Brushware 2026 March-April Digital Magazine: ABMA Convention Preview
brushware
We’re the largest manufacturer of the world’s smallest brushes. Mill-Rose miniature brushes are available in a variety of styles and configurations as small as 0.014” in diameter to deburr, clean and ream very small holes and cavities.
We also make large brushes and custom-designed brushes. Mill-Rose has set the standard for quality, performance, and innovation in brush technology for the past 100+ years. Choose from thousands of standard and not so standard sizes and shapes. Call or visit MillRose.com.
Strategic Reset Set For Puerto Rico
As we look ahead to the 109th ABMA Convention, I’m excited to welcome you to our March/April preview edition of Brushware. This year’s gathering at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, offers more than just a change of scenery; it provides a meaningful opportunity to step away from day-to-day operations and reconnect with the people and ideas shaping the future of our industry.
The ABMA Convention has long served as a strategic checkpoint for brush manufacturers and suppliers. In a business environment defined by shifting supply chains, evolving trade dynamics and rapid technological advancement, time spent together is invaluable. Our full preview in this issue outlines the educational sessions, networking opportunities and leadership conversations that will define the four-day program. Whether you are a longtime attendee or considering your first convention, this edition is designed to help you make the most of the experience.
I’m also particularly excited about Amy Linzmeyer-Jelinek’s feature, People of the Brush Industry: Tradition Meets Technology. Her article thoughtfully explores the intersection of legacy craftsmanship and the accelerating push toward automation and artificial intelligence. Through conversations with respected professionals across the sector, she highlights a theme that feels especially timely: innovation does not replace tradition — it builds upon it. As manufacturers evaluate investments in automation, AI-driven processes and digital tools, the human expertise behind brushmaking remains central to long-term success.
In addition, this issue includes our annual review of U.S. import and export statistics for key brush categories, along with updated five-year trend charts. While final data releases were delayed due to the recent federal shutdown, the information presented here continues to offer a valuable perspective on trade flows and market positioning as companies refine their strategy for the year ahead.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Puerto Rico as we gather, reflect and prepare for the next chapter of growth in the global brush industry.
Dylan Goodwin | Publisher
dylan.goodwin@goodwinworldmedia.com
Issue #26-02
Brushware is a bi-monthly publication edited for key personnel in the brush, roller, broom, mop and applicator industry. Published continuously through the years, the one publication that is provides a voice and community for the brush and allied industries: 1898-1923, called Brooms, Brushes & Handles; 19241947, called Brooms, Brushes & Mops, 1948-today, called Brushware
PUBLICATION OFFICE
Brushware Magazine
Goodwin World Media LLC P.O. Box 7093 Overland Park, KS 66207 Tel: 913-636-7231
GENERAL MANAGER
Susan Goodwin info.brushware@goodwinworldmedia.com
PUBLISHER
Dylan Goodwin dylan.goodwin@goodwinworldmedia.com
CHIEF OF STAFF
Lisa Ray news.brushware@goodwinworldmedia.com
MAGAZINE EDITOR
Gwyneth Bowen
WEB EDITOR
Linda Blachly
CORRESPONDENTS
Bob Lawrence
Phillip M. Perry
Katharina Goldbeck-Hörz
Mark E. Battersby
Lisa Anderson
Marion Keller
Brushware Magazine (ISSN 00072710) is published bi-monthly by Goodwin World Media LLC, P.O. Box 7093, Overland Park, KS 66207 USA. Printed in the USA. Subscription: $95/year for US, Canada and Mexico. All other countries $210/year.
POSTMASTER – Send address changes to Brushware Magazine, P.O. Box 7093, Overland Park, KS 66207. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Requests for permission should be addressed to: Brushware Magazine, P.O. Box 7093, Overland Park, KS 66207.
W h e r e C h a l l e n g e s
SCHAEFER BRUSH MFG.
T h e A m e r i c a n B r u s h C o m p a n y h m i c n u s h m n
m e e t E n g i n e e r i n g - L e d D e s i g n
B u i l t f o r C r i t i c a l U s e
El Yunque National Forest is a forest located in near Rio Grande Puerto Rico. It is the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System. Photo:
The Pulse
ZAHORANSKY AG Celebrates 100 Years of Partnership with Mayerhofer Argentina
ZAHORANSKY AG is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its partnership with Mayerhofer Argentina, underlining a collaboration that has been characterized by trust, technical expertise and joint market development for a century.
The partnership dates back to 1925, when Mayerhofer took over the representation of ZAHORANSKY in the markets of Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Since then, the company has played a key role in serving customers in the region and has been involved in numerous strategic and technical projects. Furthermore, Mayerhofer’s experienced team has provided reliable support for decades, particularly in the spare parts business.
In this context, ZAHORANSKY AG acknowledges the long-standing contributions of Ariel Schopflocher, President and owner of Mayerhofer and Hernán Bertolotto, Sales Manager responsible for the business with ZAHORANSKY. Their continuous commitment and close collaboration have significantly contributed to the stability and further development of the partnership. Joint customer visits and direct coordination demonstrate the close and trusting working relationship between the two companies.
Founded in 1893, Mayerhofer boasts over 130 years of company history. Since its inception, the company has been active in the distribution, representation and import of machinery and raw materials for the brush industry. The partnership with ZAHORANSKY dates back to 1925; today, the company is managed by the fourth generation of the Schopflocher family.
For more information about ZAHORANSKY, visit www.zahoransky.com.
Borghi to Collaborate with Artur Seger
Borghi has announced a new collaboration with Artur Seger, aimed at further strengthening Borghi’s presence and customer relationships in the German, Austrian and Swiss (DACH) regions. According to Borghi, this strategic partnership represents a “new, positive opportunity for both parties, combining expertise, passion and local insight to better serve the market.”
Through this cooperation, Borghi says it will be able to transfer its passion and motivation more effectively across the German, Austrian and Swiss areas by ensuring a strong local presence. “Customers will now benefit from enhanced support, elevating Borghi’s customer partnership to the next level,” the company says in a statement.
Borghi says it has found in Artur Seger a passionate and knowledgeable professional with 32 years of experience in the brush industry, perfectly aligned with Borghi’s values of innovation, quality and customer care. His understanding of the local market and technical expertise will help bring Borghi even closer to its customers.
“With Artur Seger joining as our local partner, we now offer increased experience and knowledge to support the brush industry directly. This collaboration marks an important milestone in Borghi’s ongoing mission to support and strengthen the German, Austrian and Swiss markets, combining Italian innovation and know-how with local expertise for a future of even closer customer relationships and shared success.”
Learn more about Borghi at www.borghi.com. More information about Artur Seger at www.artur-seger.com
Clean-Fit Products Introduces Blue Monster Faucet Grease
Blue Monster Faucet Grease (B.M.F.G), a premium silicone grease designed to lubricate faucet valves, stems and cartridges, is now available from Clean-Fit Products, a division of The Mill-Rose Company.
According to the company, unlike conventional greases that oxidize or carbonize under heat, Blue Monster Faucet Grease “maintains stability and performance over extended service intervals, reducing component wear. Formulated for extreme performance, it delivers long-lasting lubrication and protection in high-temperature, high-load and chemically demanding environments.”
Blue Monster Faucet Grease resists breakdown across a wide temperature range while remaining inert to most plastics, elastomers and metals. Its non-carbonizing formulation prevents the formation of hard deposits and varnish, ensuring smooth operation and reliable sealing even after prolonged exposure to heat.
“Blue Monster Faucet Grease reduces friction, provides superior lubrication and helps hard-turning faucets work smoothly,” says John Kirkland, National Sales Manager for Clean-Fit Products. “It’s also an effective lubricant for O-rings and other rubber or plastic applications, preventing damage by abrasion, pinching or cutting,” added Kirkland.
