broom, brush & mop july/aug 2011

July/August 2011

Broom, Brush & Mop MagazineS E R V I N G T H E I N D U S T R Y S I N C E 1 9 1 2

PelRay InternationalPMM

DuPont FilamentsMonahan FilamentsDistribuidora Perfect

R.E. Caddy & Co.Brush Fibers

Hahl Inc.MFC, Ltd.

Special Focus: Fibers/Filaments

Industrial BrushExecutives Optimistic

About Business,Economy

J.B. Ward & Sons, Inc.Industrial Brush Corp.

Schaefer Brush

5 Wire SuppliersDiscuss Challenges & The EconomyR.E. Caddy & Co.

Jewel Wire CompanyStainless Steel ProductsMount Joy Wire Corp.Deligh Industries, Inc.

Import/Export April Report & Statistics

IDMFor mass production of twisted-in-wire

interdental and mascara brushes

boucherie USA Inc.8748 Gleason RoadKnoxville,TN 37923Phone 865 247 6091Fax 865 247 6117E-Mail [email protected] www.boucherie.com

boucherie Latin AmericaKra. 104 No. 11-25 Apto 102Puerto de HierroCali, ColombiaPhone 57-2-333-6873E-Mail [email protected]

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Broom, Brush & MopA RANKIN PUBLISHING PUBLICATION July/August 2011 Volume 101, Number 4

PAGE 4 BROOM, BRUSH & MOP July/August 2011

FEATURES

Import/Export Overview ____________________24April Imports & Exports ____________________26Broom Corn Dealer Survey _________________41

AMERICAN BRUSH MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION2111 W. Plum St., Aurora, IL 60506 • (630) 631-5217

AMERICAN HARDWARE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION801 North Plaza Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4977 • (847) 605-1025

FEIBP EUROPEAN BRUSH FEDERATIONP.O. Box 90154, 5000 LG Tilburg, The Netherlands • 00 31 13 5944

678

INTERNATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION7373 N. Lincoln Avenue, Lincolnwood, IL 60646-1799 • (847) 982-

0800

INTERNATIONAL HOUSEWARES ASSOCIATION6400 Shafer Court, Suite 650, Rosemont, IL 60018 • (847) 292-4200

ASSOCIATIONS9 Suppliers Interviewed: Fiber/Filament Sales Remain Steady __________6

Industrial Brush Executives Optimistic About Business, Economy _________16

5 Wire Suppliers Discuss Challenges& The Economy __________________________34

Broom, Brush & Mop

DEPARTMENTS

Rankin Publishing, Inc.204 E. Main St., P.O. Box 130 • Arcola, Illinois 61910-0130, USA

Phone: (217) 268-4959 • Fax: (217) 268-4815 Website: www.rankinpublishing.com

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ABMA....................................................................................40

Amerwood ..............................................................................14

Borghi USA............................................................................44

Boucherie USA.........................................................................2

Caddy & Co., Inc., R.E. .........................................................22

Crystal Lake ...........................................................................19

Deco Products Co...................................................................15

Distribuidora Perfect, S.A. .....................................................41

DuPont......................................................................................7

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. Inc. ..................................................17

Jewel Wire ..............................................................................35

Jones Companies ......................................................................1

Keystone Plastics....................................................................10

Lemieux Spinning Mill Inc. .....................................................3

Line Manufacturing, Inc.........................................................39

Manufacturers Resource...........................................................9

Monahan Filaments ................................................................12

MonahanPartners ....................................................................42

PelRay International ...............................................................43

PMM.........................................................................................8

Royal Paint Roller ..................................................................21

Shanghai AuBi Metals Co. .....................................................13

St. Nick Brush Co. .................................................................20

WorldWide Integrated Resources ...........................................11

Zahoransky ...............................................................................5

Send News Of Your Company To: [email protected]

CO-PUBLISHERS

Don Rankin [email protected]

Linda [email protected]

EDITORHarrell Kerkhoff

[email protected]

ASSOCIATE EDITORRick Mullen

[email protected]

GRAPHIC/PRODUCTION

Missy LarsonRECEPTION

Sandy Pierce

STAFF

9 Suppliers Interviewed

Fiber/Filament Sales

Remain Steady

Today’s demand for natural and synthetic fibers/filaments remainssteady as a wide variety of brushes, mops and brooms continueto be produced domestically as well as abroad. Broom, Brush &

Mop Magazine recently interviewed several well-known suppliers/man-ufacturers of fibers and filaments to learn how their businesses havefared thus far in 2011 as well as projections for the future.

