By Harrell Kerkhoff, Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine Editor
Exhibitors and buyers of housewares from around the world recently converged at Chicago’s McCormick Place for the International Home & Housewares Show. Among those showcasing their latest products and innovations were companies that produce and/or supply various types of brushes, brooms, mops, squeegees, sponges and related cleaning wares.
Representatives from four companies that took part in the 2014 edition of this annual event, held this year on March
15-18, were interviewed by Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine. They discussed many new product introductions and innovations that are designed to meet today’s demands placed by retail customers and end-use consumers.
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THE FULLER BRUSH COMPANY
Founded in 1906, a key objective for The Fuller Brush Company while exhibiting at this year’s International Home & Housewares Show was to highlight the company’s strong heritage as well as new product lines.
Caitlin Keller
“Our goal is to be true to our brand, Fuller Brush, which we feel has always featured premium products,” Fuller Brush Vice President of Product Development & Marketing Caitlin Keller said. “There are many Baby Boomers who know about our company, its long history and the Fuller Brush brand. They trust our products. However, we also want to educate members of the Millennial Generation.”
Several product lines were exhibited inside the Fuller Brush booth at the Housewares Show. This included the company’s Full Connect universal stick program, featuring multiple cleaning heads designed for a variety of projects such as sweeping, dusting and mopping. The heads can be used by hand or with a pole.
“We have created poles that can attach to each style of head to clean throughout the house,” Keller said.
This includes duster heads to dust such items as chandeliers and electronic devices. One of these duster heads features both knitted yarn and microfiber. Keller said this duster head creates an electrostatic charge to better attract dust.
“(Full Connect) is a complete resource for cleaning a home. Retailers can either carry the heads alone with the poles and/or as kits,” Keller said.
Fuller Brush representatives were also showcasing the company’s Spin Mop Pro and Spin Mop Jr.
Keller said the Spin Mop Pro is designed to make rinsing the mop head easy through the use of a drop basket that can be submerged or lifted from a water-filled bucket. The mop spins in the bucket by pumping the handle. The mop can be further dried by lifting and locking the basket in place and pumping the handle.
The Spin Mop Jr. comes with a smaller sized bucket and lightweight basket. This product was a finalist for the 2014 IHA (International Housewares Association) Innovations Awards.
The mop heads for the Spin Mop Pro and Spin Mop Jr. are made of microfiber.
The Fuller Brush heritage was also showcased at the Housewares Show through the company’s new “1906” line of products.
“That was the year (1906) when Fuller Brush was created. All of these items (in the line) hark back to our company’s start. They represent items that have been with our company for years, ones that people recognize and were once sold door-to-door,” Keller said. “Our 1906 products are all made in the USA.”
She highlighted several items from the 1906 line called the Wooly Bully Dry Mop, Wooly Bully Hand Duster and Wooly Bully Fan Duster. These products are made from reclaimed carpet fibers designed to attract dust.
Focusing on innovation remains an important part of how Fuller Brush goes to market, Keller said.
“People have limited time to clean. Through innovation, Fuller Brush makes products that help people clean better and quicker so that they can have more time to spend with family and at activities,” Keller said. “We are looking forward to the year ahead. Fuller Brush has a lot of new products to offer and many retailers have expressed interest. Our direct sales team has grown tremendously. Their job is to re-energize this company, and it’s been a very successful trip thus far.”
Contact: The Fuller Brush Company, 860 Kaiser Rd.,
Suite D, Napa, CA 94558. Phone: 800-522-0499.
Website: www.fuller.com.
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BRUSHTECH INC.
Seeking customer feedback about company brushes that haven’t been marketed yet was one goal for two representatives of Brushtech Inc., during this year’s International Home & Housewares Show. The hope is this feedback will help determine future sales and success for these new items.
“We strive for innovation, while also keeping quality and good service as our top priorities,” Brushtech Vice President of Sales Zaven Gunjian said.
Innovation means more at Brushtech than just changing the color of a product, he added.
“We don’t want to get into the commodity brush business where people specialize in differentiating their brushes via different colors and sizes. We prefer to make products that feature different uses and designs, as opposed to just playing the color game,” Gunjian said.
Keeping cleaning products “fresh” plays a pivotal role in helping Brushtech officials satisfy current customer demands while also attracting new buyers. This is especially true for the company since it’s a domestic manufacturer located in Plattsburgh, NY.
Nora Gunjian and Zaven Gunjian
Since its founding in 1976, Brushtech products have been produced at the company’s upstate New York facility. It has also been a regular exhibitor at the Housewares Show over the years. This is an event, according to Gunjian, that helps his company remain in touch with the demands and needs found within the cleaning products industry.
Gunjian was at the company’s Housewares Show booth this year with his sister, Brushtech President Nora Gunjian. The business was founded by their father, the late Armen Gunjian.