While engineered for plumbing applications, the company says Blue Monster Faucet Grease’s lubricity characteristics make it ideal for automotive, electrical, heating, industrial and OEM applications. Certifications include NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 — NSF Nonfood H-1, which meet both leaching limits (NSF 61) and strict lead content rules (NSF 372), providing comprehensive safety for drinking water systems.
Blue Monster Faucet Grease is offered in a 3-ounce tube and sold at leading PHC supply houses. Blue Monster Products are offered exclusively by Clean-Fit Products, a division of The Mill-Rose Company. Mill-Rose is the world’s leading supplier of PTFE thread sealants and the largest manufacturer of twisted-in-wire brushes in the U.S.A.
Visit www.millrose.com for more information on The Mill-Rose Company. Learn more about Clean-Fit Products at www.CleanFit.com.
Interclean Shanghai | Shanghai, China www.intercleanshow.com/china
November 6-8, 2026
DIY CON | Dallas, Texas
November 17-19, 2026
ISSA Show North America | Las Vegas, Nevada www.issashow.com
2027
May 5-6, 2027
International Hardware Fair Italy | Milan, Bergamo www.hardwarefair-italy.com
2028
May 16-18, 2028
World Brush Expo | Ghent, Belgium www.worldbrushexpo.com
The Pulse
Dr. John Rainey, MBE: 1950–2026
The global brush industry is mourning the passing of Dr. John Rainey, MBE, chairman of Denman and the Denroy Group, who died on February 10, 2026, at the age of 75.
Based in Bangor, Northern Ireland, Denman has long held a prominent place within the professional hairbrush sector, while Denroy Group operates across a broader manufacturing portfolio serving automotive, aerospace, defense and medical markets. Under Dr. Rainey’s leadership, both businesses expanded their technical capabilities and international reach, while maintaining their roots as family-founded enterprises.
Dr Rainey was widely regarded as a visionary engineer and entrepreneur. Colleagues describe him as a leader who combined technical rigor with a strong people-first philosophy. In 2014, he was awarded an MBE for services to economic development in Northern Ireland, recognizing his contribution to manufacturing and regional industry.
Within the brush sector, Denman remains best known for its professional styling brushes, which achieved international recognition during the rise of precision hairdressing techniques in the 1960s. In recent decades, the company has continued to invest in materials engineering, product development and sustainability initiatives—priorities that reflected Dr. Rainey’s long-standing interest in innovation and responsible manufacturing.
In a statement shared by the company, Denman and Denroy described the loss as profound, noting Dr. Rainey’s commitment not only to operational excellence but also to mentoring future leaders within the organization. Kevin McNamee, CEO of Denroy Group, said Dr. Rainey leaves “an indelible mark on the industries we touch and in the memories of so many,” emphasizing the strong foundation now in place for continued growth.
Beyond business, Dr. Rainey was known for his intellectual curiosity, philanthropic support of community initiatives, and dedication to engineering advancement. Industry partners frequently cited his integrity, accessibility and long-term perspective as defining characteristics of his leadership style.
ZAHORANSKY Awarded EcoVadis Bronze Medal
ZAHORANSKY AG has been awarded the Bronze Medal by the international rating platform EcoVadis in recognition of its achievements in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. This places the machine and mould manufacturing specialist for brushes and brooms, oral care and medical technology in the top 35 percent of all companies certified by EcoVadis. The award reflects the company’s long-standing corporate culture, which is based on responsible business practices and appreciation of its employees.
Relevance for Customers and Partners
“Receiving the Bronze Medal at our very first EcoVadis assessment is a great success for our entire team. It sends a clear signal to our customers and partners that we do not view sustainability merely as a buzzword, but have firmly embedded it in our corporate strategy,” explains Ric Nachtmann, Chief Financial Officer of ZAHORANSKY AG. “Many of our international customers use EcoVadis for supplier qualification. This recognition further strengthens our position as a reliable and transparent partner in the global market.”
Focus on Continuous Improvement
For ZAHORANSKY, the company says the detailed scorecard serves as a strategic tool to further build on existing strengths and to systematically address areas for improvement. “The aim is to continuously enhance sustainability performance and to further improve the company’s position in future ratings.”
EcoVadis is a globally recognized platform for assessing corporate sustainability performance. The rating evaluates management systems as well as concrete measures across four core themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. The certification is valid for twelve months and is updated through annual assessments.
Learn more about ZAHORANSKY AG at www.zahoransky.com.
LaCrosse Brush Celebrates 100th Anniversary
LaCrosse Brush, a high-quality brush and cleaning tools manufacturer, has announced its 100th anniversary in 2026. “From its humble beginnings in 1926, when founder George Wittenberg crafted handmade brushes in his basement, to its present-day reputation as a leader in the Jan/San industry, LaCrosse Brush marks a century of resilience, growth and dedication to its customers,” the company says in a statement.
Founded in 1926, Green Bay, Wisconsin-based LaCrosse Brush has weathered both growth and adversity over nearly a century in business. The company overcame a devastating fire in 1972, relocated operations multiple times and expanded through strategic acquisitions, including Ridgeview Products in 2005 and Excel Brush in 2007. Each chapter reflects LaCrosse Brush’s sustained commitment to quality, innovation and customer service.
“Hitting 100 years is pretty incredible, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our team, the loyalty of our customers and the support of our community,” says Derek Peterson, Director of Brush Manufacturing. “At LaCrosse Brush, it’s never just been about making brushes — it’s about building relationships and creating tools people can rely on every day,” the company says.
From its early days supplying local industries, LaCrosse Brush says it has grown into a nationally recognized brand known for its durable, color-coded brooms, brushes and cleaning tools. Today, the company continues to thrive as part of Alwin Manufacturing, marketed alongside Palmer Fixture to provide innovative hygiene and cleaning solutions across the Jan/San industry.
Aim For Extraordinary
Extraordinary brushes start with innovative filaments by Celanese. Explore the unparalleled quality, versatility, and innovation that defines Celanese Filaments. We have been developing and refining our extensive line of monofilaments for over 80 years.
Paintbrushes: Tynex® and Chinex® brand tapered nylon monofilaments, Orel® brand tapered polyester monofilaments, and Kulex® brand level polyester monofilaments
Industrial/Abrasive Brushes: Tynex® A, Tynex® AD and Herox® A brand nylon monofilaments containing abrasive grits
Cosmetic Brushes: Tynex® and Natrafil™ brand fine filaments
Contact Celanese Filaments to create your Extraordinary Brush! 1-304-409-9584 | celanese.com/products/filaments
The Pulse
Teri Barnes Joins Nexstep As New Controller
Nexstep Commercial Products, an industry leader in commercial cleaning tools and solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Teri Barnes as Controller. In this role, Ms. Barnes will oversee the company’s financial operations, including fiscal reporting, internal controls and strategic budgetary management.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Barnes brings a robust background in financial leadership to the Nexstep executive team. She holds a degree in Accounting from Sinclair Community College and joins the company following a successful tenure at Bridge HomeCare Partners, where she served in the dual capacity of Controller and Human Resources Director.
“Teri is a welcome addition to our company; her experience, organizational skills and can-do attitude will be of great value to Nexstep Commercial Products,” says Todd Leventhal, President of Nexstep.
Brushware Industry Survey Update
Brushware launched its industry survey initiative in 2025, making this year just our second attempt at compiling sector-wide data and commentary.
Unfortunately, we did not receive enough completed surveys — or accompanying comments — to publish meaningful results. While we’re always eager to try new ideas that can add value to the brush manufacturing community, we also recognize when a concept simply doesn’t gain the traction needed to succeed.
For now, we will move on to other projects that better serve our readers and advertisers. To those who did participate, we sincerely appreciate your time and support. We remain committed to delivering relevant industry insights through other formats that resonate more strongly with our audience.