Customer service remains at the forefront of importance forPelRay International, LLC, as the company works to meet thevarious fiber/filament needs of North American brush, broom

and mop manufacturers. “We realize that people can buy elsewhere. Therefore, it’s important to

give customers a good reason to buy from us. It can’t just be about price.Service and on-time delivery are also essential,” PelRay InternationalCFO Bart Pelton said.With a history that dates over 100 years, PelRay International has

evolved from a broom corn trading company into a full-line natural andsynthetic fiber/filament supplier. Natural fibers provided by PelRay International include broom corn

and yucca fiber used in broom production as well as palmyra and tampi-

co fiber that can mostly be found in various types of brushes. Palmyra isimported from India, while tampico and most broom corn and yuccafiber arrives from Mexico. The company, which is located in San Antonio, TX, also imports

plastic fiber, such as PVC and polypropylene, used in many types ofcleaning-related products. A major focus of PelRay International, however, remains natural fiber.

For example, the company has set up factories in northern Mexico thatmanufacture both natural and black tampico fiber, which PelRayInternational then imports. “This program has been successful and steady for us,” Pelton said.

“We can provide tampico in a relatively short lead time and warehousesome of these imports in San Antonio. A lot of it is brought in to orderspecifications, however, with lead times usually around 30 days.”As stated, PelRay International also imports palmyra from India.

Container loads are shipped to the company’s San Antonio warehousefor the “less-than-container-load” market. “We are working with a new palmyra processor that has helped

improve the quality of the palmyra we now offer,” Pelton said. “Some ofthe palmyra is 18 inches long and used for corn broom production. Most

By Harrell Kerkhoff, Broom, Brush & Mop Editor

Bart Peltonof PelRay International

Terry Hoganof Hahl Inc.

Dennise Silvaof PMM

Rodrigo Ripsteinof Distribuidora Perfect

Tom Vichichof DuPont Filaments

Brian Crawfordof Monahan Filaments

Chris Monahanof Brush Fibers

David Kaliszof MFC, Ltd.

Richard Caddyof R.E. Caddy & Co.

of this import, however, is brought infor making brushes and sweeps. Thesame thing is true with Tampico,which is primarily used for the brushmarket along with some corn andwire-wound whisk broom produc-tion.”Pelton noted that lead times out of

India can be a challenge as the transittime alone is often 30 to 45 days. Leadtimes out of Mexico, however, aremuch better due to closer proximityand easier logistics.

On the synthetic fiber/filamentside of business, PelRayInternational imports PVC andpolypropylene fiber from Italy, usu-ally in correlation with other prod-ucts coming out of the Europeancountry for the benefit of companycustomers. Pelton said PVC is oftenused during the making of floorsweepers and push brooms. “Another synthetic fiber that we are

taking a look at is PET, which is madefrom recycled plastic bottles. Thisfiber has a ‘green’/ecological appealto it that many people desire,” Peltonsaid. When interviewed in July, he added

that business for PelRay Internationalhas been fairly steady as of late and isencouraged by a recent trend he hasnoticed. “It looks like some overall produc-

tion is coming back to the UnitedStates and Mexico from Asia. Thereseems to be a little stronger emphasison products manufactured domestical-ly, or in Mexico, to shorten lead timesand make logistics easier,” Peltonsaid. “Part of this is in response to aweak U.S. dollar, along with thedesire of more domestic companies totake care of their customers quicker.Ocean freight rates have also gone upwith oil prices. “Domestic manufacturers are get-

ting a little bit more competitive all ofthe time. It’s a positive trend.” When it comes to business success

at PelRay International, Pelton saidnothing replaces old-fashioned hardwork. “We work closely with our suppli-

ers and customers to make sure we canbest match orders,” Pelton said.