“Our father passed away two years ago. My sister and I have been working to keep the machines turning. We have invented about 20 products this year, so I think we are heading in the right direction,” Zaven Gunjian said. “My dad often said, ‘When you go to sleep, you have to dream about your business. You never leave it.’ That is what we are doing.”
One new product Zaven and Nora Gunjian showcased at this year’s Housewares Show was the company’s patented double-helix bristle-free barbecue grill cleaning brush. Brushtech specializes in making a variety of unique twisted-in-wire brushes. This includes those designed to clean barbecue grills; goblets, flutes and decanters; dishes, pots, pans, glasses and mugs; dryer vent ducts and lint traps; microwaves, refrigerator coils and dishwashers; toilets, clogged sink drains and waste food disposals; hummingbird feeders; laboratory glassware; outdoor furniture and many other items.
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“We remain a company that strives to use the highest quality raw materials. Quality has been attached to our brand name since the beginning,” Zaven Gunjian said.
Brushtech products are sold to retailers, wholesalers and are also private labeled. Company officials also take pride in being a “Made In The USA” manufacturer.
“This helps our national economy and local community. It also allows us to provide just-in-time delivery for our customers,” Zaven Gunjian said. “When you are designing new products all the time, it’s best to have everything remain in-house. If we had to write an email for every little detail that needed to be modified, or call somebody located in a different time zone, then our new products would take three times as long to launch.”
He added it’s much easier and faster to have the company’s own production people in place to handle such issues.
“We can’t just throw out products (into the marketplace) and hope they sell,” Zaven Gunjian said. “We have to spend time testing and retesting as well as redesigning old ideas. It’s also important to think about upsells and cross-sells.”
Contact: Brushtech Inc., 4 Matt Ave., P.O. Box 1130,
Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Phone: 518-563-8420.
Website: www.brushtechbrushes.com.
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BUTLER HOME PRODUCTS
In existence since 1947, Butler Home Products continues to grow its product line through innovations and acquisitions. These changes were highlighted at the company’s booth during this year’s International Home & Housewares Show.
Butler Home Products provides a wide variety of brush, broom, sponge and related cleaning items for the housewares segment. In January 2014, it was announced the company reached an agreement with The Evercare Company to purchase specific products and brands. A number of these items were showcased by Butler Home Products at the Housewares Show.
“This acquisition allows us to enter additional product categories and provide new brands to customers. Evercare is a value-price brand featuring quality products,” Butler Home Products Senior Vice President of Marketing Michael Silverman said. “This includes the Evercare Mega Cleaning Roller. It’s a full-size lint roller that can be used on both hard and soft surfaces. It’s great for picking up small debris and pet hair. Due to its handle, the user doesn’t have to bend over. The product includes an easy release tab to replace the roller’s sticky sheet. Sheet refills are available.”
Other items showcased by Butler Homes Products at the 2014 Housewares Show included a number of stick goods under the Clorox brand. This included a flexible wide surface mop that is specifically designed to clean around kitchen chairs and table legs, and a floor mop that includes a pivot point.
Michael Silverman
“The user can push a button (on the floor mop) to better reach under such things as couches and refrigerators without having to get on his/her hands and knees,” Silverman said. “We also have new products when it comes to such items as household gloves and sponges.
“This year (at the Housewares Show), we are talking about our new pillars of the business. Butler’s foundation has been built as a mop and broom company. We have now expanded to also be a full-line household glove company, a full-line sponge company, and a full-line lint and soft surface company. We have evolved and continue to build on the strengths of our brands and relationships with customers and consumers.”
Silverman added that Butler Homes Products has benefited by providing branded products that consumers feel comfortable using.
“These are functional products that everybody needs. We all have to clean our house, our clothes and wash the dishes.”
Contact: Butler Home Products LLC, 237 Cedar Hill St., Marlborough, MA 01752. Phone: 508-597-8017.
Website: www.thebutler.com.
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FHP O-CEDAR®
Showing improved versions of tried-and-true cleaning products was a major objective for representatives of Freudenberg Household Products (FHP O-Cedar®) during this year’s International Home & Housewares Show.
Cheri Schmidt
“FHP O-Cedar® is a very traditional cleaning company. Our core products will always be a part of O-Cedar®, but we also feel it’s important to bring technology to the forefront. Consumers are looking for easier and faster ways to clean,” FHP O-Cedar® Brand Manager Cheri Schmidt said. “While at the Housewares Show, it’s also important to have a strong presence with our retailers. The event serves as a forum to showcase new items and innovations.”
Among the products showcased by the company was the O-Cedar ProMist® Microfiber Spray Mop. This item can be used with washable or disposable microfiber pad refills.
“We changed the product’s handle design. It now includes an easy-squeeze trigger and push button feature so the bottle (holding fluid) pops right out. The pump mechanism and the sprayer have also been upgraded,” Schmidt said. “It’s a renovated product that is launching right now with major retailers. There is a sweepstakes going on in conjunction with the product release. We want to give consumers a chance to win a home makeover.”
