Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine

SERVING THE INDUSTRY SINCE 1912

105th ABMA CONVENTION COVERAGE In-Person Format Returns Events Included Speakers,Receptions & Face 2 Face

2022 ABMA Face 2 Face Photo Gallery

Imports/Exports 2021 Year End Report

Food Service Brushes And Related Products ACS Cleaning Products Remco Products

The Inspired Home Show

ABMA Annual Convention

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Broom, Brush & Mop A RANKIN PUBLISHING PUBLICATION

March/April 2022

Volume 112, Number 2

Magazine

Features

Calendar Of Events

In-Person Format Returns At 105th ABMA Annual Convention __________6

SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2022 European Brushware Federation (FEIBP) Congress Hotel Grandlor • Prague, Czech Republic www.eurobrush.com

Emerging Leaders Help ABMA Members Share Workplace Concerns And Solutions During Annual Convention _________________18 Food Service Brushes And Related Items Require Many Unique Product Designs And Applications _________________________27 Exhibitors Of The Inspired Home Show Return To Live Event With New Products, Optimistic Outlook________________________33 105th Annual ABMA Convention 2022 Face 2 Face Photo Gallery___________ 38 Industry News _______________________40, 46

Imports/Exports

(Dates Subject To Change)

OCTOBER 10-13, 2022 ISSA Show North America McCormick Place • Chicago, IL 844-383-6809 MARCH 4-7, 2023 The Inspired Home Show McCormick Place • Chicago, IL 847-292-4200 MARCH 22-25, 2023 ABMA 106th Annual Convention Hotel del Coronado • Coronado, CA Information: 419-878-2787

2021 Year End Report ____________________42

Staff

PUBLISHER Linda Rankin rankinljane@gmail.com

EDITOR Harrell Kerkhoff rankinmag@consolidated.net

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rick Mullen rankinmag@consolidated.net GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Kris Bott David Opdyke OFFICE MANAGER Carrie King

APRIL 24-26, 2024 InterBrush 2024 Messe Freiburg • Freiburg, Germany www.interbrush.com

Rankin Publishing, Inc. 204 E. Main St., P.O. Box 130 • Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA Phone: (217) 268-4959 • Website: www.rankinpublishing.com Email: rankinljane@gmail.com • rankinmag@consolidated.net

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ABMA ...............................................................................47 ACS Cleaning Products Group .............................................29 American Select Tubing........................................................3 Borghi Spa ............................................................Back Cover Borghi USA .......................................................................28 Brush Fibers........................................................................5 Distribuidora Perfect, S.A. ..................................................32 DKSH Switzerland Ltd........................................................11 DuPont Filaments ................................................................9 Filkemp ............................................................................15 Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. Inc. ................................................19 H. Arnold Wood Turning, Inc...................................Front Cover

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Monahan Partners ..............................................................24 PelRay International.............................................................2 Perlon.................................................................................7 PMM ................................................................................26 Roth .................................................................................25 Royal Paint Roller ..............................................................30 Shanghai Jiasheng Products Co., Ltd. ..................................31 SIBO Engineering ..............................................................13 St. Nick Brush Co. .............................................................16 Stainless Steel Products .....................................................17 WOMA ............................................................20, 21, 22, 23

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

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In Person Format Returns At

105th 105 th ABMA ANNUAL CONVENTION By Harrell Kerkhoff | Broom, Brush & Mop Editor

articipants of the 105th American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) Annual Convention celebrated the act of getting together again in person — as an association and as an industry — after last year’s convention went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ABMA members and guests met March 2-4, at The Hyatt Coconut Point Resort and Spa, in Bonita Springs, FL. “It’s truly a pleasure to be delivering this morning’s opening remarks in person,” ABMA President Greg Miller, of The Mill-Rose Co., Mentor, OH, said during the General Session/President’s Welcome. “It feels really good to be standing in front of my peers and industry friends. We can all agree the last couple of years have not been normal, whatever normal might be. Although we are not entirely out of the woods just yet with the pandemic, I feel we owe ourselves a standing ovation for the fact that we are all here together, in person.” The annual convention attracted 173 attendees and included 25 supplier companies that took part in the “Face 2 Face” program, according to ABMA. Celebrated during the General Session were various new ABMA programs, new members and the association’s new executive director, Donna Frendt. She took over the position at the beginning of the year

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from the retiring David Parr, after his 20 years at the helm. “The ABMA board hired Donna after a six month process to find our next executive director. She has hit the ground running since starting in January,” Miller said. “David has helped during the transition process.” During the General Greg Miller Session, Parr received a standing ovation for his years of dedication and service to ABMA, its members and the entire industry. “David started as executive director in 2002 and through the years, among his many other duties, oversaw our conventions in such places as Florida, Arizona, Texas, California, Hawaii and The Bahamas. He has also served under 11 ABMA presidents,” Miller said. “We sincerely appreciate and thank David for all of his hard work and dedication.” BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

On behalf of ABMA, Miller presented Parr with custom webinars and complementary networking events. Adirondack chairs to be used on Parr’s back deck in “In my career, I have been involved in other young Colorado, as well as a plaque of appreciation. ABMA executive associations and that experience still benefits members at the annual convention were invited to sign their me today. I strongly suggest participation in this program names on the chairs and provide words of gratitude. among our membership,” Miller said. Also presented with a plaque of The ABMA Educational Institute appreciation during the General Session Webinars are designed to provide timely were Kathy Swanson and Marty and important industry education to the Swanson, who have assisted Parr with the membership. Visit ABMA.org for more ABMA annual conventions. information. Miller also recognized current ABMA In other General Session business, Past President Scott Enchelmaier, of Miller announced that the Kathy K. Parr The Industrial Brush Company, Fairfield, ABMA Foundation Scholarship has NJ, for his service as ABMA president been awarded, in the amount of $2,500, to during much of the COVID-19 pandemic. Connor Tiegs, a sophomore at the “During his tenure, Scott took on all of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He responsibilities that come with being an is studying business administration and ABMA president, while receiving very few finance, and will use the money to defray perks. That included not being able to attend tuition expenses. in person a wide variety of industry The ABMA Foundation is the charitable Scott Enchelmaier conventions, since they were either canceled arm of the association, and serves as a or took place virtually,” Miller said. “I would like to personally catalyst for uniting people and organizations to make a thank Scott for his service as ABMA president during that trying difference through better education and opportunity. The time. We owe him a long, overdue applause.” ABMA Foundation secures contributions and provides grants Two new ABMA programs were also recognized by for sustainable programs in research and education, and assists Miller during the General Session: The ABMA Emerging industry associates and their families in need. Visit Leaders and the ABMA Educational Institute Webinars. www.abma.org/foundation for more information. He noted ABMA Emerging Leaders is a peer networking Several ABMA committee reports were also presented and leadership group with the aim to connect young industry during the General Session. They were: n ABMA Membership Committee Chair Bruce professionals to further develop their interests, expertise and leadership in the industry. The group is open to anyone 45 Massey, of InterWire Products, Bristol, CT, discussed the years old or younger who is also actively engaged within the importance of associations finding new members. In broom, brush, roller, mop and/or paint applicator industries, ABMA’s case, that includes second-tier suppliers. “The mission of the ABMA Membership Committee is and whose organization is an ABMA member. The group offers professional development workshops, seminars, to encourage eligible companies to join ABMA while also

105th ABMA Convention attracts 173 attendees.

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BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

YOUR BRUSH DESERVES THE BEST FILAMENTS

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COMMITTEE REPORTS SPEAKERS

R.J. Lindstrom

Chris Monahan

Tim Hack

Bruce Massey

Chip Preston

Brian Keiser

overseeing member retention efforts. Membership is the key to any strong association. We rely on our members to help bring in new ones. The most successful recruitment of new members is through word of mouth, by simply taking time to tell people about ABMA,” Massy said. “I encourage our members to talk with their customers and suppliers about membership. Tell them about our convention and the tremendous opportunities they will experience when it comes to networking and creating relationships with leaders in our industry. Our association is only as good as its membership.” n ABMA Statistical Committee Chair Chip Preston, of Spiral Brushes, Stow, OH, discussed various surveys that have been made available to ABMA membership. “For example, over the past few years we have conducted a COVID-response survey, which has provided information on how industry members have adapted to the challenges of operating through the pandemic,” Preston said. “ABMA has also produced an Economic Indicator Survey for our membership, with such efforts to continue. “There is also the monthly Industrial Maintenance Division Survey, where a group of approximately 10 ABMA members contribute on a monthly basis. Finally, our statistical committee has been involved with a survey conducted last May, asking members to provide topics for future surveys.” Responses have included such topics as sales volume, market size, labor challenges and retention, technology trends and cyber security. PG 10

n ABMA Safety & Standards Committee Co-Chair Brian Keiser, of Osborn International, Richmond, IN, discussed a number of topics, including the ABMA’s safety slip program. The icon-driven safety slips are designed to help people properly use and care for power-driven brushes. They include a manufacturer’s mark for identification purposes. Keiser reported the cost of printing the slips has increased, and that the committee continues to negotiate for better pricing. He added the committee has also given approval for a task force to be formed to look into future QR Code use for the benefit of membership. Other action from the committee involved ANSI (American National Standards Institute) 2022 reaccreditation of the B165.1 standard for power brushes. The committee is also investigating the possibility of converting the B165.1 standard from ANSI to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). n ABMA Convention Committee Chair Chris Monahan, of Brush Fibers, Arcola, IL, noted the 2023 ABMA Annual Convention will take place March 22-25, 2023, at Hotel Del Coronado, near San Diego, CA. Members of the Convention Committee also monitored evaluation surveys from the 2021 ABMA Annual Convention, which was held virtually, due to the pandemic. Survey results showed the majority of respondents favored in-person conventions to those conducted virtually.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

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n ABMA Public Relations Committee Chair Tim Hack, of Epic Resins, Palmyra, WI, reported on minor changes with the ABMA website and the association’s social media presence. ABMA members have also been invited to submit a head-shot photo of themselves for use on the website. n ABMA Finance Committee Chair R.J. Lindstrom, of Sedalia, MO, gave a favorable report on the financial condition of the association.

for further reduction of greenhouse gases as well as eventual carbon neutrality.