Challenges, however, always remain.Due to PelRay International’s close prox-imity and working relationship withmany Mexican fiber suppliers, one mainissue has to do with today’s securityproblems in northern Mexico. “It’s a challenge to maintain and

improve our relationships in northernMexico while limiting travel down theredue to safety concerns,” Pelton said.“It’s frustrating. This is an area we usedto travel to all the time. “Email, Skype and the telephone are

great tools of communication, but some-times there is no substitute for seeingpeople face-to-face and reviewing pro-duction. This is now limited in northernMexico.”Despite this challenge, Pelton is opti-

mistic that overall business in the brush,broom and mop industries will steadilyimprove over the long term. “Right now, business slows down for

a few weeks or so, but then it picks upagain. There remains an ongoing needfor the products that our industries offer,

such as cleaning and sweeping items,”Pelton said. “This need is not goingaway. It’s a steady business that I feelwill slowly get better.”

Contact: PelRay International, LLC, 610 Lanark Drive, No. 202, San Antonio, TX 78218. Phone: 210-757-4640; Fax: 210-650-8103.

Web site: www.pelray.com.

Stating that the company’s pro-duction capacity has againincreased in 2011, officials at

Proveedora Mexicana de Mono-fila-mentos (PMM) explained that addi-tional market demands have dictatedthis action.PMM, which is based in Mexico

City, Mexico, specializes in the produc-tion of synthetic-engineered plasticmonofilaments made of nylon (nylon6.12, nylon 6.6, nylon 6 plus and nylon6) and polyester PBT. PMM also pro-duces filaments made of polyethyleneand polypropylene.“Our materials are mainly used for

toothbrushes, cosmetic brushes and


“Domestic manufacturers aregetting a little bit more

competitive all of the time.

It’s a positive trend.” — PelRay International CFO

Bart Pelton

“It can’t just be about price.Service and on-time delivery

are also essential.”— PelRay International CFO

Bart Pelton

industrial brush applications,” PMM General Manager EnriqueMejia explained. He said the company’s product line has enjoyed equal demand from

customers and that, in general, sales have experienced a recovery peri-od over 2009 and 2008 figures. PMM Sales Manager Dennise Silva added that the company con-

tinues to benefit from good product consistency and quality. Punctualdeliveries and service are also key factors to success.

“We provide a 24-hour service guarantee. All customer inquiries willbe answered/serviced the same day we receive them,” Silva explained. PMM was founded in 1976 as a privately-owned company. It now has

over 30 years of experience in the production of quality engineered syn-thetic monofilaments for different applications. The company achievedISO 9001 certification in 1995 and ISO 14001 certification in 2003. Silva explained that hard work and over 30 years of experience have

allowed PMM to become an important supplier to the brush industry. “Among the challenges the company is working to overcome is an

instability in the market with the supply of resin,” Silva said. Looking ahead, both Mejia and Silva said they feel confident about

their company’s future despite a business climate that continues toexperience consolidations — both at supplier and customer levels.

Contact Proveedora Mexicana de Monofilamentos (PMM) at the company’s toll free line for the

United States and Canada: 1-877-202-9320.E-mail: [email protected].

Web site: www.pmmbrightline.com.

Formed over 70 years ago to develop consumer products from thenewly invented nylon polymer, today DuPont Filaments offersa wide range of monofilaments for premium quality brushes and

industrial applications. “Business has been good over the first six months of the year, but

there have been some challenges in what I think were skewed invento-ry positions. Coming off the 2009 recession, it appears that some com-panies took inventories down to minimum levels while other companieswere still trying to work off excess inventory. This has resulted in somehighly variable demand patterns,” DuPont Filaments Marketing &Sales Director Tom Vichich said. “We at DuPont Filaments are globally positioned in all aspects of our

business. This has allowed the company to respond faster to some of thechallenges I have described. We continue to have strong partnershipswith many of our customers and have added additional capacity for themanufacture of fine filaments,” Vichich added.As a global company, DuPont Filaments’ main product line includes