Among other products displayed at the FHP O-Cedar® booth was the Easy Wring Spin Mop & Bucket System. This item includes a foot pedal device, which allows the operator to wring the product’s microfiber mop when placed in the bucket.
“It comes in a kit, so the consumer gets both the mop and the bucket,” Schmidt said.
FHP O-Cedar® representatives also featured the company’s Flat Spin Mop at the Housewares Show.
“Microfiber flat mops are a growing segment. This item is the best of both worlds. The user gets spin technology with a flat mop,” Schmidt said. “It’s great for larger hard floor surfaces and also comes in a kit.
“We are showcasing as well our new angle broom featuring dual-fiber technology. It has soft grey bristles to attract fine dirt along with regular (black) bristles for bigger (dirt) pieces. The consumer can make one pass with the broom for total cleaning.”
Schmidt added that business has been good for FHP O-Cedar®, especially since this past winter has been very messy in many geographic areas.
“The weather has certainly worked in our favor due to all the slosh and mess. Bad weather is good for the cleaning business.”
Contact: Freudenberg Household Products LP,
2188 Diehl Rd., Aurora, IL 60502-8775.
Phone: 630-270-1450.
Website: www.ocedar.com.
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ABMA To Hold 97th Annual Convention
In Rancho Mirage, CA
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Westin Mission Hills Resort
The 97th Annual American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) Convention is scheduled for March
26-29 at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in
Rancho Mirage, CA.
The ABMA event is billed as four days of networking, fellowship and information sharing. The theme of this year’s convention is “Corporate Branding.” It will include the awarding of the 2014 William Cordes Innovation Excellence Award, the Suppliers Display, divisional meetings, guest speakers, receptions and other key events.
Convention Program Highlights
Wednesday, March 26, is the first full day of activities for the 97th Annual ABMA Convention. The Convention Committee Breakfast Meeting is scheduled from 8 to 9:20 a.m., followed by the Public Relations Committee Meeting from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m., and then the Membership Committee Meeting from 10:30 to 11:50 a.m.
ABMA convention registration on Wednesday is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Statistical Committee Lunch Meeting is set for noon to 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday, to be followed by a Safety & Standards Committee Meeting from 1 to 1:50 p.m.
This year’s ABMA Divisional Meetings are also slated for Wednesday. The Paint Applicator Division Meeting will convene from 2 until 2:50 p.m.; the Broom & Mop Division Meeting from 3 to 3:50 p.m.; the Industrial Maintenance Division Meeting from 4 to 4:50 p.m.; and the Suppliers Division Meeting from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Technical presentations will be incorporated again into this year’s first three divisional meetings. Marcus Roth, of UPS Logistics, will discuss Recent Changes in Logistics and the Effects on Your Business during the Paint Applicator Division Meeting; while a roundtable discussion on the topic How Has the ACA (Obamacare) Affected Your Business? is slated during the Broom & Mop Division Meeting. Two technical presentations will be presented during the Industrial Maintenance Division Meeting. Matthias Peveling, of Woehler Brush Tech, will discuss Strip Brush 101; while Robert Dous, of Zahoransky AG, will give a talk on Staple Strip and The European Market. All divisional meetings are open to everyone who attends the convention.
Wednesday evening’s events include the New Members & First Time Attendees Welcome Reception from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the Welcoming Reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Dress is business casual for both events.
A day earlier, on Tuesday, March 25, the Directors Finance Meeting will take place from 5 to 6 p.m., and will be followed by the 100th Anniversary Task Force Meeting from 7 to 9 p.m.
The main program to start Thursday, March 27, will be the Opening Business Session from 8 to 8:50 a.m. The event will include a welcome given by ABMA President Jeff Malish, of The Malish Corporation. Prior to the Business Session, a continental breakfast will be available from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. and remain open until 2 p.m.
Following the Opening Business Session there will be an ABMA All-Attendee Educational Institute from 9 to 11 a.m. The event features guest speaker Ira Blumenthal, who will present the first of his two part program titled, Corporate Branding. He will return on Saturday, March 29, for the second half of his presentation. Blumenthal is president of Co-Opportunities, Inc., an Atlanta-based consulting company that has counseled such clients as Coca-Cola, Nestle, Kroger, McDonald’s, Exxon and Walmart in areas related to “branding,” “strategic alliances,” “change management,” “re-invention” and “business development.” He is also a published author.
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The Suppliers Display setup time is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, while the ABMA Golf Scramble Tournament will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Pete Dye Course, located at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. The tournament cost includes greens fees, golf cart rental, range balls and prizes. Participants are asked to make their own club rental arrangements directly by calling 760-328-3198 to be connected to the pro shop. Bookings can also be made online at:
www.playmissionhills.com/palm-springs-tee-times.html.