“The challenges facing our industry are not likely to get any easier in the next few years. Therefore, our associations should continue to work together in support of our members,” McIlroy said. “How

business is conducted has changed over the past couple of years, but the best way to collaborate remains doing so in person. The time and money invested in conducting inGUESTS DISCUSS INDUSTRY person events, such as through ABMA and FEIBP, benefits TRENDS, FUTURE CONVENTIONS us all. We have many things in common, and our goal should be to strive for a greater worldwide brush industry.” wo European brush trade guests and three Daniel Strowitzki, representing Messe Freiburg/Interrepresentatives of new ABMA member companies brush, also spoke to ABMA members during the General also made presentations during the General Session. Session, discussing the Interbrush trade fair. FEIBP/European Brushware Federation President Traditionally held every four years in Freiburg, Germany, Andrew McIlroy, of Perlon-Group/Hahl Inc., Germany, Interbrush showcases to a global audience machinery, noted that after virtual conventions due to the pandemic, the materials and accessory equipment designed for the brush, 2022 FEIBP Congress is scheduled for September 21-24, in broom, paint roller and mop industries. Last held in 2016, Prague, Czech Republic. Final confirmation of this event is and originally scheduled for 2020, the event has been expected by early April. postponed twice due to the pandemic. “We invite all ABMA members to attend. It would be Strowitzki stated he will keep ABMA members informed as great to see as many of our American friends as possible,” to any new developments, including location, regarding the next McIlroy said. Interbrush, which as of March, is scheduled Reporting on the current state of the for April 24-26, 2024, in Freiburg. European brush trade as of mid-March Both Strowitzki and McIlroy also 2022, McIlroy said that despite strong thanked Parr for his many years of support demand for brush products, raw to the international brush industry. They material shortages and price increases added that as executive director, Parr continue to be a challenge. It’s also always made them feel very welcomed unknown how the war in Ukraine will while attending ABMA events. influence business in the near and longNew ABMA active (manufacturer) term future. and affiliate (supplier) member com“Businesswise, the majority of (FEIBPpanies were also recognized at the member) brush manufacturers and Andrew McIlroy General Session. Representatives who suppliers can look back on a good, but very were in attendance spoke about their challenging, 2021. Strong demand for individual companies. They were: products, following the 2020 COVID n Aaron Leibowitz, of Norshel wave, continued throughout 2021,” Industries, Croydon, PA. The comMcIlroy said. “Normally, there would pany, which has been in business for 52 never be complaints about business years, is a manufacturer of wet mops and recovering, but as a direct result from mop handles. It is also a wholesaler and spikes in product demand — coupled with importer of cleaning supplies. Leibowitz labor and shipping issues — there have said the company recently purchased the been severe shortages on more-or-less assets of Culicover and Shapiro, a everything, as well as skyrocketing prices.” longtime manufacturer in the brush and He added such challenges will Daniel Strowitzki broom industries. Richard Shapiro, a continue in at least the near term, as well third generation owner of Culicover and Shapiro, has joined as greater demand in Europe for products that are Norshel Industries and was also in attendance; considered friendlier to the environment. n Joe Menner, of Ascend Performance Materials, “After temporarily being put on the back burner due to the pandemic, targets to reduce climate change are very much Houston, TX, explained the company is involved in resins and other products, and can help its customers with new back on the agenda,” McIlroy said. The European Union, he explained, has set a clear target product innovations; and,

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ABMA NEW MEMBERS

Aaron Leibowitz

Joe Menner

Alberto Voltolina, MGG North America Inc. The company designs and produces standard and tailor-made equipment, in addition to fully automated lines, for the production of structural paintbrushes for various professional and DIY applications. It recently opened a facility in Charlotte, NC. Individual first-time ABMA Annual Convention attendees for 2022 were also introduced at the General Session. They were: Jamie Haseltine and Joe Menner, of Ascend Performance Materials, Houston, TX; Rachel Ciullo, of Composite Cutter Technology, Volo, IL; Eric Smedsrud, of Deco Products, Decorah, IA; Ben Zoufan, of DuPont Filaments, Washington, WV; Kim Johnstun, of Easy Reach Supply LLC, Hattiesburg, MS; Steven Blume, of Epic Resins, Inc., Palmyra, WI; Robert Pecora, of Erie Brush & Manufacturing Corp., Chicago, IL; Gary Enchelmaier, of Industrial Brush Company, Inc., Fairfield, NJ; Gerald Smolenski, of Jewel Wire, Pomfret, CT; John DeJoy, Kent Wittenauer and Stacy n

Alberto Voltolina

Zumwalt, of Masco Applicators LLC, Largo, FL; Loris Maestrutti, Gianfranco Marcon, Veronica Marcon and Alberto Voltolina, of MGG North America Inc., Charlotte, NC; Jeff Kober, of Monterey Mills, Janesville, WI; Marc Doyon, of Multi Brosses, St. Jules, QU, Canada; Aaron Leibowitz and Rich Shapiro, of Norshel Industries, Croydon, PA; Brian Cassady and Olaf Ruter, of Osborn International, Richmond, IN; Allen Lee and Gonzalo Martinez, of Schaefer Brush Manufacturing LLC, Waukesha, WI; Paolo Malavasi, of Unimac s.r.l., Castelfranco Emilia, MO, Italy; Donna Frendt, Samantha Kennedy and Taylor Kervin, of ABMA; and Stephen Hall, Peter Hall and Zoe Hall, of Airstream Communications Ltd/Brushwork, Polegate, United Kingdom. Recognized as well during this year’s General Session were members of the 2021-2023 ABMA board of directors: They are: President — Gregory C. Miller, of The Mill Rose Co., Mentor, OH; Vice President — Chris Monahan,

Suppliers Face 2 Face 2022

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BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

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of Brush Fibers Inc., Arcola, IL; Treasurer — R.J. Lindstrom, of Zephyr Mfg., Sedalia, MO; and Past President — Scott Enchelmaier, of The Industrial Brush Co., Fairfield, NJ. Other board members are: Charles Coward, of Hill Brush, Mere, United Kingdom; Mark Eichelberger, of Sherwin Williams, Cleveland, OH; Tim Hack, of Epic Resins, Palmyra, WI; Terrence P. Hogan, of Perlon Hahl Inc., Lexington, SC; Brian Keiser, of Osborn International, Richmond, IN; Todd Leventhal, of Nexstep Commercial Products, Springfield, OH; Ed Lowder, of Monterey Mills, Janesville, WI; Dustin Maninfior, of AST Filaments/American Select Tubing, Mattoon, IL; Bruce Massey, of InterWire Group, Bristol, CT; and, Ernest (Chip) Preston, of Spiral Brushes, Inc., Stow, OH. Past ABMA presidents in attendance were also recognized, along with the years they served in that office for the association: Terry Malish, The Malish Corporation, 1981-1983; John Lindstrom, Zephyr Mfg., Co., 19971999; Bruce Gale, Michigan Brush, 2003-2005; Ken Rakusin, Gordon Brush, 2005-2007; Ian Moss, Brush Fibers, 2011-2013; Jeff Malish, The Malish Corporation, 2013-2015; Carlos Petzold, Borghi USA/Bodam International, 2017-2019; and, Scott Enchelmaier, The Industrial Brush Co., 2019-2021.

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TOPICS COVERED AT DIVISION MEETING

he 2022 ABMA All Division Meeting took place one day prior to the ABMA General Session, highlighting recent activities from the association’s Paint Applicator, Industrial & Maintenance, Broom & Mop, and Suppliers divisions. During the meeting, Chris Monahan stated the following standards remain important to many of the association’s manufacturer members within the divisions. They are: ASTM F2367-04 for brooms; ASTM F2368 for mops; ASTM D01.61 for paint applicators; and ANSI B165.1 for power brushes. Monahan also discussed minor format changes to the “Face 2 Face” program, which took place during the third day of this year’s annual convention. Changes included meeting time periods, between participating suppliers and manufacturers, being extended from 12 to 15 minutes per cycle. The entire program was also extented by 30 minutes. “The Face 2 Face program started several years ago and has been very well received,” Monahan said. “We will continue to make improvements as needed.” See full coverage of the ABMA All-Attendee Educational Institute Round Table Forum that starts on page 18, as well as the ABMA Photo Gallery that starts on page 38.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

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‫׏הד‬ ‫ژ‬ Ʃȏȵ Ȅ‫ژ‬ °ɋ ȵ ƷƷɋ ً ‫ژ‬ °ɓǠ ɋ Ʒ‫ژ‬ ¾ %ƷƷȵ ‫ژ‬ ¥ƌȵ ǵً ‫ژ‬ wä‫ژ‬ ‫׏‬ ‫׏‬ ‫חאו‬

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°ɋ ƌȲǹ Ʒ‫ژ‬ ÞǠ ȵ ƷȽ

ÞƷ‫ژ‬ Ƚ Ʒǹ ǹ ‫ژ‬ ɫ ƌȵ Ǡ ȏɓȽ ‫ژ‬ ǒƌɓǒƷȽ ‫ژ‬ ƌȄư‫ژ‬ ƌǹ ǹ ȏɲ‫ژ‬ ɬǠ ȵ Ʒِ ‫ژ‬ °Ȳȏȏǹ Ƚ ‫ژ‬ Ƚ Ǡ ɼ ƷȽ ƩƌȄ‫ژ‬ ȵ ƌȄǒƷ‫ژ‬ Ǒ ȵ ȏȂ‫ژ‬ ‫׏‬ ‫׎‬ǹ ƨȽ ‫ٮ‬ ‫׏‬ ً ‫ژ׎׎׎‬ ǹ ƨȽ ِ ‫ژ‬ uƌɋ Ʒȵ Ǡ ƌǹ Ƚ ‫ژ‬ Ǡ ȄƩǹ ɓưƷ‫ژ‬ ǒƌǹ ɫ ƌȄǠ ɼ Ʒưً ‫ژ‬ Ƚ ɋ ƌǠ Ȅǹ ƷȽ Ƚ ً ‫ژ‬ ȄǠ ƩǵƷǹ ‫ژ‬ Ƚ Ǡ ǹ ɫ Ʒȵ ً ‫ژ‬ ƌȄư‫ژ‬ Ȃȏȵ Ʒِ

‫׏בה‬ ِ ‫ِבגא‬ ‫׏‬ ‫ژژژ׎׎ד‬Ƚ ƌǹ ƷȽ ‫ۮ‬Ƚ ɋ ƌǠ Ȅǹ ƷȽ Ƚ ɬǠ ȵ ƷȽ ِ ƩȏȂ‫ژ‬ ‫ژژ‬ɬɬɬِ Ƚ ɋ ƌǠ Ȅǹ ƷȽ Ƚ ɬǠ ȵ ƷȽ ِ ƩȏȂ

Emerging Leaders Round Table: ABMA MEMBERS SHARE WORKPLACE CONCERNS AND SOLUTIONS DURING ANNUAL CONVENTION By Harrell Kerkhoff | Broom, Brush & Mop Editor

big advantage to belonging to a trade association is getting the opportunity to learn from others within a specific type of business and/or industry. Capitalizing on the wealth of experience many of its members possess, the American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) hosted an All-Attendee Educational Institute during the recent 105th ABMA Annual Convention. Sponsored and facilitated by members of the new ABMA Emerging Leaders program, this session took place in a “round table” forum. Emerging Leaders is an ABMA peer networking and leadership group, with the aim to connect young industry professionals to further develop their interests, expertise and leadership within the industry. During the two-hour event, several ABMA Emerging Leaders members, seated at designated round tables, discussed specific topics, and welcomed

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Shown, from left, are round table facilitators for the Emerging Leaders program: Rachel Ciullo, Tom Cottam, Miguel Medrano, Gary Enchelmaier and Kevin White.

interaction among participants. Attendees were able to rotate between tables every 15 minutes, in an open format. Topics and the Emerging Leaders who led each discussion were: n Understanding Generations In Your Organization — And What Are You Doing To Get Them To Work Together?