“Among the challenges the company is workingto overcome is an instability in the market with

the supply of resin.”— PMM Sales Manager Dennise Silva

“Coming off the 2009 recession, it appears that somecompanies took inventories down to minimum levels

while other companies were still trying to work offexcess inventory. This has resulted in some highly

variable demand patterns.”— DuPont Filaments

Marketing/Sales Director Tom Vichich


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nylon 6.12 and 6.10, as well as polyester. This includes: nylon 6.12 fil-aments under the Tynex® brand, polyester filaments under the Orel®

brand, mineral grit-filled nylon 6.12 filaments under the Tynex® Abrand, TEEE co-extruded filaments under the Dymetrol® brand, andnylon 6.10 filaments under the Herox® brand.Vichich explained that Tynex® branded filaments are manufactured

in level diameters for toothbrush, industrial and cosmetic applica-tions; tapered diameters for paintbrush applications; and mineral grit-filled filaments are used for industrial machining and cleaning appli-cations. Meanwhile, Orel® tapered filaments are used in paintbrush applica-

tions, Dymetrol® co-extruded filaments are used in seating fabrics, andHerox® filaments can be found in toothbrush applications.“We continue to add variations to our Tynex® and Herox® product

lines. This includes Herox®AD that contains diamond grit, and Tynex®AHCP that is a more caustic- and acid-resistant version of our abrasiveproducts,” Vichich said. He added that filaments sold into brush applications for the cosmetic

industry have been in high demand for the past two years. New applica-tions for small diameters (.002- to .006-inches thick) and improvingsocio-economic conditions in emerging economies have been fuelingthis demand.“DuPont Filaments is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of brush

manufacturers and others around the world for high-quality, applica-tion-tailored polymer-based filaments,” Vichich said. “Productionplants in Wuxi and Shenzhen, China; Madurai, India; Landgraaf, TheNetherlands; and Parkersburg, WV, turn out an extensive range of fila-ments based on nylon, polyester and fluoropolymers. “Each global region has locally-based technical support and sales

service capabilities to serve customers making various kinds of brushesand industrial products.”

Contact: DuPont Filaments - Americas, LLC,Washington Works Plant, 8480 DuPont Rd.,

Building 158, Washington, WV 26161. Phone: 304-863-4908 or 800-635-9695.

E-mail: [email protected] site: www.filaments.dupont.com.

Currently experiencing a good demand for filament products overa broad spectrum of markets and materials is MonahanFilaments (MFI), according to the company’s Director of

Sales & Marketing Brian Crawford.“Our business has been very strong. Hopefully, this is a sign of busi-

ness returning to pre-2009 levels for MFI as well as our customers,”Crawford said. Among the items produced by Monahan Filaments are nylon 6, nylon

6.6, nylon 6.12, PBT, PET, PPS, polyethylene and polypropylene. Theseproducts are used in brush and non-brush applications for industrial,oral care, construction, food service, paint, agricultural, automotive,janitorial and cosmetic markets. “We operate with both direct sales people as well as representative

agents. All are filament and brush knowledgeable,” Crawford said.

“Sales efforts are backed by solid customer service and quality assur-ance departments, as well as a production work force in Arcola, IL, thatis second to none in the industry.”Monahan Filaments began operations in 2007 with the acquisition of

assets of Specialty Filaments, of Middlebury, VT. The Middlebury plantwas closed in November 2009, and now the complete focus is on oper-ations in Arcola with cooperation from partners in Canada and Asia. Crawford said Monahan Filaments recently began a nylon stocking

program, where customers needing as little as one carton of product can

now order for immediate delivery. “This has been well received and supported,” he said. “Additionally,

we have been successful in our efforts to work with customers on fore-casting and assisting them in managing filament inventories.”In addition to extrusion, Crawford said MFI is exploring other man-

ufacturing processes with key customers. “Our offering of higher value materials to meet the most stringent

operating conditions will continue,” he explained. Pertaining to current industry challenges, Crawford said plastic resin

pricing and availability are major obstacles, both now and in the shortterm. “We are seeing dramatic increases in nylon 6 resin pricing, and to a

lesser degree, other basic raw materials. Alternative materials and repro-cessing of resins are areas that we are working on to remain competi-tive, while minimizing price increases to customers,” Crawford said. While the reality of imported brushes entering the United States is

cause for continued concern, Crawford said suppliers and brush produc-ing companies in North America remain optimistic about continuedgrowth and success.