Thursday’s Mid-Convention Reception is slated for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Lunch and dinner on Thursday are open.
A full day of activities is planned for Friday, March 28, starting with a continental breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Registration is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
One highlight will be the ABMA Suppliers Display, which will begin at 8 a.m. and run until noon. This event provides a showcase for ABMA members to see the latest products, ideas and components offered by exhibiting suppliers. In addition, the event is another opportunity for members to network.
From 9 to 10:30 a.m., meanwhile, the ABMA Companion Program will take place, featuring fashion expert William Squire. The session’s title is Your Signature Style.
A buffet lunch is slated for noon until 1 p.m. on Friday and will be followed by a San Andreas Fault Line Jeep Tour from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Also taking place on Friday, from 2 to 5 p.m., is a tennis clinic and round-robin tournament.
Friday evening’s featured event will be the Suppliers Reception, which takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. The theme is Easy Rider Biker Night. The event is dedicated to motorcycles, dancing and fun. Dress is business casual. Jackets are optional. Attendees are urged to come dressed in theme garb, including leather jackets.
The final day of the convention is Saturday, March 29, beginning with a continental breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m., and followed by the Closing Business Session and the William Cordes Innovation Excellence Award presentation. This all takes place from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
After the award presentation, Saturday’s ABMA All-Attendee Educational Institute is scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with the second part of Ira Blumenthal’s presentation on Corporate Branding. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the ABMA Board of Directors Luncheon and Meeting is scheduled. The final event of the 2014 ABMA Annual Convention will be the Board of Directors Dinner from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Also during this year’s convention, attendees who have not done so already are urged to take part in the ABMA 100th Anniversary documentary project. Interview times are available on Wednesday through Friday during the convention week. Contact ABMA for more details.
One of Golf Digest's® top 75 Golf Resorts of North America.
Hotel Registration, Dress
And Weather Information
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa is located at 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, in Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. The phone number for reservations is 877-253-0041. For ABMA events, comfortable and casual dress is appropriate. Daytime attire is casual and sportswear is customary (golf shirts and slacks or shorts for men; slacks, shorts or skirts/dresses for women). Evening activities feature “nice” informal or daytime business casual attire and may include sport coats for men; pantsuits, slacks, skirts/dresses for women.
Located in Southern California, Rancho Mirage has average daytime temperatures during March in the 70s to mid-80s. Nighttime temperatures average in the low- to mid-60s.
Call 720-392-2262 or visit www.abma.org for additional information about this year’s ABMA Annual Convention.
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Imports/Exports For First 11 Months Mostly Down
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Including complete list of November 2013
Import/Export Statistics
By Rick Mullen, Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine Associate Editor
U.S. government trade figures for the first 11 months of 2013 indicate raw material imports were down in all four categories outlined: hog bristle, broom and mop handles, brush backs and metal handles, compared to the first 11 months of 2012. For November 2013, raw material imports were down in three categories outlined: hog bristle, brush backs and metal handles, compared to November 2012.
Import totals for the first 11 months of 2013 were down in five finished goods categories outlined: brooms of broom corn valued at less than 96 cents, brooms of broom corn valued at more than 96 cents, toothbrushes, shaving brushes, paint rollers and paintbrushes, compared to the same time period in 2012. In November 2013, six categories outlined recorded decreases: brooms of broom corn valued at less than 96 cents, brooms of broom corn valued at more than 96 cents, toothbrushes, shaving brushes, paint rollers and paintbrushes, compared to November 2012.
– RAW MATERIAL IMPORTS –
Hog Bristle
The United States imported 8,771 kilograms of hog bristle in November 2013, down 46 percent from 16,135 kilograms imported in November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 258,672 kilograms of hog bristle were imported, down 19 percent from 318,324 kilograms imported during the first 11 months of 2012.
China sent 258,049 kilograms of hog bristle to the United States during the first 11 months of 2013.
The average price per kilogram for November 2013 was $10.31, down 53 percent from the average price per kilogram for November 2012 of $21.90. The average price per kilogram for the first 11 months of 2013 was $14.71, up 8 percent from the average price per kilogram of $13.62 for the first 11 months of 2012.
Broom And Mop Handles
The import total of broom and mop handles during November 2013 was 1.5 million, up 15 percent from 1.3 million for November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 14.2 million broom and mop handles were imported, down 10 percent from 15.8 million for the first 11 months of 2012.
During the first 11 months of 2013, the United States received 5.7 million broom and mop handles from Brazil, 3.6 million from Honduras, 2.5 million from China and 2.1 million from Indonesia.
The average price per handle for November 2013 was 88 cents, up 40 percent from the average price for November 2012 of 63 cents. The average price for the first 11 months of 2013 was 87 cents, up 13 percent from 77 cents for the first 11 months of 2012.