Facilitator: Rachel Ciullo, of Composite Cutter Technology, Volo, IL; n Automation And Technology In Workplace 2.0. Facilitator: Kevin White, of Industrial Brush Company, Fairfield, NJ; n Managing Communication Mediums Throughout The Organization. Facilitator: Miguel Medrano, of Borghi USA, Aberdeen, MD; n Benefits, Perks And Other Changes To Recruiting And Retention Strategies. Facilitator: Gary Enchelmaier, of Industrial Brush Co., Fairfield, NJ; n What Are You Looking For In A New Employer? What are You Looking For In A New Employee? Why Do We Stay? Facilitator: Tom Cottam, of Industrial Brush Corporation, St George, UT. BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

UNDERSTANDING GENERATIONS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION

orkforces today often include employees of different generations. The question is, what can company leaders do to help people of different age groups and experiences better work together? Introducing the topic for discussion was Rachel Ciullo, of Composite Cutter Technology, in Volo, IL. Ciullo provided a chart detailing the last five generations: Traditionalists, born 1925 to 1945; Baby Boomers, born 1946 to 1964; Generation X, born 1965 to 1980; Millennials, born 1981 to 1996; Generation Z, born 1997 to 2009; and Generation Alpha, born 2010 to 2024. “The idea of this discussion is to better understand the intention and motivation behind different generations, and what we do, as companies, to get everyone to work together. There are obviously hurdles and benefits to having people of different ages working together,” Ciullo said. “For example, generally speaking, traditionalists grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. That influenced their strong work ethic and not wanting to waste time. Members of younger generations, however, have grown up with more information at their fingertips, often changing how they like to communicate. Their values may also be different.

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Rachel Ciullo

“It’s good to understand why people do things differently, because different is not bad. Different is just different. If companies can combine different techniques (from various generations), it can lead to a stronger workforce.” There was much discussion among participants at Ciullo’s table. Many said there were at least two generations represented at their specific companies. A major problem right now is attracting younger people to replace members of older generations who are retiring. Several added the many younger people don’t want to work in a factory setting, as they often view the work as repetitive and dirty. It doesn’t help that

younger people have grown up with modern technology such as smartphones, often shortening their attention spans. Another person said many of today’s potential hires seem more interested in how much paid time off a job provides, rather than benefits such as a 401K. The desire for good retirement and health care benefits often increase as employees start to age and have families. Ciullo added that members of younger generations often seek additional experiences from work and want to continue their education. Therefore, one benefit that may be of value to them is tuition reimbursement from an employer. When it comes to finding new hires during an ever-challenging job market,

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

another person at the table suggested looking for people from non-traditional backgrounds. As a brush maker, the person said he found success hiring an employee who had been selling men’s suits, while another successful hire came from a person who dropped out of veterinary school. “They started career paths down other roads, and now are brush makers,” he said. Another round table participant expressed disappointment when trying to find new hires from a local community college. He said many of those students are wanting to further their education for the positions they already hold, and are not looking for something different, such as making brushes. Yet another person said he knew of a company that found success hiring former inmates of a local county jail. “Many people from younger generations like to work for startups. They seek a team-oriented, fast-paced environment,” one person at the table said. “That tends to be more appealing to younger people. If companies can show them a path forward and get them to buy-in to company goals, younger people will be more likely to do any type of work for their employers, and do it well.” Ciullo agreed, adding that many younger employees want to feel like they are “making a difference.” “Generally speaking, traditionalists and baby boomers grew up doing what they were told. Children back then were supposed to be seen and not

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

heard. Younger generations are different. They started to question things,” she said. “I feel it helps if members of the older generation can share their experiences with those younger people who want to make a difference at work, allowing them to feel important and have a purpose.”

AUTOMATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN WORKPLACE 2.0.

echnology, and the increased automation capabilities that it brings, are a major topic for many industries, including brush making. How companies can take advantage of today’s technology, while not being over whelmed, was the topic presented by

Kevin White, of Industrial Brush Company, in Fairfield, NJ. “One of my main questions for this discussion is, what types of technology are you seeking, and how does new technology interplay between the different generations of employees within your organization?” White asked. He added there is a growing importance in business related to “the fourth industrial revolution,” which is a term for the use of artificial intelligence and advanced robotics. “That relates to the need for big data, and the use of more sensors in machinery that provides such data,” White said. When in comes to machinery, improved data can provide information related to predictive maintenance, in an

Kevin White

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effort to prevent breakdowns and work stoppages, according to a discussion participant. However, that technology may only be as good as a company’s internet connection. Also, the more intelligent machinery becomes, the more intelligent and/or trained operators and service crews must become to keep up. On the up side, White said technology that allows for the accumulation of data can help companies build a larger profile of information for future use. The end result can lead artificial intelligence, to some degree, make greater decisions when it comes to producing certain products. Another point was using modern technology to attract a younger generation of workers, those who like the challenge of working with more automated systems. There is also the theory that modern technology may eventually replace the need for workers, a sentiment disputed by several of those participating in White’s discussion. One person said many manufacturers are finding there is a need to hire more people, not fewer, as they automate. The belief that modern technology takes away a large number of jobs may very well be a fallacy.

“I would suggest company leaders help employees become more comfortable with the use of modern technology, rather than looking at how technology can take jobs away,” one person said.

In that light, many participants in the group praised the benefits of using 3D

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printers, such as in making product prototypes. That can save employees time and improve their efficiency, while they work on current and/or new projects. As one participant said: “Our engineers are using 3D printing all the time. Technology will continue to advance and grow in importance.”

MANAGING COMMUNICATION MEDIUMS THROUGHOUT THE ORGANIZATION

n a relatively short time in history, businesses have gone from sending letters and making phone calls on landlines to relying on email, phone texts and a myriad of social networking platforms. Since the COVID pandemic, the use of virtual meetings has also greatly increased. Today, there seem to be no limits to the options available, when it comes to communication. Some, however, are questioning if there now are too many options to communicate at work. Addressing the subject was Miguel Medrano, of Borghi USA, in Aberdeen, MD. He noted a huge improvement came after landline telephones evolved into smartphones. This has been both good and bad, according to several participants of the discussion. The good is that people now use smartphones to communicate in a variety of ways, while the bad is that everybody seems to be looking at their phones and nothing else. In response to the latter, several

participants in Medrano’s group said they have required employees, who work on the shop floor, leave their phones in lockers. That is done, to not only improve production, but is a safety issue, especially when operating machinery or driving a forklift. One form of communication that received high praise was video conferencing/virtual meetings. A round table participant explained: “One of the greatest things to have happened, as a result of the pandemic, is being able to visually communicate with cus tomers without actually having to visit their businesses. That especially helps when a customer has a machine down and is looking for solutions. That customer can simply use his/her smartphone, and through a video conference call, show us what is wrong with that machine. In that scenario, we can do in 10 minutes what might have taken a special trip, costing a lot of money. Such tools are here to stay, and those who use them well are going to be successful.” Another person said virtual technology has also improved promptness. He explained, “If you have a 2 p.m. virtual meeting, guess what, you are there at 2 p.m. I love that.” Another popular form of communication today is text messaging. That includes sending text blasts to employee mobile phones, unless they opt out. TV monitors at work are also often used for messaging purposes. Also discussed were technology tools such as WhatsApp. It’s an

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

instant messaging and voice-over service that allows users to send text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents and other content. “With WhatsApp, a customer can send us a photo, message and/or video of a machinery part he/she needs,” a round table participant said. One big down side to today’s fastpaced technology improvements is that it’s hard for employees and customers to keep upgrading their communication systems. “There are people who tell us, ‘I’ve always used email. Why do I now have to update and use WhatsApp?’” a person said. “It’s a bottleneck we are facing at our company.” Despite such obstacles, many at the round table were happy to have so many communication options. “These tools are the greatest things, especially when working with international clients,” a participant said. “It used to be so expensive to communicate with people from around the world, and now it’s basically free.” Whether using new forms of communication at work or the old standby — the landline — one participant highlighted the importance of prioritizing what needs to be communicated, as it relates to customers and employees.

“Setting parameters and priorities is important during the communication process. It’s good to determine ahead of time the degree of urgency,” the person said.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Miguel Medrano

BENEFITS, PERKS AND OTHER CHANGES TO RECRUITING & RETENTION STRATEGIES s this subject’s facilitator, Gary Enchelmaier, of Industrial Brush Co., in Fairfield, NJ, put it: “It seems like, across the board, everybody is having difficulties filling positions, whether they are for skilled or unskilled labor. Some companies are using agencies to get people in the door in hopes of keeping production on track. There is also the issue of employee retention once a person is hired. I’m curious what companies are doing. What is working for you?” At it relates to better employee retention strategies, among the round table responses was the need to

provide more frequent, rather than quarterly, incentives. Another person said his company has added a gym at their facility. “Our employees told us, ‘We need more time for our health. We want to be able to work out while at work,’” the person said. “We also added a full kitchen at our facility that features an expresso machine, microwave and toaster oven.

“More employees are telling their companies, ‘This is where I work, but this is not my entire life. I have a life outside of work. Give me what I need to get my personal health and well-being in order.’”

Another round table contributor said it’s important to find ways to keep employees happy without getting into bidding wars, with other businesses,

PG 23

over salaries. That can include recognizing an individual during his/her birthday with a break room party and presenting that person with a gift certificate and donation to a favorite charity. “Doing such things does not require a huge investment, and can go a long way in keeping people happy and feeling more appreciated,” the person said. Another round table participant said his company has found success by providing higher quality shirts for employees. “The shirts include our company’s logo, and employees feel good about wearing them, as they look very nice.” Another idea is changing the work schedule to make it more appealing to employees. That can include going to a 10-hour, 4-day-a-week Monday through Thursday format. Doing so allows participants to enjoy a threeday weekend. “Our office is still open five days a week, but we have found production increased in the plant with our new

Gary Enchelmaier

four-day-a-week schedule,” the person said. “Employess no longer have to take vacation days to go on a short trip. It’s been great for everybody. We did this on a trial basis for three months, and found most people enjoyed the new schedule. It is also easier to get employees to work overtime, since

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overtime now starts on Friday rather than Saturday.” Another person said his company allows employees to work within a longer daily time span and take off when they like, as long as they put it the necessary hours. “We also have a ‘no questions asked’ policy in place when employees seek time off for ‘family emergencies.’ Does it get abused? Probably, but largely it’s seen as giving respect to our employees as human beings. We feel that if there is something wrong with a family member, that employee is probably not properly concentrating on work anyway.” When it comes to finding new people to hire, several participants said they use agencies, with varying degrees of success. “We have really not found any difference in the hiring success rate when it comes to using an agency or hiring the person ourself,” one participant said. Another company representative said internships often lead to great employees. “We cast a pretty wide net, starting with high school guidance counselors, when putting the word out of our needs for employment,” the person said. “We also make sure to pay our interns, and even take them on trips. That provides bonding experiences, BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

and shows potential full-time hires both the hard and the fun part of working at our company.” Enchelmaier asked round table participants if they have more trouble filling entry level or skilled positions. One response was: “I think good people are always hard to find, no matter what type of work they are qualified to do at a company. It’s important to understand, most people who are considered ‘good hires’ usually already have jobs.” It was agreed that filling factorytype job vacancies remains extremely challenging. “We have had candidates who fail to show up for scheduled interviews, or candidates who take a tour of our production floor and then tell us they are not interested ‘in that type of work,’” one round table participant said. “They don’t want to get dirty or feel the work would be boring. A lot of positions we are trying to fill right now don’t require a programming background. All a person needs to do is fill

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

a machine with nylon on a routine basis. It’s not difficult work. To be honest, I have been doing it myself recently, due to a lack of manpower. Perhaps the ability, by many, to work from home has destroyed the idea of what people think a job should be.”