Da Vinci's NOVA Brush Line Marks 50 Years
Da Vinci Artist Brush Factory DEFET GmbH is marking the 50th anniversary of its NOVA synthetic brush series, one of the most widely recognized product lines in the fine art brush category.
Introduced in the mid-1970s, NOVA represented an early move into synthetic filament technology at a time when natural hair dominated the artist brush market. The Nuremberg-based manufacturer developed extrafine synthetic fibers engineered to provide elasticity, durability and paint control across multiple techniques.
The line's signature design — golden synthetic filaments paired with a fir-green handle — has remained largely unchanged over five decades, contributing to strong shelf recognition in international markets. NOVA brushes are used across watercolor, tempera, acrylic and oil applications, as well as in hobby and educational settings.
"The anniversary is a defining milestone that reflects five decades of commitment, product development and customer trust," company management says. "The early decision by Mrs. and Mr. Defet to expand beyond natural hair brushes into synthetic fibers required strategic foresight."
That decision positioned da Vinci to adapt as demand for high-performance synthetic alternatives grew across the global brush market.
According to management, quality, reliability and close alignment with market needs have shaped the line's development. "We've focused on offering a wide variety of shapes and configurations, ensuring the line remains universal across techniques and user segments," the company notes. Sustainability and respect for regional brushmaking heritage also factor into ongoing product decisions.
To commemorate the milestone, da Vinci has released two limited-edition NOVA brush sets featuring vintage marketing design elements originally created by Nuremberg designer Jules Stauber in the 1970s. The anniversary editions are being presented at Creativeworld in Frankfurt.
Looking ahead, management expresses confidence in continued growth for the NOVA series. "Innovation continues to drive competitive strength, but not at the expense of proven systems," leadership says. "While honoring traditional know-how developed over generations, we monitor technology and material advancements closely, integrating new solutions where they enhance performance and durability."
Founded more than 70 years ago, da Vinci produces artist, hobby and school brushes, along with cosmetic, nail and dental brush products from its Nuremberg headquarters. The company combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing technologies and works with specialty retail partners worldwide.
WCJ Pilgrim Wire Acquires Mount Joy Wire
WCJ Pilgrim Wire, a family-owned enterprise headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, with a growing footprint of production and distribution centers across the United States and Europe, together with international partners, has announced the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Mount Joy Wire.
“This investment has a clear objective to continue and strengthen operations at the Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, facility with the existing team of highly skilled and motivated employees,” WCJ Wire says in a statement. Founded in 1991, Mount Joy Wire operates from a 220,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility and employs approximately 120 people. Over decades of operation, Mount Joy Wire has supplied the U.S. market as a manufacturer of specialized high-carbon steel wire, earning a strong reputation across a broad portfolio of specialty wire products.
Mount Joy Wire says it will operate independently and separately in the marketplace from other ventures related to the new ownership. The company will retain its management structure, operational focus and customer relationships, ensuring continuity and stability for customers and suppliers.
“The acquisition reflects a commitment to preserving Mount Joy Wire as a reliable source for steel wire and maintaining its strong industrial footprint in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, while adding valuable high-carbon wire capabilities to WCJ Pilgrim Wire’s overall offering,” the company says, adding, “This transaction positions Mount Joy Wire to build on its strong foundation while continuing to operate as an independent and trusted supplier within the specialty wire market.”
BRUSHWARE DIGEST
Stay up to date with the world leader for brush industry news and get notifications for each issue of Brushware magazine digital issues.
Z.WASP: Double Output for Industrial Large Brushes
New generation of the ZAHORANSKY machine impresses with parallel processing and flat wire technology
With the new generation of the Z.WASP 1, ZAHORANSKY is expanding its portfolio in the field of technical and industrial brushes with a machine that sets new benchmarks in terms of output and stability. Specifically designed for the production of large disc and roller brushes — such as those used in street cleaning — the further developed machine enables a doubling of production volume while requiring comparatively little floor space.
At the heart of the new Z.WASP 1 is its new base design, which leads to a significant increase in efficiency in the manufacture of largeformat brush products. While previous machines of this type often required sequential processing steps, the new generation features an enlarged base structure with two separate processing stations. This enables a decisive process advantage: in a single operation, two disc brushes with a maximum diameter of up to 900 millimeters can now be processed simultaneously. While drilling takes place at one station, the tufting process is carried out simultaneously at the other. Previously, these steps had to be performed consecutively for brushes of this diameter — by parallelizing the processes, the machine’s output can now be effectively doubled.
Maximum Stability Through Flat Wire
However, the Z.WASP 1 does not only stand out in terms of quantity, but also through a qualitative expansion of its processing capabilities. Optionally, the machine can be equipped with a special flat wire unit. Processing flat wire increases the stiffness of the bundles and thus the overall rigidity of the brushes. This is a decisive quality feature, particularly for technical brushes that are often exposed to extreme loads. In addition, the servo motor on the drilling unit enables higher drilling precision, which further enhances processing quality.
The All-Rounder for Technical Brushes
Despite the new high-performance features, the proven strengths of the Z.WASP family remain intact. The Z.WASP 1 is designed as a 5-axis machine and is the specialist within the ZAHORANSKY portfolio for the production of roller and disc brushes. With an impressive tool stroke of 250 millimeters, it is designed to process filament lengths of up to 700 millimeters (unfolded), far exceeding the standard in the household sector. Production is semi-automatic: feeding the brush bodies and removing the finished tufted products are carried out manually by the operator, while drilling and tufting take place fully automatically and with the highest precision within the machine.
Technical Data at a Glance
The machine is equipped with two clamping devices and two drilling units operating at speeds of up to 12,000 rounds per minute. The tufting tool achieves speeds of up to 200 bundles per minute, depending on tool stroke and brush configuration. Two different filament colors can be processed, and two different materials — such as nylon and metal — can be mixed within a single tufting hole. Thanks to its robust design and the ability to process both wooden and plastic bodies as well as natural fibres and nylon filaments, the Z.WASP 1 offers maximum flexibility for demanding industrial applications.
Learn more about the Z.WASP at www.zahoransky.com/products/z-wasp.
Please contact us for further information, specifications and offers: Reinhold Hoerz
Senior Sales Manager, Brush Industry Phone +41 44 386 7901 Mobile +41 79 785 4657
reinhold.hoerz@dksh.com www.dksh.ch/brush
Think Asia. Think DKSH.
Ebser Introduces 400 mm Tool Stroke Machine
Expanding Capabilities
in Technical Brush Manufacturing
Ebser Maschinenbau GmbH, the Black Forest–based manufacturer with more than 100 years of experience serving the brush industry, has unveiled a new machine platform designed to raise the bar for efficiency, flexibility and precision in technical brush production.
The new system features a 400 mm tool stroke, expanding Ebser’s established lineup, which previously included machines with 160 mm, 260 mm and 360 mm strokes. In addition to the extended stroke, the machine supports filament lengths of up to 840 mm and can be configured with up to six servo axes — providing manufacturers with enhanced control, speed and production versatility.
One of the machine’s most notable advancements is a newly developed process for handling flat wire. This technology enables brush production without traditional wire spools and unwinders, simplifying material handling and reducing mechanical complexity on the production floor.
Complementing the hardware is specially developed control software that allows users to manage different material combinations — such as flat wire and plastic filaments — through an intuitive magazine system. Materials can be
processed in dedicated series or combined within a single bundle, making it easier to produce complex and highly customized brush configurations efficiently.
“This machine represents another milestone in our company’s 100-plus-year history,” says Thomas Schmidt. “It demonstrates the technical expertise of our team and reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative, highperformance solutions to our customers.”
Ebser also offers interchangeable brush frames across its machine platforms, giving manufacturers additional flexibility to produce a wide range of brush types on a single system.