Brush Backs
November 2013 imports of brush backs totaled 545,015, down 11 percent from 612,504 for November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 5.3 million brush backs were imported, down 31 percent from 7.7 million for the first 11 months of 2012.
Canada shipped 2.8 million brush backs to the United States during the first 11 months of 2013, while Sri Lanka shipped 2.4 million.
The average price per brush back was 49 cents during November 2013, up 20 percent from the average price for November 2012 of 41 cents. For the first 11 months of 2013, the average price per brush back was 47 cents, up 1 cent from the first 11 months of 2012.
Metal Handles
The import total of metal handles during November 2013 was 2.1 million, down 9 percent from 2.3 million for November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 23 million metal handles were imported, down 11 percent from 25.8 million for the first 11 months of 2012.
During the first 11 months of 2013, Italy sent 12.6 million metal handles to the United States, while Spain shipped 4.9 million and China exported 4.8 million.
The average price per handle for November 2013 was 75 cents, up 10 percent from 68 cents for November 2012. The average price for the first 11 months of 2013 was 72 cents, up 9 percent from the average price for the first 11 months of 2012 of 66 cents.
– FINISHED GOODS IMPORTS –
Brooms Of Broom Corn
Valued At Less Than 96 Cents
The total import of brooms of broom corn valued at less than 96 cents per broom for November 2013 was 3,984, down 70 percent from 13,500 for November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 127,272 brooms of broom corn were imported, down 35 percent from 196,436 imported during the first 11 months of 2012.
All the brooms were imported from Mexico.
The average price per broom for November 2013 was 68 cents, down 1 cent from the average price for November 2012. The average price per broom for the first 11 months of 2013 was 58 cents, down 31 percent from 84 cents from the first 11 months of 2012.
Brooms Of Broom Corn
Valued At More Than 96 Cents
The United States imported 565,282 brooms of broom corn valued at more than 96 cents per broom during November 2013, down 11 percent from 633,095 for November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 7.2 million brooms of broom corn were imported, down 3 percent from 7.4 million for the first 11 months of 2012.
Mexico shipped 7.1 million brooms to the United States during the first 11 months of 2013.
The average price per broom for November 2013 was $2.42, down 1 percent from the average price for November 2012 of $2.44. The average price per broom for the first 11 months of 2013 was $2.44, up 3 percent from $2.37 for the first 11 months of 2012.
Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable Material
The import total of brooms and brushes of vegetable material during November 2013 was 108,233, up 53 percent from 70,778 brooms and brushes imported during November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 1.8 million brooms and brushes were imported, up 6 percent from 1.7 million for the first 11 months of 2012.
Sri Lanka exported 1.1 million brooms and brushes to the United States during the first 11 months of 2013, while Vietnam sent 200,992.
The average price per unit for November 2013 was $2.14, up 8 percent from $1.99 for November 2012. The average price for the first 11 months of 2013 was $1.34, up 10 percent from the average price recorded for the first 11 months of 2012 of $1.22.
Toothbrushes
The United States imported 75.3 million toothbrushes in November 2013, down 1 percent from 75.9 million imported in November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 969.7 million toothbrushes were imported, up 1 percent from 964.1 million imported during the first 11 months of 2012.
China sent 727.1 million toothbrushes to the United States during the first 11 months of 2013, while Vietnam shipped 75.5 million.
The average price per toothbrush for November 2013 was 23 cents, down 12 percent from 26 cents for November 2012. The average price for the first 11 months of 2013 was 23 cents, up 10 percent from 21 cents for the first 11 months of 2012.
Hairbrushes
November 2013 imports of hairbrushes totaled 5.3 million, up 36 percent from the November 2012 total of 3.9 million hairbrushes. During the first 11 months of 2013, 44.2 million hairbrushes were imported, down 15 percent from 51.9 million for the first 11 months of 2012.
China shipped 43.4 million hairbrushes to the United States during the first 11 months of 2013.
The average price per hairbrush was 29 cents during November 2013, up 7 percent from the average price for November 2012 of 27 cents. For the first 11 months of 2013, the average price per hairbrush was 27 cents, the same as the average price for the first 11 months of 2012.
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Shaving Brushes
The United States imported 4.2 million shaving brushes in November 2013, down 50 percent from 8.4 million imported in November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 51.9 million shaving brushes were imported, down 27 percent from 71.4 million imported during the first 11 months of 2012.
China sent 31.9 million shaving brushes to the United States during the first 11 months of 2013, while Germany shipped 7 million and South Korea sent 6.9 million.
The average price per shaving brush for November 2013 was 19 cents, up 90 percent from the average price for November 2012 of 10 cents. The average price for the first 11 months of 2013 was 16 cents, up 33 percent from 12 cents for the first 11 months of 2012.
Paint Rollers
The import total of paint rollers during November 2013 was 3.5 million, down 13 percent from 4 million recorded for November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 48 million paint rollers were imported, down 15 percent from 56.5 million during the first 11 months of 2012.