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A NEW EMPLOYER? WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A NEW EMPLOYEE? WHY DO WE STAY?

t’s common knowledge that if an employee likes his/her job, that person is more likely to stay. The question is, what keeps workers happy? Addressing the topic was round table facilitator Tom Cottam, of Industrial Brush Corporation, in St George, UT. “What excites your workforce? Is there a company vision you are trying to create? How do you relate that vision to employees so they want to work for you?” Cottam asked. “Most people go to work because they need

Tom Cottam

the money, they need to live. But beyond that, how do you inspire people? What do you do, as an employer, to create a culture where employees want to stay?” Cottam discussed a 2018 study on

PG 25

the subject that focused on 800 business executives, 1,800 human resource personnel and 5,000 employees, across 21 industries and 44 countries. The main focus of the study was to find what employees and employers are looking for from each other. “Setting aside competitive pay and benefits, which everyone wants, the study showed 51 percent of employees look for flexibility in work hours, rather than having to work the traditional 9 to 5 format,” Cottam said. “When it comes to manufacturing, that can be difficult to incorporate.” He added that 84 percent of working parents in the study ranked flexibility ahead of salary. There was also a strong desire from many study respondents to work at a company that took their health and wellbeing seriously. A round table participant agreed, adding: “It’s also important employers show genuine interest in employees. That has a lot of validity.” Cottam added: “Another finding from the study is that more

people are looking to work somewhere where they feel there is a real purpose. They just don’t want to push a button.

They want to feel that they are contributing in a positive way. They want to feel connected.” One participant in the round table discussion said he makes it a point to walk the factory floor every day, in order to talk with employees. “Our average employee has been with the company for 18 years. You really get to know people by seeing them every work day over a long period of time. I have developed certain cues with certain employees during our daily interactions. I can tell when something is wrong, just by how a person interacts and says ‘good morning.’ I will then ask that person if I can help with anything,” the participant said. “Doing so shows that we, as a company, care about our employees. I feel they appreciate the effort.” Another person added: “The smallest things can mean a lot to people. We all know that, and it’s so easy to give.” There are limits, however, when it comes to interaction with certain employees, as one round table participant noted. “I have employees who want to be left alone. They don’t want to interact with anyone. The more I interact with them, the more it stresses them out,” the participant said. “And then there are other employees who say, ‘I have an idea.’ They want to interact. “At the end of the day, it’s about focusing on a person’s comfort zone. That is difficult, because not all people are the same.” Employees of different age groups also seek different things within a company, as one participant pointed out.

“As our workforce gains more millennials and Generation Z members, we have noticed they are expecting added trans parency from ownership and management,” the person said. “They are more interested in

how the company is doing and projections for the future. They are yearning for that knowledge. It gives them a sense of comfort and accomplishment.”

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BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Food Service Brushes And Related Items Require Many Unique Product Designs And Applications By Rick Mullen | Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor

There are many unique designs and applications for brushes made for the food service, food processing and food handling segments. Broom, Brush & Mop recently spoke with executives from two companies that manufacture food service-related brushes who spoke of not only how COVID has changed their respective businesses, but also previewed some of the products they offer for end-users.

CS Cleaning Products began life in 1939 as a wire sponge manufacturer in Providence, RI. Today, headquartered in Lincoln, RI, a northern suburb of Providence, ACS is a global organization, with manufacturing operations currently in the U.S, Mexico, China and Romania, and, starting in 2023, in India. Its mission is “to bring common sense to the world of cleaning products.” according to the company. “ACS is a major producer of cleaning products to the food service industry,” said Vice President/COO Rory Beaudette. “We provide scouring pads, stainless scrubbers, sponges, soap pads, grill cleaning tools, including wire brushes, as well as mops, brooms and brushes in many shapes, sizes, and application types. Our tools are used in kitchen sink areas, on equipment, in restrooms, out front in guest areas and on all floor types needing to be cleaned. “We service most of the major broadline suppliers to the industry with private brand programs. ACS also services independent distributors, club stores, chain accounts and some retail, as well.” The most common type of food distributor is a broadline distributor, which handles larger volumes of different types

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

of products, and is most often utilized by grocery stores and other larger retail food service chains and businesses. According to ACS, its business is driven by four core values: n Be dependable. We understand that our reputation is on the line in every customer interaction; n Be empathetic. It’s not about us, it’s about our customers and their challenges; n Do more with less. Provide added value to customers at every turn; and, PG 27

n Keep it simple. Complications are bad for customers and bad for business. While the company offers a myriad of products for a wide variety of applications, Beaudette said there are three cleaning tools that are the most used in kitchens across the country — grill bricks, hand scouring pads and stainless steel scrubbers. n Grill Cleaning: ACS Cleaning Products Division offers to the food service industry a comprehensive line of grill cleaning products. From traditional grill bricks and griddle screens to the innovative Scour Pro® Power Cleaning System; n Hand Scouring Pads: ACS offers a comprehensive line of polyester blend scouring pads, manufactured using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques; and, n Scrubbers: ACS offers a range of scrubbers to meet any application, made from stainless steel, brass, copper and plastic. “ACS manufactures all of those items in our ISO-certified factories,” Beaudette said. “In addition, our assortment of mops, brooms and brushes are used every day in restaurants for cleaning floors. “Food service cleaning tools are manufactured to the highest standards due to the severity of the applications and heavy use. Restaurant operators need quality tools that enable them to meet the standards required.”

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One of the issues that restaurants and other food service entities guard against in their daily operations is crosscontamination. One way to combat cross-contamination of cleaning tools is color-coding.

“We were able to recover all lost sales from 2020 due to COVID-19’s impact on the food service industry.” ~Rory Beaudette

“ACS is committed to color coded tools to help prevent cross-contamination. Our hand pads, mops, brooms, brushes and accessories are all available in full color-coded assortments,” Beaudette said. Business has been good during the past year at ACS, Beaudette reported. “We were able to recover all lost sales from 2020 due to COVID-19’s impact on the food service industry,” he said. “The recovery has been slow and steady. As restaurants have moved from being shut down, to offering take out, to being fully open, the result has been regained business for the industry. “Customer service remains hands-on at ACS. Our representatives answer calls on a range of matters. We encourage EDI (electronic data interchange) orders; however, we are there to take an order over the phone if needed. The industry is still personal, and contacts are required. ACS is committed to providing all levels of service.” As the pandemic persists, ACS continues to take all necessary precautions to minimize any chance of COVID contact at its production sites, Beaudette said. “We temperature test all employees. We require masks and face shields,” Beaudette said. “In addition, we have staggered hours and breaks. Social distancing is required throughout our factories.” If it can be said there is an upside to COVID, it is the heightened awareness of the importance of cleaning. “The future of cleaning and ACS cleaning products remains bright. Cleaning is what we do,” Beaudette said. “Once COVID hit, the industry and the world really learned a lot about cleaning. What we thought was clean in the past would not meet the clean standards imposed due to COVID. We expect these new heightened hygienic standards to remain in place as we move forward. “Brooms, brushes and mops are essential cleaning tools used in every food service operation every day. This is good for the industry. We have all come to realize what cleaning for hygiene has done for our society.” Contact: ACS Industries, Inc., One New England Way, Lincoln, RI 02865. Phone: 800-222-2880. Email: cleaning@acsind.com. Website: acs-cp.com. BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

YOUR FLOOR CARE & JANITORIAL SPECIALISTS! At ACS, We Know Cleaning - That’s What We Do!

From UL® Certified GREEN recycled PET materials, to ISO Certified plants and processes, we are leading the way on many fronts in the Cleaning Industry.

ACS Industries, Inc. • One New England Way, Lincoln, RI, USA 02865 Toll free: 800-222-2880 • Fax: 401-333-6088 • email: cleaning@acsind.com • www.acs-cp.com

hile the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, business at Remco Products: A Vikan company, of Zionsville, IN, has been good, reported Executive Vice President Rob Middendorf. The company’s largest customer segment is food processing as well as food service. As business at Remco has been moving on an upward trend, the company has not been immune to the impact of higher gas prices linked to the war in Ukraine, as well as supply chain issues that have cropped up as of late. “With everything going on in the world, obviously it is going to have some trickle down effect, whether it is direct or indirect, on our business,” Middendorf said. “So, we are feeling it just like everybody else.” Selling exclusively to distributors, Remco’s product lines include brushes, brooms, scrapers, squeegees, dust pans, scoops, tubs and undercarriages, handles, deck scrubs and more. Remco provides material handling and cleaning supplies used in food processing sanitation programs and industrial cleaning applications, where hygiene and safety are critical. The company manufactures product lines predominately consisting of injected molded polypropylene products, including items produced by extrusion, shaping, or other manufacturing operations. Remco was founded by Richard L. Garrison. The introduction of a one-piece polypropylene shovel more than 35 years ago established it as an industry pioneer, according to the company.