Beyond new equipment, Ebser supports customers with inspected used machines as well as refurbishment and retrofit solutions, helping manufacturers modernize existing assets and extend equipment life cycles sustainably.
From machine selection through implementation, the Ebser team works closely with customers to identify the right solution and support them toward more efficient, future-ready production. For further information or to discuss your specific requirements, the Ebser team is ready to help.
Learn more at www.ebser.de.
Enhancing Visibility to Ensure Supply Chain Success
By Lisa Anderson
As manufacturing rebounds amid continued geopolitical uncertainty, real-time supply chain visibility has become essential to operational resilience. According to the Business Continuity Institute, 72 percent of suppliers who dealt with a breakdown in their supply chain lacked the full, real-time visibility needed to come up with a fast and simple solution. On the other hand, companies that improve visibility can respond quickly to changing conditions and gain insights into what’s coming down the pike so that they can provide superior customer service while growing revenue and EBITDA simultaneously.
Disruptions, Evolutions and Opportunities
Manufacturers are reshaping supply chains to stay in front of changing business conditions. For example, companies are expanding their manufacturing presence in the U.S. to better control their end-to-end supply chain, mitigate the impact of tariffs and position themselves for Amazon-like service without uncontrollable costs and inventories. Other companies are moving towards regional supply chains and/or to Asian countries more closely tied to mutual goals. In addition, geopolitical risks remain heightened, and so companies must stay alert to impacts such as disruptions in the Suez Canal. As supply chains evolve, historical patterns become less relevant and enhanced visibility becomes essential.
Supply Chain Visibility
Gaining visibility into customer demand and incoming supply enables companies to stay ahead of disruptions and changes. By understanding what is on the horizon from a sales point-of-view, companies can better plan to deliver to customers on time and with shorter lead times. Tracking progress from opportunities to quotes to orders and related statuses through the manufacturing and distribution cycles allows planners, buyers and logistics resources to more effectively plan and deliver success. As sales forecasts are incorporated into SIOP processes, demand and supply align to support customer growth and improve operational performance.
Gaining visibility on the supply chain is equally important. Since you are only as strong as your weakest link in the supply chain, you must ensure each supplier remains intact. Our best clients are improving their visibility within the supply chain. There are advanced tools that utilize artificial intelligence, GPS, GIS and geofencing to create predictive estimated time of arrivals (ETA). Beyond advanced tools, progress can also be made by better utilizing ERP system functionality, keeping promise dates updated, and connecting with portals and receiving status from carriers and other supply chain partners. In many cases, improving communication and gaining visibility into suppliers’ bottleneckscan significantly strengthen overall supply chain planning.
Case Study: Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility
A building products manufacturer struggled with on-time delivery to customers after a cyber attack, which happened simultaneously with
a significant increase in customer volume due to changing business conditions in the marketplace. Enhancing supply chain visibility was the key to resolving the bottleneck as supplier deliveries, manufacturing schedules and distribution plans were misaligned. For example, production was waiting for critical raw material deliveries and so lost time and wasted materials with extra changeovers. Trucks were either delayed as they waited for products to ship full as production ran behind or were sent non-optimized to the sales branches to meet critical customer needs.
To restore performance, the team implemented a series of supply chain visibility initiatives that increased service levels from the 60 percent range into the 90 percent range, while improving operational efficiency and reducing freight costs. The first step was developing business intelligence reports that highlighted potential past-due orders at each manufacturing site, allowing production planners to adjust schedules before service was impacted. Purchasing was included in the SIOP process and offered visibility to sales forecasts by production facility, which they could translate into commodity forecasts. Customer Service reviewed customer due dates proactively, communicated with customers and provided highlights and exceptions to the planners. The distribution planners utilized the sales branch forecasts and worked closely with the production planners and related groups. A crossfunctional team met weekly to discuss visibility, and the SIOP process was integrated into the weekly and monthly routines to review sales forecasts and capacity plans, visibility improved and results followed.
The Bottom Line
As supply chains evolve, successful companies will focus on improving supply chain visibility. The greater the visibility, the more resilient and proactive they’ll become. Since the only constant is change, gaining visibility into changing conditions ahead of time will be essential to serving customers. Companies that plan ahead will pivot faster than competitors — protecting revenue, strengthening operational performance and positioning themselves for sustained profitability.
Lisa Anderson is the founder and president of LMA Consulting Group, Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in manufacturing strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation that maximizes the customer experience and enables profitable, scalable, dramatic business growth. She recently released “SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning): Creating Predictable Revenue and EBITDA Growth,” an e-book on how to better navigate supply chain chaos and ensure profitable, scalable business growth. A complimentary download can be found at www.lma-consultinggroup.com/siop-book/
People of the Brush Industry:
Tradition Meets Technology
Behind every brush are decades of knowledge, mechanical intuition and steady adaptation. Industry leaders share how legacy, leadership and technology are intersecting on today’s shop floors.
By Amy Linzmeyer-Jelinek
Paul and Evelyn ‘Evy’ Winzig are partners at work and in life, and have been part of the brush industry for many years. Evy manages the front office and store at Young & Swartz.
The brush industry is shaped by an enduring combination of heritage and innovation. Success requires workers with physical dexterity and technical aptitude, as well as leaders with a deep respect for the roots of the industry paired with an innovative mindset and willingness to invest in new technologies.
Every day, we work alongside people who have spent their lives in this industry. Paul Winzig, owner of Young & Swartz, is one of those people.
Built to Last: A 160-Year Legacy
Young & Swartz is one of the oldest brush companies still operating in the United States, celebrating their 160th anniversary this year. Family-owned and proudly independent, the company has seen decades of change and has maintained a focus on short-run, specialty staple-set brushes made with intentional expertise and careful attention to application.
“I love the application of what brushes do,” Winzig says. “They sort, push product, clean, stabilize, used in the medical profession … used to reduce static, clean a solar panel. The importance of what brushes do every day; it should be respected.”
Winzig entered the brush business in 1977, and he has a unique perspective on the industry over nearly five decades. The business has been operating out of the same building since 1866, when it was first incorporated by Ernst Young and Ben Swartz.
As technology advanced, Young & Swartz modernized, but there are still remnants of history throughout the building. Alongside newly installed, bright, energy-efficient LED lights hang the original gas lamps, which are gentle reminders of how long this work has been going on and how many eras the facility has seen. If you look through the records, you’ll find the company proudly labelled “Ernst P. Young, Electric Brush
Manufactory,” not because they made electric brushes, but because they were one of the first to be hooked up to the electric grid in the area.
Young & Swartz has also upgraded to advanced manufacturing equipment over the years. Paul’s shop includes cutting-edge machinery, including modern four-axis machines capable of precision work that earlier generations could not have imagined.
Winzig is quick to emphasize that technology has not replaced the need for foundational mechanical skill. Despite automation and CNC advances, the work still depends on people who understand how things are made, how tools behave, how adjustments matter and how solutions are built in real time. He still needs workers who can machine tools and operate a mill and lathe.
When asked what’s changed outside of just technological advancements, Winzig easily replies, “I’ve noticed there are more women in the brush industry since I started.” He goes on to note that he sees this as deeply positive.
A Changing Workforce — and New Leadership Paths
Erin Clay, Engineering and Quality Manager at Schaefer Brush, is one of those women. Clay joined the engineering team at Schaefer Brush shortly following the acquisition of E. Gornell & Sons in 2019, right before the global pandemic hit, and mentions that the timing of her onboarding influenced what she first learned about in the brush manufacturing industry.
The shift in demand caused by the urgency of the pandemic emphasized just a narrow slice of what brushes are used for throughout the industry. “There was so much focus in the early days of COVID-19 on more straightforward cleaning applications that I didn’t learn about other niche applications until later.” Now, her breadth of knowledge is extensive.
“The importance of what brushes do every day; it should be respected.”