China sent 38.9 million paint rollers to the United States during the first 11 months of 2013, while Mexico exported 6.8 million.
The average price per paint roller for November 2013 was 53 cents, up 26 percent from 42 cents for November 2012. The average price for the first 11 months of 2013 was 53 cents, up 18 percent from the average price recorded for the first 11 months of 2012 of 45 cents.
Paintbrushes
U.S. companies imported 17.1 million paintbrushes during November 2013, down 27 percent from 23.4 million paintbrushes imported during November 2012. Paintbrush imports for the first 11 months of 2013 were 221.1 million, down less than 1 percent from 221.8 million recorded for the first 11 months of 2012.
China shipped 159.7 million paintbrushes to the United States during the first 11 months of 2013.
The average price per paintbrush for November 2013 was 31 cents, up 29 percent from the average price for November 2012 of 24 cents. The average price for the first 11 months of 2013 was 27 cents, down 13 percent from 31 cents for the first 11 months of 2012.
– EXPORTS –
Export totals for the first 11 months of 2013 were
down in three categories outlined: brooms and brushes of vegetable materials, shaving brushes and paintbrushes compared to the first 11 months of 2012.
In November 2013, three categories outlined reported increases: broom and brushes of vegetable materials, shaving brushes and artist brushes, compared to November 2012.
Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable Materials
The United States exported 4,947 dozen brooms and brushes of vegetable materials during November 2013, up 31 percent from the November 2012 total of 3,764 dozen. Exports of brooms and brushes of vegetable materials during the first 11 months of 2013 were 80,895 dozen, down 22 percent from 103,912 dozen for the first 11 months of 2012.
The United States sent 31,522 dozen brooms and brushes to Canada during the first 11 months of 2013 and 11,554 dozen to Brazil.
The average price per dozen brooms and brushes was $44.73 in November 2013, down less than 1 percent from $44.86 for November 2012. The average price per dozen brooms and brushes for the first 11 months of 2013 was $42.62, up 10 percent from the average price per dozen for the first 11 months of 2012 of $38.73.
Toothbrushes
During November 2013, the United States exported 10.6 million toothbrushes, down 22 percent from the total recorded in November 2012 of 13.6 million. During the first 11 months of 2013, 163.4 million toothbrushes were exported, up 19 percent from 137.7 million exported during the first 11 months of 2012.
The United States exported 64.5 million toothbrushes to Canada during the first 11 months of 2013, while sending 25.9 million toothbrushes to Mexico and 22.6 million to Germany.
The average price per toothbrush for November 2013 was 55 cents, up 22 percent from the average price for November 2012 of 45 cents. The average price per toothbrush for the first 11 months of 2013 was 44 cents, down 8 percent from 48 cents for the first 11 months of 2012.
Shaving Brushes
The United States exported 1.4 million shaving brushes during November 2013, up 8 percent from 1.3 million shaving brushes exported for November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 15 million shaving brushes were exported, down 31 percent from 21.6 million during the first 11 months of 2012.
Canada imported 5.4 million shaving brushes from the United States during the first 11 months of 2013, while Brazil received 4.7 million and Mexico imported 1.7 million.
The average price per shaving brush for November 2013 was $1.31, up 58 percent from the average price for November 2012 of 83 cents. The average price for the first 11 months of 2013 was 99 cents, up 52 percent from 65 cents recorded for the first 11 months of 2012.
Artist Brushes
November 2013 exports of artist brushes totaled 948,480, up 75 percent from the November 2012 total of 542,514 artist brushes. During the first 11 months of 2013, 8.8 million artist brushes were exported, up 1 percent from 8.7 million for the first 11 months of 2012.
Canada received 5.9 million artist brushes from the United States during the first 11 months of 2013, while Mexico imported 485,590.
The average price per artist brush was $2.02 during November 2013, down 16 percent from the average price for November 2012 of $2.40. For the first 11 months of 2013, the average price per artist brush was $2.53, down 12 percent from the average price for the first 11 months of 2012 of $2.87.
Paintbrushes
The export total of paintbrushes during November 2013 was 101,820, down 30 percent from 146,153 for November 2012. During the first 11 months of 2013, 1.2 million paintbrushes were exported, down 25 percent from 1.6 million during the first 11 months of 2012.
Canada imported 509,719 paintbrushes from the United States during the first 11 months of 2013, while The Netherlands received 152,248.
The average price per paintbrush for November 2013 was $14.82, down 1 percent from $15.04 for November 2012. The average price for the first 11 months of 2013 was $17.41, up 29 percent from $13.50 recorded for the first 11 months of 2012.
Click here for November 2013 Import/Export Statistics.
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Jewel Wire Merges Service And Updates Contact Information
The Jewel Wire Company, a long time subsidiary of Loos & Company, has moved its website to a section on
the Loos & Company site.