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“We really got into the molded polypropylene channel with material handling tools, such as scoops, shovels and scrapers, etc,” Middendorf said. “Then, a few years later, Remco’s partnership with Vikan, of Denmark, began.” Vikan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of maximum hygiene cleaning tools, has been making brushes for more than 115 years. Vikan develops, produces and sells a broad range of cleaning solutions, which are primarily intended for such segments as food and beverage processing, kitchens, restaurants, health care, education, municipalities, retail, supermarkets and transport. Most of Remco’s tool offerings are color-coded and made from FDA-compliant materials. One of the major advantages of its products is color-coding, which, the company said, Remco and Vikan helped to pioneer in the industry. Color-coding helps prevent cross-contamination when using material handling and cleaning products. Middendorf is excited about one of the company’s newer offerings, the Vikan Hygienic Hi-Flex Wall Bracket System, which is an hygienic, modular wall bracket that provides a

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

flexible solution for storing cleaning tools and utensils in any area of a customer’s facility. The company also introduced some new products during the past year, designed to clean difficult to reach cracks and crevices found in equipment used in food processing and food service environments. “One new product is a small Vikan detail brush, and some other brushes made to clean hard-to-reach narrow spaces and detail cleaning,” Middendorf said. “We have found every food processing and food service plant has different types of equipment, so we offer a wide range of tools to cover all those needs.” New Remco product offerings include: n Vikan Ultra-Slim Wand Brush: Cleans where other brushes cannot reach. The ultra-slim, half-inch-wide brush is designed with a scraping edge for tackling stubborn debris. The brush features an easy-grip slim handle and a specially designed head with extra-stiff front bristles that help clean all the way to the end of narrow spaces. The brush block is made using food-contact compliant polypropylene offcuts from other Vikan products, making this brush environmentally friendly; and, n Vikan Narrow Long-Handle Cleaning Brush: The 1.73-inch-wide, narrow-headed brush easily cleans small spaces. The bristles are angled to make it easy to clean corners. The grip is designed for extra stability, and the brushes are color-coded to support HACCP principles.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

“We really pride ourselves on our customer service, not only on servicing our customers, but also our responsiveness, i.e., how we ship products, getting them out the door quickly.” ~Rob Middendorf

In the area of improved food safety through hygienic design, Remco touts its Ultra Safe Technology (UST) product line. “UST came out a few years ago to meet the needs of our end-users,” Middendorf said. “With traditional fills and staples, there are some shortcomings when it comes to hygiene. Vikan developed UST technology to place fully molded bristles into a block, which eliminates gaps that could harbor bacteria.” While Remco is known for its pioneering work in injected molded polypropylene products and color coding, the company also stands out for its commitment to offering stellar customer service. “We really pride ourselves on our customer service, not only on servicing our customers, but also our responsiveness, i.e., how we ship products, getting them out the door quickly,” Middendorf said.

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He praised Remco’s customer service team, as well as those in the field who help end-users by presenting a “whole breadth of the company’s solutions.” Referring to the obstacles, uncertainties and challenges brought about by the pandemic that have had to be overcome by Remco’s staff, Middendorf said, “It has been a crazy couple of years, but what our staff has been able to accomplish is exceptional.” While staying aware of the most recent information available, Remco has been able to adjust its protocols somewhat to keep employees safe and healthy during the ongoing pandemic. “In our facility, mask wearing is up to the individual now. We are not mandating masks,” Middendorf said. “Externally, it is really dictated by where we are going. Whether it is a trade show, or visiting a customer or a distributor, we do what is necessary for a given situation.” Earlier during the pandemic, much of the company’s office staff worked from home. Now, there are fewer staff members working from home, creating what Middendorf calls a “hybrid” situation of a mix of those remaining at home and those coming to the office to work. The way businesses communicate has also been modified, as many more electronic avenues have been employed, including online platforms such as Zoom. “Internally, with our teams, we were already using video

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conferencing for our updates, calls, and things like that, before the pandemic,” Middendorf said. “Electronic communication has gone wider with people working from home. “As we have learned how to make such electronic communications easy to use, we have more and more distributors meeting with us that way, as well. “It is not 100 percent of our meetings, but video methods have worked well for some ‘quick touch,’ conversations, and informal meetings.” Looking ahead, Middendorf said it is important to keep a close eye on supply chain disruptions to make sure raw materials can be obtained, not only for the food service supplies industry, but also for industries across the board. “When we look at our industry specifically, the pandemic has raised awareness of hygiene-critical areas and the need for improved practices,” Middendorf said. “Last year, and the year before, there was a big focus on PPE and chemicals. I think the next wave of focus is going to be tools and cleaning solutions like ours. I think we are going in the right direction to achieve the results we want.” For more information, visit remcoproducts.com. Contact: Remco Products, 4735 W. 106th St., Zionsville, IN 46077. Phone: 317-876-9856. sales@remcoproducts.com. Website: remcoproducts.com.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Exhibitors At The Inspired Home Show Return To Live Event With New Products, Optimistic Outlook By Harrell Kerkhoff | Broom, Brush & Mop Editor

After a three-year hiatus due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, The Inspired Home Show was back at McCormick Place, in Chicago, IL. The March 5-7 event attracted 1,016 exhibitors, from 40 countries, and retailers from 49 of 50 U.S. states and 84 countries, according to the International Housewares Association, which sponsors the show.

Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine interviewed several executives of exhibiting companies involved in the brush, mop and/or broom industry. They shared what products were highlighted, what the show meant to their respective businesses and how business, overall, has been as of late.

loyal exhibitor for several years at The Inspired Home Show has been Compac Industries, based in Tucker, GA. The company is a manufacturer and supplier of products intended to “make life easier and more enjoyable for people of all ages.” Its six brands — Brilliant Oral Care, Baby Buddy, Better Grillin’, BrushMyTeeth, Compac Home and HartFelt — focus on oral care products for humans and pets, kitchen gadgets, infant/juvenile items as well as cleaning, skin care and grilling products. “We are happy to be here,” Compac Industries President Dean-Paul Hart said, when asked about his company’s return to The Inspired Home Show. “We have missed the opportunity to see people face-to-face.”

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Compac Industries manufactures many of its products in Georgia, while also importing items from six countries. During the height of the pandemic, the company’s domestic production and packaging continued, helping keep people employed. “I will continue to say this over and over — we are very grateful for our team of employees who stuck with us. They showed up everyday throughout the pandemic,” Hart said. “Since we had the equipment, know-how and employees in place, our company was also able to provide packaging for another business, a service that lasted over a year.” As with most companies during the pandemic, officials at Compac Industries did have to work through different challenges, including the shutdown of various retail PG 33

customers for a period of time. That led the company to focus more on direct-to-consumer online sales. “Our online sales shot up as the pandemic took hold in March 2020. It became crazy in May 2020, when one of our items was featured on BuzzFeed, helping to skyrocket online orders. Our high point is 1,600 online orders in one day,” Hart said. “In response, we have worked to develop better information online about our products. That includes video and added imagery. “One of the good things about (The Inspired Home Show) taking place this year is that it gives us the opportunity to reconnect with people, although some past connections have been lost. For example, there were a number of manufacturers reps who decided to retire during the pandemic. It helps to have events like this open up, ushering in new enthusiasm about business going forward.” Live events also help exhibitors show off new products in person. In the case of Compac Industries, that includes additions to its Brilliant brand of oral care items. “Within the dental community, we continue to talk about what is new and different. A lot of people will have expensive work done to their teeth but still use a cheap toothbrush. We are trying to change that with our Brilliant line of oral care products for adults and children,” Hart said. “There is also an increased use of toothpaste for sensitive teeth. A lot of that has to do with people using the wrong type of toothbrush. Our round brushes allow people to better care for their teeth.” Overall, the company offers silicone oral care products for newborns under the company’s Baby Buddy by Brilliant brand, as well as bristle toothbrushes for adults, children and pets under its Brilliant Oral Care and BrushMyTeeth brands. “Our bristle toothbrushes are unique, and we feel revolutionary, as bristles go all around the brush head at 360 degrees. We call these our, ‘Can’t-Miss’ toothbrushes that have ‘All-Around bristles for an All-Around clean,’” Hart said. “We provide both manual and sonic toothbrushes.”

Compac Industries

Compac Industries, of Tucker, GA, provides a wide variety of products, including its Brilliant oral care line of toothbrushes, grill cleaning items and the Barbecue Basting Mop. Shown is DeanPaul Hart, president.

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Since the pandemic started in 2020, Compac Industries has launched its Brilliant Kids Sonic Toothbrush characters (featuring a penguin, duck and dinosaur) with round brush heads, updated packaging and specifications. Each Kids Sonic brush features over 10,000 bristles in round heads, an LED light to illuminate the mouth and capture a child’s attention, and a 3-minute on-off timer with 45-second notifications. The latter helps the child while brushing to remember to move from quadrant to quadrant (of his/her mouth). Also included with the toothbrushes are two types of bristles: “sensitive” for children 3 years of age and up with developing teeth, and “soft” for older children. “We also have launched our Brilliant Oral Care Kits, featuring products for babies when brushing and caring for their gums, as well as items for when teeth start to appear,” Hart said. One area of business that continues to drive Compac Industries forward involves product innovation and looking for “new spaces” in retail and online. “The heart of product innovation is helping solve problems for people. There is enjoyment when we can provide products that make life simpler,” Hart said. “In that light, we have started producing our oral care line of BrushMyTeeth toothbrushes for pets, featuring the same type of round head as used for people.” These brushes come in four different options, one each for cats as well as small, medium and large dogs. Compac Industries has partnered with HelpStopPetDentalPain.org in this endeavor. “Studies show that the life of dogs and cats can be increased by up to three years if their teeth are brushed. Oral care is as important for pets as it is for humans,” Hart said. “Unfortunately, less than 5 percent of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth, and part of the problem is, they simply don’t know how. Our round brush heads are specifically made for a pet’s mouth.” Other new items from Compac Industries include those found within the company’s Better Grillin’ line, such as its

The Libman Company

HY-C

The Libman Company, of Arcola, IL, provides such houseware items for cleaning as dust, sponge and wet mops; brooms; brushes; dusters; and buckets.

Among the products and brands from HY-C, of St. Louis, MO, is the SpinAway cleaning device. Shown are representatives Connie Manning and Paul Manning, inventor.

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BBQ Bastin’ Mop. The product features a 16-inch handle and 3-inch cotton mop head. “We found the cotton material on the head is great for basting sauce on food prior to, and during, the grilling process. The handle is long enough to keep a person’s hand away from a hot grill,” Hart said. “We also have introduced our Better Grillin’ Scrubbin’ Stone and a new type of grilling glove. The stone is made of a glass block that will not absorb water, preventing the spread of bacteria, and comes with a handle for easier cleaning.” Although he would not want to go back to the early days of the pandemic, Hart said many of his company’s products remained in high demand as more people stayed home. “Our Better Grillin’ line really took off as fewer people were eating at restaurants. Demand for our oral care, health and beauty and cleaning products also stayed strong during this time,” Hart said. “We were very grateful to have products that people needed despite the hardships of the pandemic. “We also didn’t scale back during this time when it came to innovation and marketing. Instead, we pushed forward in order to better tell our company’s story, while providing new solutions to people’s problems.”

Visit brilliantoralcare.com and compacind.com.

ttending The Inspired Home Show since he was a teenager, when it was known as the International Home + Housewares Show, Brushtech Vice President of Sales Zaven Gunjian indicated he was very happy to be showcasing his company’s products again during a live event. “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone. We missed this event. That includes visiting with many friends who stop by our booth every year. We also missed the face-toface selling process,” Gunjian said. His sister, Brushtech President Nora Gunjian, shared the same sentiment.