— Paul Winzig
Around 1900: Mr. Young and Mr. Swartz pose in a battery-powered electric delivery wagon; a vehicle called the Niagra. Powered by electricity generated at Niagara Falls, the era also saw Buffalo, New York illuminated as the “City of Lights.”
Schaefer Brush was established in 1905, and in 2018 bought E. Gornell & Sons, which was established in 1892. It’s been my personal privilege since joining the team to try to preserve, collect and honor both companies’ history. When I helped pack up the Chicago facility in the summer of 2024, I felt the weight of what that space represented while carefully going through boxes that had been stored for decades and sifting through samples, photos and correspondence from decades before I was even born.
Clay was also deeply involved in the final phase of Schaefer’s acquisition of E. Gornell & Sons and the major transition of assets from Chicago to Waukesha in 2024. While complex, she describes the experience with a sense of momentum and pride.
“There were a lot of moving parts, but the transition was very exciting,” she says. For Clay, the focus throughout was on stewardship. “E. Gornell & Sons has a history of excellence and quality we focused on preserving during and after the physical move to Waukesha.”
Looking more broadly at the industry, she sees many of the same workforce and cultural shifts as other sectors. As automation becomes more integrated into production, the skill sets required continue to evolve.
“As we lean further into automation, skills needs change,” she notes, pointing to the importance of advanced technical and computer knowledge for operators and ongoing internal training to improve compliance.
When she looks ahead, Clay is optimistic. “The brushmaking industry doesn’t seem content to coast along,” she reflects. She sees leaders throughout the industry who are committed to continuous improvement and increased automation, paired with a commitment to quality and legacy.
Engineering as Competitive Strategy
Gonzalo Martinez, President and CEO at Schaefer Brush, is one of those leaders. For Martinez, engineering is the foundation of competitiveness and continuity in the domestic brushmaking industry.
“Engineering is how we keep brush manufacturing strong in the U.S.,” he explains. In his view, engineering is what
turns application requirements into repeatable performance through material science, process control and disciplined execution. It enables innovation, allowing manufacturers to deliver value-added solutions and better products to customers whose operations depend on consistency.
While brushmaking remains a craft, Martinez sees the last decade as marked by a major change: “Moving from tribal knowledge to AI and data-driven process control.” He describes how production signals can now be used to forecast constraints, standardize best settings and continuously improve performance run after run.
That discipline shows up in both quality and speed. Martinez notes that when engineering removes variation and stabilizes a process, manufacturers simultaneously gain productivity, predictability and higher quality product.
Modernization, however, does not mean losing what makes brushmaking special. Martinez believes application understanding is critical and uniquely human, while automation and improved processes will provide the structure to make outcomes scalable and repeatable.
Early 1900s: Edward Gornell, founder of E. Gornell & Sons (est. 1892), pictured with large, hand-crafted brushes produced in the early years of the company
Erin Clay, Engineering and Quality at Schaefer Brush, oversees design integrity, materials performance and process standards across custom and production brush programs.
IVM/REV-ST
INPUT MATERIAL up to 1.740mm - 44” long pipe
OUTPUT MATERIAL from 76mm to 305mm (from 3’’ to 12’’)
Even with advanced equipment, he emphasizes that certain parts of brushmaking remain deeply dependent on experience: selecting the right filament, density, trim and edge condition and knowing what to adjust when conditions shift.
Brush design, he notes, is more complex than most outsiders assume because performance is the result of multiple interacting systems. In many applications, small changes can make a big impact on effectiveness.
For the next generation of talent, Gonzalo believes the most important traits will be curiosity, discipline, mechanical intuition and a continuous-improvement mindset grounded equally in data and the shop floor.
A Tradition Worth Building a Future On
The stories of Young & Swartz, E. Gornell & Sons and Schaefer Brush all reflect something broader about the brush industry: longevity is built through adaptation, without losing identity.
Clay acknowledges the importance of preserving the industry’s deep historical roots and technical diversity. “So many brush companies have extensive histories,” she says, “and understanding those stories matters, particularly in niche applications.”
A shop can install LED lighting and still honor the gas lamps. A company can operate four-axis machines and still rely on workers who know how to run a mill. A manufacturer can remain family-owned across generations and still serve modern markets.
Brushmaking is not simply about products. It is about application, purpose and craft. It’s about creating tools that quietly enable the world around us to function.
It is also, as Winzig reminds us, something deserving of respect. “The general public fails to realize what a unique thing a brush is,” he says. “My dad used to say to people, ‘You use a brush every single day and you don’t even realize it.’”
Perhaps that is the greatest testament to the industry: brushes are so integrated into life and work that they can be taken for granted.
Ten Years Ahead, Same Essential Work
It’s natural to wonder what the brush industry will become. With pressures from imports, automation, workforce shortages and changing customer demands, many manufacturers are trying to anticipate what the next decade will bring.
Martinez predicts the next decade will be shaped by AI-enabled production intelligence, smarter automation, faster prototyping, deeper materials and application engineering, but that doesn’t replace the need for people.
“Automation should eliminate variation and unsafe, risky work,” he says. “People should own judgment and problem-solving; the best results come when automation supports skilled operators, not replaces them.”
The partnership between technology and craftsmanship has defined brushmaking for generations, and we hope it will continue to be this way into the future.
1970s: Jim Schaefer on the shop floor, reviewing a brush during production.
Winzig is optimistic that brushmaking will retain the uniqueness that has allowed it to endure throughout the decades. Qualities like adaptability, talent, pride in the work and respect for the craft. Processes will change, and markets will shift, but the character of the industry matters just as much as the machinery on the floor. There will always be a need for capable people and human hands.
As Winzig put it more plainly in our conversation, even amid change, “Someone’s got to pick up the horsehair and put it in the stock box.”
That thinking echoes statements from past leaders as well. In an article from 1980, I found the words of Jim Schaefer, one of the late leaders of Schaefer Brush: “All we have to do is use a little common sense and keep doing the things with the type of integrity we have, and we shouldn’t have any problem.”
Even with automation, robotics and AI tools becoming more prominent, brushmaking remains grounded in a physical reality. The industry will continue because the need continues. Brushes will still clean, stabilize, finish and solve problems. And someone will still have to load the stock box.
About the Author
Amy Linzmeyer-Jelinek leads Sales & Marketing at Schaefer Brush Manufacturing, a U.S. brushmaker with more than 120 years of experience in industrial brush solutions. Her work focuses on industry collaboration, product development, strengthening customer relationships and supporting and preserving the legacy and growth of brushmaking in the United States.
Gonzalo Martinez, Schaefer Brush CEO, pictured on the production floor in front of an automated twister that supports high-volume, repeatable brush manufacturing.
ABMA 109th Annual Convention Preview:
Building Competitive Strength Through Strategic Connection
The American Brush Manufacturers Association’s 109th Annual Convention brings together manufacturers and suppliers for three days of education, strategic planning and relationshipbuilding in at a pivotal time for the industry.
The American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA) will convene its 109th Annual Convention March 24-27, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. For U.S. citizens, no passport is required, but the perspective shift may feel international.
Set against Caribbean waters and just 30 minutes from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), the 2026 convention combines three full days of meetings, education, Faceto-Face supplier sessions and structured networking, all designed to help manufacturers and suppliers sharpen strategy and deepen relationships at a pivotal time for the industry.
Navigating Trade, Costs and Competitive Reality
Heading into the 2026 event, ABMA President R.J. Lindstrom says the most pressing issue facing brush manufacturers is clear. “The ever-changing international trade situation is affecting every manufacturer in one way or another,” he says. “Tariffs have raised input costs for many U.S. manufacturers, squeezing margins and forcing price increases or supply chain shifts. At the same time, they’ve provided some protection for domestic producers in targeted industries, encouraging limited reshoring and investment — but with uneven benefits across different brush manufacturers.”