“This industry was built upon innovation, and wesee customers continuing to develop products for

both brush and non-brush applications.” — Monahan Filaments

Director of Sales & Marketing Brian Crawford

“We are seeing dramatic increases in nylon 6resin pricing, and to a lesser degree, other basic

raw materials.” — Monahan Filaments

Director of Sales & Marketing Brian Crawford

ask about our

“Creative Filament Solutions”

“This industry was built upon innovation, and we see customers con-tinuing to develop products for both brush and non-brush applications,”he said. “I feel the future of MFI looks especially bright. We are anAmerican manufacturer centrally located and serving all markets of theU.S. brush-making industry.”

Contact: Monahan Filaments, LLC, 215 Egyptian Trail, Arcola, IL 61910. Toll free customer service line:

888-833-1097; Phone: 217-268-4957.Email: [email protected].

Long known for its tampico fiber, Distribuidora Perfect, S.A. deC.V., of Mexico, has been busy as well supplying other types offibers/filaments to various brush manufacturers. This includes

palmyra, rice root, hog bristle, cattle and horsehair, polypropylene andPET. The company also provides such mixtures as unión fiber that con-sists of tampico and palmyra. One of Distribuidora Perfect’s more popular items, however, contin-

ues to be tampico, which the company supplies in natural color or candye the fiber. Distribuidora Perfect’s Rodrigo Ripstein added thattampico is a natural fiber that comes from Mexico. “Along with dyeing tampico, we can mix it with other materials such

as palmyra, bassine, rice root, wire, nylon and polypropylene,” he said.It’s Ripstein’s opinion that there is no good substitute for tampico

fiber, as it possesses several essential qualities. These qualities include agood memory, meaning the fiber will bounce back to its original shapeafter being bent. Other benefits include a long life, good absorption andabrasive qualities, and being able to withstand high temperatures. He added that of the many different types of fibers/filaments his com-

pany offers, those in particular high demand at the moment includetampico, unión fiber as well as a mixture of palmyra and polypropylene

that features a cream color similar to tampico.Distribuidora Perfect’s various fiber/filament offerings can be found

in brushes that are designed for a variety of uses such as polishing, wash-ing, scrubbing, waterproofing, painting and other chores. Ripstein added that Distribuidora Perfect has enjoyed a busy year thus

far in 2011, and works to deliver shorter lead times along with qualitycustomer service. He remains optimistic about the future. “We spend a lot of time talking with clients and checking on their

needs,” he said. “It’s also important for us to implement new machineryand technology as well as expand our product offering. For example, weare starting to make wood blocks for the marketplace.”

He explained that companies offering different and new products con-tinue to keep a healthy list of customers. “I also think the future is very good for all natural fibers since the

world has placed a greater awareness on the environment,” Ripstein said. These types of products, he noted, naturally decompose over time

once their productive lives are finished.Distribuidora Perfect was founded in 1946 as a brush maker for the

Mexican market. It remains a specialist in producing such products aspaintbrushes, paint rollers, power brushes and scrub brushes. It beganprocessing tampico fiber approximately 29 years ago and started sellingit to other companies 10 years ago.

Contact: Distribuidora Perfect, Calle 4 No. 32, Fraccionamiento Industrial Naucalpan

53370 Naucalpan Estado de México, México.Tel. (5255) 5576 2444.Fax (5255) 5358 8929.

E-mail: [email protected] site: brochasperfect.com.mx.

For the past 53 years, R.E. Caddy & Co., has been supplying theneeds of various commercial and craft broom makers as well asproducers of other cleaning tools such as brushes and mops. The

company, located in Greensboro, NC, provides both broom corn hurl,insides and raw corn as well as yucca and palmyra fibers. “The largest part of the broom market is the commercial sector. These

are customers who make brooms and other cleaning products found inretail outlets and for the janitorial/sanitary industry,” said. “This is ourmain focus, but we also have a sizeable number of customers who pro-duce hand-made brooms for the craft market. “It’s usually not a problem to keep inventory oriented toward the com-

mercial side, while also having enough raw broom corn on hand for thecraft people.”Regarding yucca fiber, Caddy said this material is almost exclusively

used for commercial broom makers. “I do have some craft broom customers who like to use yucca fiber as

well, particularly if they want to make a stiffer product such as a barnbroom,” he said. According to Caddy, yucca fiber has been a popular broom making

material for many years in the United States but has experienced adecrease in demand over the past 15 to 20 years. He believes this is dueto the existence of fewer U.S. broom manufacturers. Also, more naturalbrooms that are being made in the United States today tend to be pro-duced entirely out of broom corn, he said. The third basic fiber sold by R.E. Caddy is palmyra. The company