“We are very happy to be back, and have found the buyers at this year’s show to be very interested in new products,” she said. “That is part of the reason we are here, as an exhibitor, to showcase our new items. “We also have a great team at home working hard to make sure we can provide products to our customers on a timely basis.” Founded in 1976 by Nora and Zaven Gunjian’s father, the late Armen Gunjian, Brushtech’s products are produced at the company’s Plattsburgh, NY, facility. “My sister and I have been thinking about brushes pretty much our entire lives,” Zaven Gunjian said. He added that business has been good for the company, despite various challenges brought about by the pandemic. “Sales have been steady, and steady is good. Some stores that we sell to did shut down for a period as the pandemic progressed, while other stores ramped up, helping to balance the demand for the items we sell,” Zaven Gunjian said. “Our facility did shut down for approximately two weeks, as the pandemic began in our area. Soon, however, we received essential status since we produce foodservice and labrelated brushes. For this year’s show, we are concentrating on our new barbecue and kitchen items. We find that visitors to our booth often ask, ‘What is new?’ Therefore, we must always innovate and be ready with new products to offer. “During the past two years of the pandemic, we have worked to reach more people through a mail marking campaign. That includes sending out samples. However, we still missed this show, and I think the same is true for our customers.” Among the new products showcased in Chicago this year by Brushtech was the company’s American Sponge Brush, featuring a wider face to better clean cutlerly. The product includes a red sponge, blue pad and white brush. Meanwhile, the company’s new American Liberty Sponge Brush is similar, but has a horseshoe-shaped top to better clean cups. “We also have developed smaller barbecue brushes for use

Brushtech

Apex

SSI Products

Products from Brushtech, of Plattsburgh, NY, include barbecue, bath, car washing, bottle and wire brushes; kitchen tools and various accessories. Shown are Zaven Gunjian, vice president of sales; and Nora Gunjian, president.

Apex, of Rho, Italy, offers such cleaning items as floor mops, brooms, dust pans, sponges, window cleaning equipment and dusters. Shown, from left, are Lawrence Weinstock, export manager; and Diego Re, director of marketing and sales.

SSI Products, of Fort Worth, TX, offers such houseware items as mops, brooms, scrub brushes and dusters under the EverClean brand.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

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when camping, as storage in many campers/RVs is limited,” Zaven Gunjian said. “Other new items involve our Vineyard Series of wine glassware brushes, featuring wooden handles.” In Chicago, the company also showcased its double-handle Tactical Barbecue Brush. The two-handle approach was inspired by the traditional carpenter’s plane. “More pressure can be applied with the use of the second handle, allowing better grill cleaning,” Zaven Gunjian said. “It’s very heavy-duty. Like many of our products, this item was inspired by customer requests.” He added that product innovation is critical at Brushtech. “Somebody has to think about brushes, so it might as well be us. Brushtech operates in niche markets. Products within those markets will eventually become commoditized — usually after three to five years. When that happens, you are competing on price. It’s a race to zero, which we can’t win being a smaller company. Therefore, we have to continually innovate,” Zaven Gunjian said. He added it generally takes about a year for a new item to go through the development process. The middle of that process involves a lot of tweaking and modifying. “You also have to develop the correct packaging for any new item, and added time may be necessary if the product calls for a new type of raw material,” Zaven Gunjian said. “In this day and age, you have to source that material well in advance. There is quite a process before a new item is available to consumers, but that is what we do well at Brushtech.”

Visit brushtechbrushes.com.

rmaly Brands®, of Walled Lake, MI, has been family owned since its founding in 1908. The company offers such items as its AutoShow® Car Wash Products, Armaly ProPlus® Surface Prep and Finish Sponges, Brillo® Steel Wool Soap Pads, Brillo Estracell®

Sponges, and Brillo Cleaners. According to Armaly Brands, it is the oldest sponge company in the United States, and has been a long exhibitor of The Inspired Home Show. “It’s exciting to be back at this and all in-person events. They are more impactful than virtual meetings,” Matt Kirk, vice president sales & marketing at Armaly Brands, said. “There is more energy at a live event. As an exhibitor, we can provide product demonstrations that offer a physical sensory experience not possible with a phone or video conference call. People can actually touch, see and experience products at a live show.” Although challenges have been many, Kirk added the overall home cleaning segment has grown over the past several years, as more people stayed home. “It’s a spike in history that may not happen again for a long time. As the pandemic progressed, more people not only stayed home, but they cooked more of their own meals. All of that required additional cleaning and cleaning supplies,” Kirk said. “It will be interesting to see, moving forward, how it all plays out. Will people continue to spend more time at home or start a new, pre-COVID lifestyle, away from the house?” Among the newer products showcased at Armaly Brands’ booth were sponges and scrubbers that are part of Armaly’s Brillo Scrub Max and sponge line. These items are designed to clean kitchens, bathrooms and throughout the house. “Our Multi-Purpose Household Cleaning Sponge is great for floors, large surfaces, windows and even cars; while our Sponge Cloths are ideal for cleaning such areas as cabinet doors and handles. They are very durable,” Kirk said. “These are sanitary-focused items. Despite what the future brings, there is always going to be a need for quality cleaning supplies. Cleaning will remain a core part of everyday life. “Our goal, at Armaly Brands, is to look for trends and insights in order to better help people with their cleaning needs.”

Armaly Brands

Vantex

Armaly Brands, of Walled Lake, MI, offers various cleaning items including sponges, steel wool soap pads, car wash and stick-good products. Shown is Matt Kirk, brand/marketing manager.

Vantex, of Zapopan, Mexico, provides such Corazzi brand household and automotive cleaning items as brushes, sponges, scouring pads and dust pans.

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Visit armalybrands.com.

Joseph Enterprises

Brooms and other products are available from Joseph Enterprises, Inc., of San Francisco, CA. Shown is representative Russell Rafael.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

nternational cleaning products producer, Hayco, based in Hong Kong, China, celebrated a major company event while exhibiting at this year’s The Inspired Home Show. For the first time, Hayco had representatives from its new Dominican Republic facility at the show booth. The facility, which opened in 2019 and currently employs 2,000-plus people, recently achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification, according to Hayco CEO Christopher Hay. LEED status provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and costsaving green buildings. The Hayco booth at The Inspired Home Show included a video display providing information about the Dominican Republic facility, named after Hay’s father and company founder, the late Donald Espie Hay. “My father was an avid supporter of our company’s expansion to the Dominican Republic, and took a great personal interest, from the very early days, in supporting all the necessary work and expense to make the facility LEED compliant,” Hay said. “Our Dominican Republic facility is going strong, producing products that can be found in both the United States and Europe. It’s good to have representatives from that facility at our booth, along with our Hong Kong representatives.” Among the products provided by Hayco are a variety of household cleaning brushes as well as power toothbrushes. “Business has been strong within all of our divisions. It seems people are cleaning more today. The future looks bright and we are happy to be back at The Inspired Home Show. It allows us to meet new and reconnect with familiar people, as well as see what other companies are doing,” Hay said. “Overall, I do feel product development has slowed a bit for many companies since the start of the pandemic. People have told me it’s hard for them to design new products without face-to-face meetings. Hopefully,

that is changing.”

Visit hayco.com.

Hayco

Hayco, of Hong Kong, China, offers such cleaning products as brooms, mops, brushes, squeegees and sweepers. Shown, from left, are Mario Tse, business development director; Cindy Perez, account management manager; Christopher Hay, CEO; Crystal Yau, marketing communication senior specialist; Natali Camacho, account management manger; and, Ken Sayker, account management director.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

wide assortment of products were on display at the Newell Brands booth during this year’s The Inspired Home Show, including the Rubbermaid Microfiber Twist Mop and the Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop. Rubbermaid and Rubbermaid Commercial Products are part of Newell Brands. “Our microfiber twist mop includes a self-wringing head that is machine washable and can be reused up to 100 times. It also features a scrubber top, allowing the user to remove hard stains,” Caylin Easley, assistant product manager, Consumer Cleaning, at Newell Brands, said. “The spray mop, meanwhile, includes a reusable bottle which can be filled with any type of cleaning solution. It also has a reusable microfiber pad that is machine washable up to 100 times. The spray mop is lightweight and can easily be stored in a small space. “We are developing collapsible versions of these products, allowing them to fit in smaller containers for shipment, adding to their eco-friendliness.” Another product Easley highlighted was the Rubbermaid Power Scrubber. It’s battery-operated and can be used to clean a wide variety of surfaces. It comes with different head attachments. “This is the type of product you don’t know you need until you start using it for various cleaning projects. It can even clean such things as golf clubs and shoes,” Easley said. Also showcased at the Newell Brands’ booth was washable microfiber cleaning cloths. According to Robert Posthauer, senior vice president, sales & marketing, at Newell Brands, turnout at Newell’s booth during the first two days of The Inspired Home Show was very good. “For us, it’s a great advantage to show off all our brands, during a live event, to different existing and potential customers who stop by our booth,” Posthauer explained. Visit newellbrands.com.

Newell Brands

Volume Brands

Newell Brands, of Atlanta, GA, provides a variety of cleaning products, including those from Quickie and Rubbermaid. That includes brushes, brooms, mops and buckets. Shown are Newell Brands’ Robert Posthauer, senior vice president, sales & marketing; and Caylin Easley, assistant product manager, consumer cleaning, commercial group.

Volume Brands International, of Vernon, CA, provides a variety of household cleaning products and brands. Specific items include brooms, mops, brushes, sponges, buckets, dusters and dust pans.

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2 ABMA SUPPLIERS FACE 2 FACE

2022 Photo Gallery The 105th American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) Annual Convention took place March 2-4, at The Hyatt Coconut Point Resort and Spa, in Bonita Springs, FL. The convention included the ABMA “Face 2 Face” event, where manufacturers and suppliers were able to meet. According to ABMA, there were 25 participating supplier companies at this year’s program, including those on the following pages.

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Brush Fibers, Inc./pelray intl. DuPont Filaments DuPont Filaments, of Washington, WV, was a participant in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown is company representative Ben Zoufan.

Brush Fibers, Inc., of Arcola, IL, and PelRay International Division of Brush Fibers, of San Antonio, TX, participated in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are PelRay representatives Ron Cherryholmes and Bart Pelton, along with Brush Fibers representatives Chris Monahan and Ian Moss.

Perlon-Group/Hahl Inc.

Borghi, of Castelfranco Emilia, Italy, and Borghi USA, of Aberdeen, MD, participated at the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are company representatives Paolo Roversi and Carlos Petzold.

Perlon-Group/Hahl Inc., of Lexington, SC, participated in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are Scott Enchelmaier, of The Industrial Brush Company, Fairfield, NJ; Perlon/Hahl representative Andrew McIlroy; Gary Enchelmaier and Kevin White, of The Industrial Brush Company; and Perlon/Hahl representative Terry Hogan.

Monahan Partners

Stainless Steel Products

Monahan Partners, of Arcola, IL, was a participant in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown is company representative Kevin Monahan.

Stainless Steel Products, of Deer Park, NY, participated in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown is company representative Ralph Rosenbaum.

Borghi USA/Borghi S.P.A.

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Deco Products

Monahan Filaments

Deco Products Company, of Decorah, IA, was a participant in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are company representatives Eric Smedsrud and Dave Magner.

Monahan Filaments, of Arcola, IL, participated at the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are company representatives Matt Monahan and Jon Monahan.

Unimac s.r.l.

Jewel Wire Co., Inc.

Unimac s.r.l, of Castelfranco Emilia, Italy, was a participant in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are Paolo Malavasi, of Unimac, and Miguel Medrano, of Borghi USA.

Jewel Wire Co., Inc., Division of Loos & Co. Inc., of Pomfret, CT, participated in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are company representatives Mike Fredrickson and Jerry Smolenski.