In short, volatility remains a defining characteristic of the current environment. That uncertainty, from raw material sourcing to pricing strategy, is precisely why ABMA is placing renewed emphasis on education, collaboration and relationship-building in 2026.
“Building relationships has always been one of the main benefits of ABMA membership,” Lindstrom says. “Those relationships allow our members to collaborate within our industry to remain strong competitors.”
The convention format, he adds, strengthens the industry long-term by strengthening its members first. In a global economy where supply chains and customers stretch across borders, durable peer relationships often become strategic assets.
Education That Goes Beyond Inspiration
Looking at the schedule for the event, Tuesday’s program includes two focused educational workshops: Using Intellectual Property to Your Advantage and Succession Planning. According to ABMA Executive Director Donna Frendt, these topics were chosen to address key needs for members. “Intellectual property and succession planning equip brush
ABMA President R.J. Lindstrom.
ABMA attemdees will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Puerto Rico’s northern coast while attending the 2026 convention.
Photo: istockphoto/bkamprath
2026
For those attending their first ABMA Convention, Frendt offers straightforward advice: “Dive in with enthusiasm. The 2026 ABMA Convention offers an unparalleled welcoming environment with endless networking possibilities and lifelong industry connections that can transform your business and career from day one.”
manufacturers and suppliers with critical strategies to protect innovations, safeguard assets and ensure smooth leadership transitions in an increasingly competitive and evolving market,” she says.
As consolidation, generational transition and private equity interest continue to reshape segments of the manufacturing landscape, these sessions aim to address both defensive and forward-looking strategies.
Face 2 Face: Four Plus Hours of Maximum Impact
Few elements of the ABMA Convention deliver as much direct commercial value as the structured Face 2 Face supplier meetings to be held 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.
Suppliers remain stationed at assigned tables while manufacturers rotate in 15-minute intervals according to pre-scheduled agendas. The format is designed for focused, high-level discussions instead of the standard tradeshow browsing approach.
“Committee meetings and Face-to-Face Meetings continue to deliver exceptional value,” Frendt notes. “They foster direct collaboration, tackle key industry challenges and often generate tangible business opportunities that lead to significant sales and long-term relationships.”
Meeting requests opened in mid-February. While scheduling cannot accommodate every pairing, the structured model maximizes efficiency and ensures meaningful engagement in a condensed timeframe.
First-Time Attendees: What to Expect
For those attending their first ABMA Convention, Frendt offers straightforward advice: “Dive in with enthusiasm. The 2026 ABMA Convention offers an unparalleled welcoming environment with endless networking possibilities and lifelong industry connections that can transform your business and career from day one.”
Veteran attendees frequently echo the same message: preparation multiplies value. Come with a list of strategic questions. Review supplier relationships in advance. Schedule meetings early. Complete the pre-event education materials.
A Strategic Reset
At a time when trade policy, input costs, workforce pressures and global competition continue to reshape the manufacturing environment, the 109th Annual Convention stands out as more than a date on the calendar. It serves as a structured pause — a moment for brush manufacturers and suppliers to step back from daily operational demands and evaluate where their businesses stand and where they need to go next.
The program in Puerto Rico is designed to help leaders sharpen strategic clarity, strengthen organizational culture and leadership alignment, safeguard intellectual property and ensure thoughtful succession planning. Just as importantly, it creates space to build and reinforce high-value partnerships that support long-term competitiveness. In a global marketplace where relationships often determine resilience, those connections matter.
In Lindstrom’s view, the long-term health of the brush industry is inseparable from the strength of its individual companies. “The strength of our industry is directly tied to the strength of our members,” he says. “The ABMA Convention plays a critical role in building that foundation.”
For four days in Puerto Rico, the emphasis will be on clarity, competitiveness and connection, positioning the industry not merely to adapt to change, but to lead through it with confidence.
ABMA Executive Director Donna Frendt.
ABMA 2026 Convention Schedule
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026
8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Registration
8:15 am – 11:30 am COMMITTEE MEETINGS OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS
8:15 am – 9:00 am | Convention Committee
9:00 am – 9:30 am | Public Relations Committee
9:30 am – 10:30 am | Membership Committee
10:30 am – 11:00 am | Statistical Committee
11:00 am – 11:30 am | Safety & Standards Committee
— Lunch on your own —
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
CONVENTION KICK-OFF
Innovation Excellence Presentations
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Educational Workshop: Using Intellectual Property to Your Advantage
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Educational Workshop: Succession Planning
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Team Building Activity
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Paul M. Miller Welcome Reception
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026
7:00 am – 8:00 am | Breakfast
8:00 am – 9:30 am General Business Meeting
9:30 am – 11:00 am
ABMA Educational Institute – Donald Cooper —Lunch on your own—
12:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Optional: Golf Scramble or El Yunque Tour (Free Time)
ABMA Board of Directors Meeting (Board Members Only)
ABMA Keynote: Donald Cooper
Creating Your High-Performance Culture
The ABMA’s 109th Annual Convention brings together manufacturers and suppliers for three days of education, strategic planning and relationship-building at a pivotal time for the industry.
The 2026 keynote speaker, Donald Cooper, a business coach and former manufacturer, brings what he calls a 90-minute “straight talk” session titled Creating Your High-Performance Culture. His thesis is direct: mediocrity is no longer sustainable in manufacturing.
“Sounds boring … trust me, it’s not,” Cooper says of his session. “I don’t do theory. I deliver practical tools leaders can use immediately.”
For brush manufacturers navigating margin pressure, global competition and workforce challenges, the message is designed to be both urgent and actionable.
From Ice Hockey to Global Business Strategy
Before becoming an international business advisor, Cooper led his own family manufacturing company. Cooper Sports Equipment grew to 3,000 employees and achieved 70 percent global market share in ice hockey equipment, becoming what Cooper describes as “an industry brand icon.”
The company’s eventual sale taught him hard lessons about leadership transitions — lessons he now shares with manufacturing clients worldwide.
“Unfortunately, we sold it to the wrong people who destroyed it in just three years,” Cooper reflects. “But that’s a story for another day.”
Since then, he has worked with businesses in more than 40 industries across the globe, including manufacturing sectors facing the same operational complexity as brush production: supply chain volatility, pricing pressure and talent constraints.
His central observation after decades in manufacturing and consulting? Many businesses struggle because they lack clarity — and almost nobody talks about that fundamental gap.
The Clarity Problem
Cooper argues that while operational ideas can originate anywhere in an organization, clarity must originate with leadership.
“As business owners, leaders and managers, our first job is clarity,” he says. “If we, at the top, are not clear about ten specific things, who else in the business can possibly be? The answer is nobody.”
Those ten clarities form the foundation of Cooper’s keynote. Ten days before the convention, registered attendees will receive electronic access to several of Cooper’s proprietary business tools, including his Clarity Score assessment, a culture effectiveness evaluation and a talent pipeline diagnostic. Completing the five-minute Clarity Score in advance will allow participants to calculate a baseline measurement for their own organizations.
“All attendees will also receive free access to my complete set of copyrighted Business Assessment & Management Implementation Tools,” Cooper notes.
The goal is to transform the keynote into a working strategy session rather than a passive lecture. Cooper will walk members through the ten clarities, explain how to measure them and provide frameworks to address gaps.
“As business owners, leaders and managers, our first job is clarity.” — Donald Cooper
ABMA keynote speaker Donald Cooper.
2026 ABMA Convention
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico | March 24-27, 2026
Culture as a Profit Driver
Cooper’s core message is that highperformance culture is built on five interconnected elements: clarity, commitment, urgency, accountability and profitability.
“We do this by creating a culture of clarity, commitment, urgency, accountability and profitability,” Cooper says. “I’ll be explaining specifically how to do that — and providing a few business tools to make it happen.”