Loos & Company, which fully incorporated the administrative processes of Jewel Wire last year, has officially merged the contact information of the two companies.
This change unites all service and support operations of the two companies, including all contact information.The Jewel Wire direct phone line (860-928-6681) and fax line (860-928-6768) were eliminated. Jewel Wire representatives can now be contacted exclusively through the toll-free and local numbers for Loos & Company.
Jewel Wire can now be reached using any of the following methods: Toll-free 800-533-5667; local 860-928-7981; fax 860-928-6167, and email sales@jewelwire.com.
The sales and customer service contact person remains Debbie French. She can be reached through any of the methods mentioned above, or through her direct line at 860-630-4314.
By combining the contact information of the two companies, Jewel customers will now be given the added support of the Loos & Company internal service department.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure our customers receive the very best support,” Mike Fredrickson, wire sales manager said, “and by combining our customer support internally, and merging our communications, we are able to do just that.”
Customers are urged to verify and update their records. If they have any questions or concerns, contact Mike Fredrickson (860-630-4247) or Debbie French.
With over 60 years of experience, the Loos & Company Jewel Wire Division manufactures custom brush wire products.
Visit www.jewelwire.com or the Brush Wire section at www.loosco.com.
DuPont Protection Technologies Announces
Winners Of The 2013 “Dirty Work” Contest
Pictured is Grand Prize Winner Chad Grant, of Marion Environmental, Cohutta, GA.
DuPont Protection Technologies has announced the winners of the third annual DuPont Dirty Work Photo Contest, featuring DuPont™ ProShield®, DuPont™ Tyvek® and DuPont™ Tychem®.
Chad Grant and Bruce Taylor won the top two prizes in the online competition by best demonstrating the many ways in which workers use DuPont™ Tyvek® and DuPont™ Tychem® garments to help keep safe and clean on the job. To view all of the entries, visit www.tyvekphotocontest.dupont.com.
Entrants were asked to submit original photos of themselves or their colleagues wearing a DuPont™ ProShield®, DuPont™ Tyvek® or DuPont™ Tychem® garment after completing their “dirty work.” The entries were then judged based on a variety of criteria, including how well the DuPont garment and “dirty work” were portrayed in the photo.
Chad Grant, of Cohutta, GA, was the grand prize winner, showing how he uses a DuPont™ Tychem® QC suit with a DuPont™ Tyvek® coverall to protect himself while cleaning number six fuel oil. As the grand prize winner, he received a $1,500 prize.
“My job with Marion Environmental puts me in some pretty messy situations and this one was of the messiest,” said Grant. “Cleaning up oil is about as dirty as it gets. My DuPont™ Tyvek® and DuPont™ Tychem® garments help keep me clean and dry, while leaving the oil at work.”
Bruce Taylor, of Marriottsville, MD, was the first prize winner and received a $750 prize for his photo of himself and his fellow Howard County workers cleaning a sewage station wet well. Taylor and his colleagues are shown cleaning raw sewage while wearing DuPont™ Tyvek® suits.
Pictured is First Prize Winner Bruce Taylor, of Howard County, MD.
The DuPont Dirty Work Photo Contest also rewarded several sweepstakes winners with $150 prizes for their entries. The sweepstakes winners are: Rebecca Knighten, of Oakboro, NC; Brad Hamm, of Clovis, CA; Autumn Hall, of Gibsonville, NC; Tiffany Banks, of Sandusky, OH; John Zamran, of Overland Park, KS; Gloria Dornin, of Coopersburg, PA; and Crystal Redmond, of Martinsville, VA.
From sticky oil to sewage, DuPont protective garments help provide comfortable and durable protection – and balance for a variety of industrial uses, including general maintenance, contracting and mold remediation, according to the company.
Visit www.dupont.com for more information.
New Sherlock Bucket-Tray Joins
Wooster 14-Inch Roller Program
The Wooster Sherlock® Bucket-Tray.
The new Wooster Sherlock® Bucket-Tray offers a roll-off grid, and is designed for use with 9-, 12-, or 14-inch roller frames.
It has a full 1-gallon capacity. Built-in handles on both sides make transporting the Bucket-Tray easy and offers a way to hang it for storage. An included frame rest prevents unwanted messes when it’s time to switch to using a brush or to take a break. Molded from polypropylene, the Bucket-Tray offers durability, according to the company.
Wooster spokespeople say the tray liner is made of clear, solvent-resistant PET (recycled plastic), and is a great accessory purchase. The snugly fitting liner provides instant cleanup.
Both Wooster items are available at traditional paint and decorating centers, hardware stores, paint sundry distributors and retailers, and home centers.
Visit www.woosterbrush.com for more information.
The Malish Corporation Introduces
New Diamabrush By Malish™ Removal Tool
The new Diamabrush By Malish™ Removal Tool is available in 7-inch and 4.5-inch sizes.