Filkemp Industria de Filamentos, S.A. Filkemp Industria de Filamentos, S.A., of Mem Martins, Portugal, participated in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are Dustin Maninfior, of American Select Tubing/AST Filaments, Mattoon, IL, and Sofia Teles, of Filkemp.

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Boucherie USA/G.B. Boucherie N.V. Boucherie/Boucherie USA, of Izegem, Belgium, and Knoxville, TN, participated in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are company representatives Kris Geldof, Bart Boucherie Jr., and John Williams.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Composite Cutter Technology Ascend Performance MaterialS Ascend Performance Materials, of Houston, TX, was a participant in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown, from left, are company representatives Jamie Haseltine and Joe Menner.

Composite Cutter Technology, of Volo, IL, was a participant in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown are Composite Cutter Technology representative Rachel Ciullo and Fred Spach, of Carolina Brush, Gastonia, NC.

106th Annual Convention March 22-25

2023

Hotel Del Coronado Coronado (San Diego), CA "Leadership Matters"

Easy Reach Supply LLC Easy Reach Supply, of Hattiesburg, MS, participated in the ABMA Face 2 Face program. Shown is company representative Kim Johnstun.

INDUSTRY NEWS

ACS Industries Hires Avision Sales Group

ACS Industries has hired the Avision Sales Group to represent its Cleaning Products Group in a national broker capacity, for its janitorial and sanitary supply business in all 50 states. Avision has grown to become the premier U.S. manufacturers’ representative group, specializing in facility maintenance and supplies. ACS is a national manufacturer, with all levels of jan/san distribution in all 50 States. This agreement will provide the market with a leading sales team, delivering consistency throughout the country with the ACS Cleaning Products Line. Visit www.acs-cp.com. BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Company Name Change For G.D.F.

G.D.F. SAS is now officially known as G.D.F. SRL UNIPERSONALE. Founded in 1983, G.D.F. is a supplier of “made in Italy” foam and solid plastic blocks, epoxy-painted metal handles and extension poles, plastic buckets, mops, dust pans, twisted-in-wire brushes and other cleaning wares. Visit www.gdfsrl.eu.

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During All Of 2021, Raw Material Imports Up, Finished Imports, Exports Down, Compared To All Of 2020 By Rick Mullen | Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor

Each month, Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine publishes an online eNews featuring an imports/exports chart, containing pertinent statistics, covering 30 import categories and nine export categories, compiled from the latest available U.S. Census Bureau foreign trade statistics. Also, a comprehensive report accompanies the imports/exports chart each month. The report focuses on several important raw material and finished goods import categories, as well as several export categories. U.S. government trade figures for all of 2021 concerning the import/export categories typically highlighted in the monthly eNews reports, indicated raw material imports were up and finished goods imports and exports were down, compared to all of 2020. The raw material import categories highlighted in each month’s report include hog bristle, broom and mop handles, brush backs and metal handles. Finished goods include brooms of broom corn over 96 cents, brooms and brushes of vegetable material, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shaving brushes, paint rollers, paintbrushes and upright brooms. Export categories highlighted in the monthly reports include brooms and brushes of vegetable material, toothbrushes, shaving brushes, artist brushes and paintbrushes. Following are some statistics for all of 2021 for each import and export category: Hog Bristle n Highest monthly total: 28,525 kilograms in November; n Lowest monthly total: 1,724 kilograms in August; n Highest monthly average price: $59.38 in August; n Lowest monthly average price: $31.16 in November; n 2021 total: 134,316 kilograms, down 5 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: $46.87 per kilogram, up 41 percent from 2020.

IMPORTS

Broom And Mop Handles n Highest monthly total: 1.8 million in August; n Lowest monthly total: 851,737 in April; n Highest monthly average price: 93 cents in December; n Lowest monthly average price: 53 cents in August; n 2021 total: 15 million, up 22 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: 68 cents, down 9 percent from 2020. Brush Backs n Highest monthly total: 1 million in November; n Lowest monthly total: 268,216 in July; n Highest monthly average price: 55 cents in December; n Lowest monthly average price: 39 cents in May; n 2021 total: 5.6 million, up 93 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: 48 cents, down 6 percent from 2020.

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Metal Handles n Highest monthly total: 2.4 million in June; n Lowest monthly total: 1.3 million in February; n Highest monthly average price: $1.37 in December; n Lowest monthly average price: 82 cents in April; n 2021 total: 23 million, up 9 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: $1, up 9 percent from 2020.

Brooms Of Broom Corn Over 96 Cents n Highest monthly total: 500,883 in August; n Lowest monthly total: 315,957 in January; n Highest monthly average price: $2.46 in September; n Lowest monthly average price: $2.08 in February; n 2021 total: 4.9 million, down 13 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: $2.30, down 4 percent from 2020.

Brooms And Brushes Of Vegetable Material n Highest monthly total: 311,142 in February; n Lowest monthly total: 129,132 in September; n Highest monthly average price: $1.84 in December; n Lowest monthly average price: 59 cents in August; n 2021 total: 2.3 million, same as 2020; and, n 2021 average price: $1.05, up 3 percent from 2020.

Toothbrushes n Highest monthly total: 101.2 million in July; n Lowest monthly total: 60.9 million in February; n Highest monthly average price: 31 cents in September; n Lowest monthly average price: 26 cents in June; n 2021 total: 958.5 million, up 1 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: 28 cents, up 4 percent from 2020.

Hairbrushes n Highest monthly total: 6.6 million in December; n Lowest monthly total: 3.8 million in March; n Highest monthly average price: 24 cents in April, June, September, October, November; n Lowest monthly average price: 19 cents in February; n 2021 total: 61.3 million, up 12 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: 22 cents, down 8 percent from 2020. Shaving Brushes n Highest monthly total: 9.4 million in August; n Lowest monthly total: 1.4 million in February; n Highest monthly average price: 23 cents in February; n Lowest monthly average price: 6 cents in August; n 2021 total: 66.2 million, down 8 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: 12 cents, up 20 percent from 2020.

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Paint Rollers n Highest monthly total: 10 million in April; n Lowest monthly total: 5.4 million in September; n Highest monthly average price: 63 cents in September; n Lowest monthly average price: 37 cents in April; n 2021 total: 88.5 million, down 3 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: 47 cents, same as 2020.

Paintbrushes n Highest monthly total: 36.2 million in March; n Lowest monthly total: 19.8 million in September; n Highest monthly average price: 37 cents in December; n Lowest monthly average price: 29 cents in June; n 2021 total: 327.4 million, up 7 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: 33 cents, down 8 percent from 2020. Upright Brooms n Highest monthly total: 2.3 million in March; n Lowest monthly total: 1.2 million in September; n Highest monthly average price: $1.73 in July; n Lowest monthly average price: $1.09 in March; n 2021 total: 20.1 million, down 1 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: $1.46, up 4 percent from 2020.

Brooms And Brushes Of Vegetable Material n Highest monthly total: 18,629 dozen in March; n Lowest monthly total: 3,746 dozen in January; n Highest monthly average price: $60.07 per dozen in February; n Lowest monthly average price: $19.29 per dozen in June; n 2021 total: 87,877 dozen, down 4 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: $34.93 per dozen, up 12 percent from 2020.

EXPORTS

Toothbrushes n Highest monthly total: 8.9 million in March, June; n Lowest monthly total: 5.1 million in January; n Highest monthly average price: $1.22 in August; n Lowest monthly average price: 70 cents in May; n 2021 total: 93 million, down 11 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: 89 cents, up 6 percent from 2020.

Shaving Brushes n Highest monthly total: 2 million in May; n Lowest monthly total: 755,401 in September; n Highest monthly average price: $1.84 in September; n Lowest monthly average price: 73 cents in February; n 2021 total: 15 million, down 10 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: $1.06, up 1 percent from 2020.

Artist Brushes n Highest monthly total: 603,347 in March; n Lowest monthly total: 350,510 in February; n Highest monthly average price: $4.53 in September; n Lowest monthly average price: $3.25 in March; n 2021 total: 5.5 million, down 28 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: $3.87, up 34 percent from 2020. Paintbrushes n Highest monthly total: 333,525 in May; n Lowest monthly total: 125,841 in January; n Highest monthly average price: $9.36 in March; n Lowest monthly average price: $3.69 in June; n 2021 total: 2.6 million, up 53 percent from 2020; and, n 2021 average price: $6.15, down 25 percent from 2020.

Six-month totals for 2022 will appear in the September/October 2022 print issue of Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine.

The following chart shows individual monthly totals and average prices, plus 2020 totals and average prices:

2021 IMPORT STATISTICS BY MONTH (Totals of 1 million and above are rounded to the nearest 0.1 million)

RAW MATERIALS Hog Bristle January Average Price 9,424 kilograms $50.10 per kg February Average Price 7,739 kg $51.14 per kg March Average Price 19,671 kg $49.09 per kg April Average Price 8,000 kg $52.33 per kg May Average Price 3,163 kg $47.35 per kg June Average Price 16,525 kg $46.08 per kg July Average Price 17,866 kg $54.26 per kg August Average Price 1,724 kg $59.38 per kg

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

September 11,379 kg October 5,225 kg November 28,525 kg December 5,075 kg 134,316 kg

2021 Total

January 1.3 million February 1.1 million March 1.6 million April 851,737 May 1.3 million June 933,804

Average Price $54.96 per kg Average Price $48.59 per kg Average Price $31.16 per kg Average Price $57.45 per kg $46.87 per kg

Average price

Broom/mop handles Average Price 66 cents Average Price 67 cents Average Price 56 cents Average Price 89 cents Average Price 64 cents Average Price 77 cents

July 912,616 August 1.8 million September 1.1 million October 1.6 million November 1.1 million December 1.5 million 15 million

Average Price 67 cents Average Price 53 cents Average Price 69 cents Average Price 72 cents Average Price 58 cents Average Price 93 cents

2021 Total January 446,715 February 279,092 March 339,562 April 444,533

68 cents

Average price Brush backs

Average Price 48 cents Average Price 45 cents Average Price 51 cents Average Price 53 cents

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May 473,262 June 381,854 July 268,216 August 479,571 September 502,839 October 332,035 November 1 million December 641,383 5.6 million

Average Price 39 cents Average Price 50 cents Average Price 48 cents Average Price 45 cents Average Price 49 cents Average Price 44 cents Average Price 48 cents Average Price 55 cents

2021 Total January 1.8 million February 1.3 million March 2.3 million April 2.3 million May 1.9 million June 2.4 million July 1.6 million August 2.1 million September 1.8 million October 1.8 million November 1.8 million December 1.9 million 23 million

2021 Total

48 cents

Average price Metal handles

Average Price 96 cents Average Price 89 cents Average Price 84 cents Average Price 82 cents Average Price $1.08 Average Price 86 cents Average Price $1.22 Average Price $1.12 Average Price 98 cents Average Price 90 cents Average Price $1.04 Average Price $1.37 $1