Among the specific topics Cooper will address: what business culture truly is and why it directly affects margins, how leadership style impacts operational performance, the outsized damage caused by even one toxic supervisor and the cultural challenges unique to partnerships and family-owned firms. He will also introduce attendees to his “17 Keys to Creating a Winning Culture” tool, which allows leaders to calculate a culture effectiveness score for their business.
For an industry comprised largely of small to mid-sized and family-owned businesses, these topics have direct operational and financial consequences. Culture in manufacturing is not an abstract HR concern. It shapes production discipline, quality consistency, safety performance, customer responsiveness and the pace at which companies adapt to new technologies or market demands.
The Talent Pipeline Challenge
One of Cooper’s strongest themes — particularly relevant to the brush manufacturing sector — is organizational foresight. Many ABMA member companies are facing generational transitions, making succession planning and talent development critical strategic priorities.
Cooper’s approach is methodical. He will introduce attendees to his Talent Pipeline evaluation tool, which guides leaders through building an organizational chart aligned with where the company needs to be in three to five years. The next step is evaluating current team members across five categories: sustainable, promotable, toxic, in the wrong job or retiring soon.
“From this exercise, it becomes clear what the staff development and recruitment plan needs to be,” Cooper says. “This exercise has been transformational for hundreds of clients.”
The framework allows leaders to move from vague concerns about succession to concrete action plans. It identifies not only who might retire or leave, but who is ready to step up, who needs development and where the organization has structural gaps that require external recruitment.
In an industry where institutional knowledge and technical expertise often reside with long-tenured employees, losing key personnel without a transition plan can disrupt operations for years. Cooper’s model provides a systematic way to prevent that outcome.
LEISTNER DRILLS FOR THE BRUSH INDUSTRY. MADE OF TUNGSTEN OR HSS. FOR USE ON HIGH PERFORMANCE CNC MACHINES
Leistner Werkzeug GmbH
Auerbacher Str. 15 D-08328 Stuetzengruen/Germany
www.leistner-gmbh.de info@leistner-gmbh.de
Ph: +49-(0)37462-288 150
Strategic Thinking in a Reactive World
Cooper believes industry conferences offer something most leaders rarely give themselves: structured time for strategic thinking. “We all spend much of our regular workday solving immediate problems, rather than thinking about longer-term strategy, generational sustainability, management and leadership,” he says. “A convention like this, if we seize the opportunity and come with a list of key topics on which we need new insights, provides the best opportunity to move our business forward.”
But he offers a cautionary note: “Almost no one comes to a conference with a list. They walk around in the faint hope that something important will accidentally leap out and stick to them. Don’t do that. Success comes to those who do the homework.”
Cooper will remain onsite for the full convention, participating in Thursday morning Table Talk discussions where attendees can engage with him on any aspect of the insights delivered the previous day. He also makes himself available for quiet, confidential one-on-one conversations throughout the event.
“Some of the most important value is delivered off the platform in the form of quiet, confidential conversations,” Cooper notes.
Fx: +49-(0)37462-288 159 Proud Member of
Resort and Destination Guide
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve and Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
Hotel Information
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
200 Coco Beach Blvd., Highway 955-I Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 00745 +1 787-657-1234
Travel Essentials
Airport:
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. The primary airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), offers direct flights from major U.S. hubs including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Ground transportation options include taxis, ride-share services and rental cars.
Dress Code
Daytime: Business casual / resort casual Evening: Nice informal or business casual Closing Dinner: Caribbean / Pirate theme encouraged
Climate:
March temperatures in Rio Grande typically range from the mid-80s°F during the day to the low- to mid70s°F in the evening. Convention functions will be held both indoors and outdoors, so light, breathable attire with optional layering is recommended.
When the ABMA gathers for its 109th Annual Convention, attendees won’t just be checking into a conference venue; they’ll be stepping into one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive coastal environments. Located along Coco Beach in Rio Grande, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico blends full-scale meeting infrastructure with open-air island surroundings, offering a setting that supports both structured business sessions and informal networking.
Set on 27 oceanfront acres, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is designed with expansive outdoor corridors, tropical landscaping and multiple indoor meeting spaces. For convention attendees, this translates into easy transitions between formal programming and relaxed conversation. Key features include:
• Direct beachfront access along Coco Beach
• Lagoon-style pools and ocean views
• Multiple on-site dining options
• Spa and wellness facilities
• Proximity to championship golf
The Grand Reserve Golf Club will serve as the site of the ABMA Golf Scramble. The Club is host of the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open and the golf course’s coastal layout and mountain backdrops provide a distinctly Caribbean atmosphere for business networking on the fairways.
Rio Grande: Gateway to El Yunque
Rio Grande sits on Puerto Rico’s northeast coast, approximately 30 minutes from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). The area is best known as the gateway to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. For ABMA attendees, this proximity offers optional experiences ranging from guided rainforest hikes and waterfalls to ATV excursions and horseback rides through the foothills. Even for those not participating in organized tours, the surrounding landscape provides a reminder that Puerto Rico’s natural terrain is as dynamic as its business climate.
9603500000 OTHR BRUSHES,AS PARTS OF MACHINES,APPLIANCE,VEHICL
At EBSER, we don’t just build machines — we build solutions. Whether you produce household brushes, technical brushes, or specialized applications, our team develops compact, high-performance equipment engineered around your specific production needs. From concept to commissioning, we work side-by-side with you to transform ideas into reliable, future-ready machinery.
STATS 2025 Year End US EXPORTS
0502100000 PIGS, HOGS, BOARS BRISTLES
WASTE THEREOF
0502900000 BADGER HAIR & OTHER BRUSHMAKING HAIR, WASTE THEROF
9603290000 SHAVING BRUSHES, HAIRBRUSHES, ETC FOR PERSON
Shaving Brushes, Hairbrushes,
9603300000 ARTISTS BRUSHES, & SIMILAR BRUSHES FOR COSMETICS
9603404020 PAINT PADS
9603500000 OTHR BRUSHES,AS PARTS OF MACHINES,APPLIANCE,VEHICL
9603900000 HAND - OPERATED MECHANICAL FLOOR SWEEPER ETC, NESOI
US Manufacturing Shifts to Expansion in January
Canada, Mexico and China PMI readings slip based on global trade policy concerns
U.S. manufacturing activity returned to expansion in January for the first time in a year, offering a tentative sign of stabilization after a prolonged downturn. The improvement comes as global manufacturing remains uneven, with selective pockets of growth offset by lingering demand weakness, cost pressures and trade uncertainty across major economies.
The ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.6 percent in January, a sharp rebound from December’s contractionary reading and the strongest signal of momentum since early 2022. Gains were broadbased across the core components of the index, with new orders, production, supplier deliveries, employment and inventories all improving month over month, while labor and inventories remain below expansion thresholds.
Demand Shows Early Strength, but Not Without Caveats
Demand indicators drove the most notable shift. New orders jumped to their highest level in nearly three years, and order backlogs returned to expansion, indicating that customers are beginning to replenish after extended destocking cycles. Customer inventories fell further into “too low” territory, historically a setup for increased production in subsequent months.
However, survey feedback indicates some of this demand reflects seasonal reordering and preemptive buying, as manufacturers seek to get ahead of expected price increases tied to tariffs and input inflation.
For brush manufacturers, this distinction matters: near-term volume may improve, but visibility beyond the first half of the year remains limited.
Production activity strengthened for a third consecutive month, reinforcing the idea that factories are responding to improved order flow. Yet employment growth lagged, underscoring a cautious approach to capacity expansion. Nearly two-thirds of manufacturers reported managing headcounts rather than hiring, reflecting continued uncertainty around policy, trade and cost structures.
Costs and Supply Chains Remain a Pressure Point
Pricing pressures intensified in January, with the Prices Index remaining firmly in expansion. Supplier delivery times slowed further, a typical pattern during demand recoveries, but also a reminder that supply chains remain sensitive to shifts in volume and sourcing strategies.