The Malish Corporation, a global manufacturer of rotary brushes and accessories, has announced the addition of a new removal hand tool to its Diamabrush By Malish™ Floor Preparation System line of products.
Company spokespeople say the removal tool is available in 4.5- and 7-inch sizes, is easy to use with existing hand grinders and uses the same diamond abrasive technology as the Diamabrush By Malish™ line. This feature helps prevent caramelizing or clogging of the tool, resulting in fast and effective removal through the life of the tool.
In addition to prepping concrete floors, the tool can also be used on walls made of brick, block, stone or metal. It is completely chemical-free.
“This new removal tool strips gummy mastics up to 10 times faster than the competition,” said Fred Lombardi, Malish vice president of sales & marketing. “The effectiveness and efficiency of this tool make it a great addition to the Diamabrush By Malish™ line of products.”
Visit www.diamabrushbymalish.com for more information.
John Thompson Now Directer Of All Training And
Field Technical Sales Responsibilities At PFERD
Officials at PFERD INC. have announced the appointment of John Thompson as the company’s national technical sales manager. Thompson joins the company from Walter Surface Technologies, where he was international sales training manager.
In his new position, Thompson reports to President Gene Huegin, and is responsible for managing the company’s network of technical sales representatives as well as designing, directing and implementing all aspects of PFERD's product training program. This includes overseeing the work of the company's training manager, managers of designated specialty markets and the PFERD Tool Mobile Program, a custom equipped van program that travels to customers' locations to conduct on-site training and process improvement for end-users and PFERD distributor partners.
John Thompson
Thompson is originally from Milwaukee and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in experimental psychology at the University of Wisconsin, and later a master's degree in business administration at Cardinal Stritch University, also in Milwaukee. While at Walter, he was awarded a Master of Surface Technologies and earned several top sales achievement awards. His work experience also includes years at Generac Corporation and Amerigas Corporation.
Thompson will continue to reside in Milwaukee and work from PFERD’s brush manufacturing and product distribution facility there. He is a member of AWS, SME and has served as a member of Train The Trainers program for the International Training Institute of Sheet Metal Workers.
He is a past volunteer firefighter and served on the board of directors for Blue Machine, a manufacturing company specifically run by special need adults. He also enjoys fabricating parts and assemblies for custom automobiles.
The company also has strenghtened its new state-of-the-art training center in Milwaukee. This center contains hands-on training stations including two for safe grinding of aluminum and titanium plus classrooms where theoretical and practical metalworking solutions are taught to distributor sales persons and to technical representatives.
In making the announcement, Huegin pointed to Thompson's in-depth experience in all training and application areas of metalworking and surface finishing.
PFERD INC. is the U.S. subsidiary of August Rϋggeberg GmbH & Co. of Marienheide, Germany, a 215-year-old company, which designs and manufactures abrasive products, cutting tools, industrial maintenance brushes and power tools. ADVANCE BRUSH is a subsidiary of PFERD INC.
Visit www.pferdusa.com for more information.
Unger Founder Honored With Posthumous
Lifetime Achievement Award
Henry Unger, founder of the global company that has been producing professional cleaning tools for over 50 years, has received a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA).
According to Unger company history, “The story began back in 1964 when a young window cleaner decided to take a chance. It was in that year that Henry Unger took the latest window cleaning innovations from the United States and introduced them to German window cleaners.
Henry Unger
“His discerning eye for quality products, pursuit of new and better ways to clean, and his experience of knowing the issues that window cleaners faced, proved to be a recipe for success. The company started from humble beginnings, the attic of Henry’s wife’s grandmother in Hamburg, but soon grew to become the global concern it is today. Unger now has business partners in 80 countries across the world.
“Passionate about improving the lives of window cleaners, he strived to design products that achieved the best results while making jobs safer, quicker and easier for the professional. He was an active member of the IWCA from the start, strongly supporting its mission to develop professionalism, ethics and standards of safety.”
The IWCA Lifetime Achievement Award was established to honor a current or former individual member of the IWCA who has made major life-long contributions to the window cleaning industry as a practicing window cleaner, supplier, promoter or leader. It is above and beyond honorary membership.
Mark Unger, Henry’s son, continues to help guide the company today, together with his two brothers.
“This award comes at a time of great significance for Unger as we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year. The fact that the IWCA is also celebrating an important milestone – its 25th anniversary – makes this even more special,” said Mark Unger. “Although Henry is no longer with us, having passed away in 1996, his legacy lives on. His greatest wish was to be remembered as someone who helped to make the industry more professional, developing equipment that enables window cleaners to accomplish their tasks in the easiest, quickest and safest ways possible. The IWCA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes his incredible achievements, and is a fitting tribute to a great man who was proud to be a window cleaner.”
Visit www.ungerglobal.com.
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