Average price

FINISHED GOODS Brooms of broom corn over 96 cents January Average Price 315,957 $2.21 February Average Price 349,060 $2.08 March Average Price 379,574 $2.23 April Average Price 444,689 $2.14 May Average Price 413,626 $2.43 June Average Price 425,084 $2.20 July Average Price 448,134 $2.41 August Average Price 500,883 $2.25 September Average Price 403,121 $2.46 October Average Price 462,954 $2.38

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November 388,923 December 354,034

Average Price $2.39 Average Price $2.33

4.9 million

$2.30

2021 Total

Average price

Brooms/brushes of vegetable material January Average Price 136,268 99 cents February Average Price 311,142 94 cents March Average Price 148,768 $1.23 April Average Price 215,154 $1.06 May Average Price 153,745 $1.59 June Average Price 169,010 $1.59 July Average Price 270,787 79 cents August Average Price 261,235 59 cents September Average Price 129,132 $1.14 October Average Price 234,179 64 cents November Average Price 136,711 $1 December Average Price 162,347 $1.84 2.3 million

2021 Total

January 67.9 million February 60.9 million March 73.2 million April 79.6 million May 76.2 million June 83.6 million July 101.2 million August 87.3 million September 73.2 million October 79.1 million November 77.5 million December 98.9 million

958.5 million

Toothbrushes

2021 Total

January 6.5 million February 4.5 million

$1.05

Average price

Average Price 29 cents Average Price 30 cents Average Price 27 cents Average Price 27 cents Average Price 28 cents Average Price 26 cents Average Price 27 cents Average Price 27 cents Average Price 31 cents Average Price 30 cents Average Price 27 cents Average Price 28 cents 28 cents

Average price Hairbrushes

Average Price 21 cents Average Price 19 cents

March 3.8 million April 4.5 million May 4.6 million June 5.4 million July 4.3 million August 5.8 million September 5.4 million October 4.9 million November 5 million December 6.6 million

61.3 million

Average Price 23 cents Average Price 24 cents Average Price 21 cents Average Price 24 cents Average Price 20 cents Average Price 21 cents Average Price 24 cents Average Price 24 cents Average Price 24 cents Average Price 22 cents

2021 Total January 4.3 million February 1.4 million March 8.8 million April 2 million May 4.9 million June 5.2 million July 7.9 million August 9.4 million September 7.6 million October 4.4 million November 6.4 million December 3.7 million

66.2 million

Shaving brushes

2021 Total January 9.8 million February 7 million March 9.6 million April 10 million May 7.2 million June 6.9 million July 5.6 million August 6.7 million

22 cents

Average price

Average Price 12 cents Average Price 23 cents Average Price 11 cents Average Price 19 cents Average Price 16 cents Average Price 14 cents Average Price 10 cents Average Price 6 cents Average Price 14 cents Average Price 17 cents Average Price 10 cents Average Price 17 cents 12 cents

Average price Paint rollers

Average Price 46 cents Average Price 47 cents Average Price 46 cents Average Price 37 cents Average Price 51 cents Average Price 40 cents Average Price 50 cents Average Price 47 cents

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

September 5.4 million October 6.4 million November 6.9 million December 6.9 million

88.5 million

Average Price 63 cents Average Price 52 cents Average Price 41 cents Average Price 49 cents

2021 Total January 26.2 million February 27.4 million March 36.2 million April 27.9 million May 31.8 million June 33.1 million July 23.2 million August 28.9 million September 19.8 million October 24.4 million November 21.5 million December 26.8 million

327.4 million

Paintbrushes

2021 Total January 1.7 million February 1.4 million March 2.3 million April 1.9 million May 1.5 million June 1.9 million July 1.6 million August 1.7 million September 1.2 million October 1.5 million November 1.8 million December 1.8 million

20.1 million

2021 Total

47 cents

Average price

Average Price 35 cents Average Price 30 cents Average Price 33 cents Average Price 31 cents Average Price 32 cents Average Price 29 cents Average Price 35 cents Average Price 31 cents Average Price 36 cents Average Price 34 cents Average Price 35 cents Average Price 37 cents 33 cents

Average price Upright brooms

Average Price $1.32 Average Price $1.41 Average Price $1.09 Average Price $1.28 Average Price $1.66 Average Price $1.58 Average Price $1.73 Average Price $1.63 Average Price $1.67 Average Price $1.52 Average Price $1.39 Average Price $1.48 $1.46

Average price

BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

2021 EXPORT STATISTICS BY MONTH

Brooms/brushes of vegetable material January Average Price 3,746 dozen $47.98 per dozen February Average Price 4,207 dozen $60.07 per dozen March Average Price 18,629 dozen $31.48 per dozen April Average Price 7,887 dozen $28.62 per dozen May Average Price 4,497 dozen $41.61 per dozen June Average Price 12,698 dozen $19.29 per dozen July Average Price 7,052 dozen $35.58 per dozen August Average Price 5,019 dozen $31.18 per dozen September Average Price 4,110 dozen $41.76 per dozen October Average Price 10,288 dozen $29.86 per dozen November Average Price 4,341 dozen $54.54 per dozen December Average Price 5,403 dozen $49.96 per dozen 87,877 dozen

2021 Total

January 5.1 million February 8.5 million March 8.9 million April 8.1 million May 7.8 million June 8.9 million July 8.5 million August 7.8 million September 7.9 million October 7.7 million November 8.4 million December 5.6 million 93 million

2021 Total

January 1.2 million February 1.5 million March 1.4 million April 1.4 million May 2 million

$34.93 per dozen

Average price

Toothbrushes

Average Price 86 cents Average Price 71 cents Average Price 71 cents Average Price 87 cents Average Price 70 cents Average Price 97 cents Average Price 94 cents Average Price $1.22 Average Price 81 cents Average Price 86 cents Average Price 91 cents Average Price $1.21 89 cents

Average price Shaving brushes

Average Price 98 cents Average Price 73 cents Average Price 81 cents Average Price $1.05 Average Price 96 cents

June 1.8 million July 914,041 August 1 million September 755,401 October 888,952 November 1.1 million December 871,410 15 million

Average Price 75 cents Average Price $1.29 Average Price $1.23 Average Price $1.84 Average Price $1.44 Average Price $1.17 Average Price $1.35

2021 Total January 452,100 February 350,510 March 603,347 April 532,033 May 449,125 June 371,698 July 365,118 August 417,753 September 518,311 October 412,817 November 537,191 December 493,917 5.5 million

Artist brushes

2021 Total January 125,841 February 150,821 March 168,607 April 267,238 May 333,525 June 296,719 July 152,225 August 287,553 September 289,798 October 257,007 November 159,807 December 159,004 2.6 million

2021 Total

$1.06

Average price

Average Price $3.73 Average Price $3.38 Average Price $3.25 Average Price $3.68 Average Price $3.98 Average Price $3.86 Average Price $4.15 Average Price $3.86 Average Price $4.53 Average Price $3.67 Average Price $3.71 Average Price $3.63 $3.87

Average price Paintbrushes

Average Price $8.83 Average Price $8.50 Average Price $9.36 Average Price $7.86 Average Price $6.33 Average Price $3.69 Average Price $9.12 Average Price $3.70 Average Price $4.20 Average Price $4.58 Average Price $6.38 Average Price $7.12 $6.15

Average price

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Perlon GmbH In Germany Takes Over NOWO Products Sp.z.o.o., Of Kluczbork, Poland

“NOWO is a leading European producer of twisted monofilaments for the global paper industry. Perlon® herewith expands its market leadership in the paper machine clothing segment through this acquisition, which is regarded as a vertically integrated investment for the Perlon® Group. “With the merger of the Perlon® Group and NOWO, we are reinforcing a company that is geared towards the global paper industry of the future, and we are expanding our market leadership in this segment. NOWO is a perfect fit for the Perlon® Group, with its long-term experience and special knowledge in the production of twisted monofilaments.This complements our existing product portfolio well,” said Florian Kisling, CEO of Perlon®. “The Perlon® Group will take over NOWO Products with all 40 employees and production lines located in the NOWO factory, in Kluczbork, Poland.” According to a press release, Perlon® - The Filament Company, with the help of around 850 employees, generates a turnover of over 150 million euros. The company manufactures filaments for applications in the paper machine clothing industry (PMC), the brush industry, for technical textiles, as well as filaments for cosmetic and dental applications, from its sites in Germany, the USA and China. Perlon® is a part of the Serafin Group, whose philosophy is based on more than 150 years of entrepreneurial tradition of its shareholding family. Serafin invests in companies with the goal of fostering its long-term development in accordance with all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.serafin-gruppe.de and/or www.perlon.com.

Golden Star Acquires Premier Mop And Broom “Golden Star, a global manufacturer of a complete line of hard surface cleaning products, and an industry leader with over 114 years of manufacturing excellence, is pleased to announce its new business endeavor with Premier Mop and Broom, a West Coast manufacturer of cleaning products, with over 87 years of experience. “Steve Lewis and Earl Julo, co-CEO’s/presidents of Golden Star, along with Tom Buckles, president & CEO of Premier Mop and Broom, will continue working together to utilize the strengths and advantages of both organizations,” according to a press release. “I admire Tom and the business he has built over so many years. It’s going to be exciting to be able to combine our 200plus years of manufacturing experience with the mutual goal of providing our customers with unparalleled quality and service,” said Julo. “Simply put, we believe both organizations have operated with the same core values, and bringing Tom on board with our company is a natural fit. We’re going to be able to maximize the customer experience and better succeed in an ever-changing marketplace,” according to Lewis. “Moving forward, we plan to provide many new services and areas of expertise. In the short term, the main concern is to continue business as usual, providing the Golden Star and Premier products and brands as we always have,” said Buckles. Gary Gradinger, Golden Star chairman, said, “We are very excited to welcome Tom Buckles to the Golden Star team. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to our organization, and by also joining the Golden Star board of directors, I’m quite certain he’ll prove to be an invaluable and long-term asset to our company.” For more information on Golden Star’s full line of hard surface cleaning products, contact goldenstar@goldenstar.com, call 800-821-2792, or visit www.goldenstar.com.

From DECO Products

The Iowa Economic Development Commission has awarded Deco Products a Manufacturing 4.0 Workforce Innovation grant of $500,000. Deco is one of 46 companies in the state of Iowa to receive this grant. These grants are issued to Iowa manufacturers with 76-250 employees across the state, investing in industry 4.0 technologies, to address workforce issues in manufacturing caused by the negative impacts of COVID-19. The purpose of these grants is to allow companies like Deco Products to remain globally competitive while addressing workforce shortages that are limiting growth or sales. Deco Products CEO Chris Storlie said he is looking forward PG 46

to using this grant to expand automation and real-time data collection systems and analysis. Storlie said, “This grant will be used on projects over the next three years, and will refocus human capital from manual, laborintensive positions into highly skilled occupations.” Some areas of focus in Deco’s expansion include robotic systems, new software integrations, and adding more Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining centers. Chris Storlie is optimistic for the future stating, “We believe these grants will be good for the local community and for Iowa.” For more information, visit sales@decoprod.com. BBM MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

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