Input dynamics were mixed. Imports rebounded sharply, while inventories remained in contraction, suggesting that manufacturers are prioritizing flexibility over stockpiling. For globally sourced brush components like metals, filaments and specialty materials, this points to ongoing volatility rather than a return to pre-pandemic supply norms.
ISM® MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE (US)
Global Manufacturing: Stabilization, Not Synchronization
Globally, the January data paints a picture of stabilization without broad acceleration. Canada and the UK moved back into expansion, while China posted modest growth supported by exports and domestic demand. France showed its strongest manufacturing performance in years, while Germany and Italy remained in contraction despite incremental improvement.
In contrast, Mexico continued to struggle with falling orders and tariff-driven cost pressures, and broader eurozone manufacturing remained subdued even as business confidence improved. India stood out for sustained growth, though business optimism weakened sharply as firms grew cautious about the year ahead. The divergence matters for export-oriented brush manufacturers. Markets are reopening unevenly, and regional performance will increasingly shape where growth opportunities and risks are concentrated.
What This Means for Brush Manufacturers
Taken together, the data suggest the manufacturing downturn may be easing, but the recovery is fragile and uneven. U.S. demand is improving, global trade flows are showing early signs of normalization, and inventories across the system remain lean — factors that support cautious optimism.
At the same time, persistent tariff uncertainty, rising input costs and restrained capital investment point to a recovery driven more by operational discipline than expansionary bets. For brush manufacturers, the message is clear: flexibility in sourcing, disciplined inventory management and regional market awareness will be more critical than chasing volume alone.
US SECTOR REPORT
ISM GROWTH SECTORS (9): Printing and Related Support Activities; Apparel, Leather and Allied Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Primary Metals; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage and Tobacco Products; and Computer and Electronic Products.
ISM CONTRACTION SECTORS (8): Textile Mills; Wood Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances and Components; Petroleum and Coal Products; Plastics and Rubber Products; Furniture and Related Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing
JANUARY ISM REPORT COMMENTS
(U.S. Manufacturers)
Transportation Equipment: “‘Hope’ has been the word of the year in the Transportation Equipment industry. Unfortunately, all the hope in the world has not materialized into order activity in 2025 or the first half of 2026. Across the board, buyers continue to stand on the sidelines. As we enter 2026, every conversation revolves around hope that the second half of 2026 starts the turnaround. It’s hard to set a strategy on hope, but thanks to the uncertainty brought about by this administration, here we are.”
Machinery: “Although our volume is low at the moment, the impact of the latest tariff threats on the European Union will have a huge negative impact on our profit for current quoted orders. We will not be able to recover the increased tariffs in our current quotations.”
Chemical Products: “A new year, with new challenges. We are moving manufacturing from China to Mexico, which will now impose tariffs on parts made in China. This push for more of a Mexican supply chain creates some short-term supply management concerns.”
Machinery: “Continuing softness in the market, with December orders below average and buyers reluctant to spend despite beneficial tax policies in the U.S. Geopolitical tensions are fueling ‘anti-American’ buyer sentiment, and sales are being lost.”
Computer and Electronic Products: “Another round of emotionally charged tariffs seems imminent, changing the landscape once more. Movement of custom product out of China continues, but the progress is slow with new qualifications required for transitioned materials and assemblies.”
Food, Beverage and Tobacco Products: “Growing construction markets, data centers and energy projects are straining the contract labor availability. The trade tariff uncertainty is creating volatility in the supply chain.”
Fabricated Metal Products: “Confused and uninformed tariff policies continue to plague small companies, making long-term planning pointless. Companies are not making capital commitments beyond 30 days.”
Miscellaneous Manufacturing: “Business conditions remain soft as we continue to miss sales, orders and profits as a result of increased costs from tariffs, continued fallout from the government shutdown and increased global uncertainty.”
Computer and Electronic Products: “Business conditions remain uncertain. Customers are cautious. Broad-based inflation continues. The Supreme Court tariff decision looms.”
COMMODITIES
UP IN PRICE: Aluminum (26); Brass (2); Copper (7); Copper Based Products (2); Critical Minerals (3); Electronic Components; Freight; Labor; Memory (2); Precious Metals; Steel (3); Steel — Cold Rolled; Steel — Hot Rolled; Steel Products* (2); Wire Products; and Zinc.
DOWN IN PRICE: Cooking Oils; Fuel (2); Gasoline and (3); Plastic Resins; and Steel Products*.
IN SHORT SUPPLY: Electrical Components (7); Electronic Components (11); Labor (5); Memory; Rare Earth Components (3); and Steel Products.
*Indicates both up and down in price.
GLOBAL PMI NOTES
EUROZONE: Eurozone manufacturing showed marginal improvement in January, with PMI edging higher but remaining in contraction as new orders declined for a third month. Firms continued aggressive cost controls, while rising input inflation and improving business confidence highlighted the tension between near-term weakness and longer-term optimism.
CANADA: Canada’s manufacturing sector returned to expansion as PMI crossed above 50, ending an eleven-month downturn. Output stabilized, staffing levels improved slightly and price pressures intensified as firms raised selling prices amid higher input costs.
CHINA: China’s manufacturing activity expanded modestly in January, supported by higher domestic and export orders and a gradual pickup in production. Cost pressures increased due to higher metal prices, while business confidence weakened amid growth and margin concerns.
FRANCE: France posted its strongest manufacturing performance since mid-2022, driven by faster production growth and rising backlogs. However, demand remained fragile, input costs increased and competitive pressures limited pricing power despite improving sentiment.
GERMANY: Germany’s manufacturing PMI improved to a three-month high as output and new orders returned to growth. Workforce reductions and inventory drawdowns continued, while rising input costs and competitive pricing pressures constrained margins.
INDIA: India’s manufacturing sector maintained solid growth, supported by strong domestic demand and expanding output. Despite moderate inflation and ongoing hiring, business confidence fell sharply as firms expressed caution about the year-ahead outlook.
ITALY: Italy’s manufacturing contraction eased slightly, with softer declines in orders and production and improving business confidence. Rising raw material costs pushed prices higher, while employment edged up cautiously despite weak demand.
MEXICO: Mexico’s manufacturing sector remained under pressure as demand and output fell sharply, driven by weak U.S. orders and tariff-related cost increases. Business sentiment turned negative as firms faced persistent inflation, contracting exports and ongoing job cuts.
UNITED KINGDOM: U.K. manufacturing accelerated into expansion, posting its fastest growth since mid-2024 as new orders surged and export demand strengthened. Rising input costs filtered through to selling prices, while confidence improved to its highest level in more than a year.
Source: Institute for Supply Management®, PMI® (Purchasing Manager Index), Report On Business®. For more information, visit the ISM® website at www.ismworld.org.
ISM US MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
Source data: Institute for Supply Management®, ISM®, PMI®, Report On Business®.
EURO AREA MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
Source data: S&P Global
CANADA MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
Source data: S&P Global
CHINA MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
Source data: Caixin Manufacturing PMI
Economic Dashboard
FRANCE MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
Source
INDIA MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
MEXICO MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
GERMANY MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
ITALY MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
UK MANUFACTURING PMI
36 MONTHS | MOVING AVERAGE: SIX MONTHS
BRUSHWARE MARKETPLACE
FOR SALE
Everything required to manufacture 2 sizes of pot scrubbers. Includes assembly machine and 2 plastic injection steel moulds also MSM 25 ton moving head press. All included $18,000.
EMAIL: gemicor2018@gmail.com
PHONE: 514-445-9725
WhatsApp: 514-445-9725
Everything required for the manufacture of 3 styles of dish mops in picture. 3 plastic injection steel moulds and assembly machine $12,000 USD.