P.O. Box 330065Fort Worth, Texas 76133 USA

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800-442-6353(800-4-HANDLE)


Continued on page 32

“I think the future is very good for all natural fiberssince the world has placed a greater awareness on

the environment.” — Distribuidora Perfect

Executive Director Rodrigo Ripstein

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Industrial Brush Executives

Optimistic About Business, Economy

Founded in 1855, making it one of the oldest brush manufactur-ers in the United States, J.B. Ward & Sons, Inc., of Franklin,NJ, is a staple set and wire drawn brush manufacturer that spe-

cializes in making brushes to customers’ specifications.Dealing primarily with industrial clients, the company has made

custom brushes for a variety of market segments, including pharma-ceutical, graphic arts, electronics, textile and rubber.“The original factory was in Cedar Grove, NJ,” said J.B. Ward &

Sons President Edward Boscia. “Following a fire in 1884, the com-pany was moved to Paterson, NJ.”The company would undergo a couple of more moves before set-

tling in Franklin. In 1978, it moved from Paterson to Hawthorne, NJ.The company moved again in 1984 to Ogdensburg, NJ, and in 2005,it relocated to nearby Franklin.While navigating the down economy of the past several years, the

company implemented steps to become “leaner” to keep costs downas much as possible.“Business this year has been better than last year; however, it still

can be ‘hit or miss,’” Boscia said.Boscia explained that J.B. Ward & Sons makes brushes used in

industrial machines. If the public is not buying whatever themachines are making, the machines are likely not running as much

and, therefore, not wearing out the brushes as often as before. Thistranslates into a reduction of sales of those particular types of brush-es.“We have been in business a long time and we know how to get

through tough times,” Boscia said. “I am a firm believer that anyonewho owns their own small business is not going to become superwealthy — you do it because youlike it.“In this tough economy, the gener-

al trend is, if a brush lasted a yearbefore, now it may be two yearsbefore the brush is replaced. Peoplejust aren’t buying as many. Also,people put off maintenance. They know the brush should be changed,but it may not be changed because many companies are cutting costsany way they can.”Boscia spoke of a recent incident to illustrate how some companies

may hold off purchasing brush replacements, while cutting costs intoday’s economic environment.“We have a customer who had a machine in operation with a worn

brush. The process the machine was designed to complete was takingeight or nine minutes,” Boscia said. “He purchased a new brush, and

By Rick Mullen, Broom, Brush & MopAssociate Editor

Executives from three industrial brush manufacturing companies spokewith Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine sharing how their respectivebusinesses are moving ahead as the economy struggles to shake off the

down times of the past few years.These executives remain optimistic about growth opportunities, while con-tinuing to run lean organizations, emphasizing customer service, quality andinnovation.

the process time was reduced to three minutes. I told him the brushshould be changed once a year. He said, ‘I didn’t realize how muchquicker and better the machine does the job with a new brush.’”The reduction in the processing time for the machine in the exam-

ple he gave would be gradual. In a similar scenario at another com-pany, it may be determined that the slow processing time that hasbuilt up is not that big a deal since production is off anyway.“The attitude is, in some cases, why replace the brush in today’s

economy. Even with the slower machine, we can still produce morethan we need,’” Boscia said. “Nobody is buying anything unlessabsolutely necessary. Even in our own company, we have learned toeconomize as much as we can.”Despite the challenges the current economy presents, Boscia looks

at the situation from a positive point of view.“My favorite saying is, ‘We are just one phone call from being

busy,’” he said.One philosophy at J.B. Ward & Sons is the idea that making brush-

es is a “skill” rather than just a mechanical operation. This is especial-ly true as the company does not carry a set line of brushes. J.B. Ward& Sons’ brushes are made to order.“On a typical day, we will produce from 10 to 50 different prod-

ucts,” Boscia said. “In our company, employees must know morethan one operation. They have to know every facet of making a brush.Today, maybe I need to have a different employee make blocksbecause the regular person is busy.”Automation is a large part of the company’s manufacturing

process, but some machines require much manual dexterity to oper-ate as well as knowledge and skill. There is handwork also, as thecompany manufactures wire-drawn products, Boscia said.“Our employees have the manufacturing processes refined to

where they are super productive,” Boscia said.Boscia has been making brushes for 42 years at J.B. Ward &

Sons, and his experience and knowledge have been a crucial ele-ment in the company’s ability to make the right brush to do thejob. Boscia’s knowledge also extends to the types of machines used in

customers’ manufacturing operations. He has observed that, becauseso much of U.S. manufacturing has either shut down or moved off-shore, there may not be as many people who are experts in produc-tion machinery as there were in the past.“I have seen many different kinds of brushes in different applica-

tions that some people may not have seen,” Boscia said.Boscia explained there is much to consider when consulting with a

client about what kind of brush will best meet his or her need.“Many people, which really surprises me, say they didn’t realize

there was so much involved in a brush,” Boscia said. “There are manyfactors to consider when choosing the right brush, such as the shapeof the brush, the filament and the type and diameter of the filament.“If the customer is doing cylindrical work, we have to know the

rpm’s the machine is turning. We are not going to make a brush thatis going to fly apart on the customer. We only manufacture staple-set

brushes that cannot withstand the higher rpm’s that a power brushwill take, for example. Therefore, it is important to know the rpm’sthat will be involved. “Furthermore, when working with cylinders, they have to be bal-

anced, otherwise they will cause a vibration. This is just an exampleof the many factors that can be involved in selecting the best brushfor the job.“We work with people. If we can’t make a particular brush, we will

make recommendations — as long as they buy a brush — is my atti-tude. If it isn’t from me, I don’t care who it is from as long as they areusing a brush — that is the most important thing.”While it may sound counterintuitive on the surface, Boscia said

it is not a good strategy for a company to appear to be the onlyone making a particular type of brush. The idea is, if a companycan only get the brush it needs from just one source and thatsource is no longer available, the company could find itself in aserious bind.“Customers tend to want a product that can also be produced

by other companies, and rightly so,” Boscia said. “They don’twant to, all of a sudden, not be able to get spare parts for theirmachine. It is an important thing, and I always put people’s mindsat ease by telling them we are no different than anybody else. Ifyou go into 20 different brush companies, there is not a big dif-ference among them. The brush companies that remain in theUnited States are quality manufacturers and today’s equipment isbetter.”Despite the ongoing challenges presented by the economy and high

energy costs, Boscia is optimistic about the future.“I have a strong feeling that we will be here, and I think most of

the other people (industrial brush companies) will be here as well,”he said. “I think there will always be a need for the brush business. Itis not going to go away. It is probably one of the oldest trades in theworld.”Boscia is confident J.B. Ward & Sons will continue on the path of

success by continuing to operate on the principles that have laid afirm foundation for more than 150 years.“We have been successful because of the quality of our products,

customer service and the honest answers we give customers,” Bosciasaid. “We have always given our customers a fair price. We may notbe the cheapest, but we have always given customers value for theirmoney.”

Contact: J.B. Ward & Sons Inc., 15 Park Drive, Franklin, NJ 07416.

Phone: 973-827-4600; Fax: 973-827-8119.Email: [email protected]: www.jbward.com.

Industrial Brush Corporation, of Pomona, CA, specializes inthe design and manufacture of custom brushes for the industrialsector, including strip, rotary, spiral cylinder, split cylinder and

“The general trend is, if a brush lasted a year before, now it may be two yearsbefore the brush is replaced. People just aren’t buying as many. Also, people

put off maintenance. They know the brush should be changed, but it may not bechanged because many companies are cutting costs any way they can.”

- J.B. Ward & Sons President Edward Boscia


staple set brushes. The company, established in 1947, also operates afacility in Lakeland, FL.IBC was founded to primarily serve the food processing, street

sweeping and car wash industries. Since its founding, the companyhas moved away somewhat from the car wash and sweeping indus-tries, while continuing to focus on the food processing segment andother specialized industrial applications.Since the height of the recent recession in 2009, business has been

“improving,” said IBC President John Cottam, who is also a pastpresident of the American Brush Manufacturers Association (2001-2003). “We restructured the company at the end of 2006, so we were in

pretty good shape going into the recession,” Cottam said. “The lowpoint was 2009, but 2010 was much better. This year, so far, has been

better than 2010, and we are hoping things will continue to improve.”In the summer of 2008, IBC completed an expansion project at the

Florida plant. At that time, Cottam reported the project was necessaryas the company expanded the manufacturing work force in Lakeland,while decreasing staff in Pomona.“We increased the Florida plant roughly 50 percent in size,”

Cottam said. “Also, since that time, one of the two owners of the busi-ness, Robert Baldridge, retired at the end of 2009. Recently my son,James Cottam, who just graduated from college, has joined the busi-ness. Currently he is in a production and engineering support posi-tion, while learning the ropes of the business.”As the company’s forte is designing and manufacturing specialty

brushes, one company slogan is “specials are our specialty.” IBC’sstaff and field sales personnel are experts at consulting with cus-

tomers to determine the best brush design to meet a particular appli-cation. “In our core business, which is the food industry, service is the key

ingredient,” Cottam said. “We work directly with customers. Forexample, we provide a service where we clean and repair customers’brushes, and replace them if necessary. This is a direct one-on-onearrangement we have with customers, providing them with servicethey can’t get elsewhere.“We also work with our customers in designing brushes based on the

knowledge that we have in terms of the varied filaments available, andthe different constructions of brushes. If we know what the applicationis, we can usually design a brush that will meet the customer’s needs.”To facilitate the company’s primary mission to produce specialty

products, IBC’s loyal, experienced and skillful employees are criticalto the company’s success.“We train most of our employees ourselves. People stay with us a

long time. Once they come to work for us, they seem to like it andthey stay. Probably our average length of service is around 25 years,”Cottam said. “We managed to keep our employees during the reces-sion. We completed a restructuring of the company prior to the down-turn, so we were already pretty lean. As a result, we didn’t have tomake any further reductions.”One work force problem facing IBC, and other companies as well,

is the aging of its knowledgeable and veteran staff.“It is an ongoing concern. We are working to bring younger people

in because we have so many employees who are approaching retire-ment age,” Cottam said. “Bringing in new blood to replace the expert-

ise and experience of those whowill be retiring is definitely a chal-lenge going forward.”Automation plays a major role

in most brush making operations,and well-trained employees are amust to keep up with ongoingadvances in technology.“We have very highly automat-

ed equipment. This year we pur-chased a new piece of equipmentthat is also highly automated,”Cottam said. “We also have somemachines, although they are quiteautomated, that require a fairamount of knowledge to operateproperly.”

While there remains much uncertainty about the economy, Cottamis certain the demand for IBC’s industrial brushes will continue to bestrong.“The brush industry is not a high growth industry. Nevertheless, the

brushes that we supply are an extremely important component, usu-ally used in a fairly expensive process,” Cottam said. “The brush isprobably one of the lesser expensive parts, but it is critical to the suc-cessful operation of most of the highly mechanized operations weservice.”

Contact: Industrial Brush Corporation, P.O. Box 2608, Pomona, CA 91769. Phone: 800-228-6146;

Email: [email protected]: www.industrialbrush.com.

Calling itself one of the most diverse brush manufacturers inthe world, family-owned Schaefer Brush, of Waukesha,WI, has developed, engineered and manufactured industrial


John Cottam

“We are working to bring youngerpeople in because we have so

many employees who areapproaching retirement age. Bringing

in new blood to replace theexpertise and experience of thosewho will be retiring is definitely a

challenge going forward.”- IBC President John Cottam

brush products for several industries for more than a century.Schaefer Brush is a twisted-in-wire manufacturer. The company

also produces staple goods and performs hand-drawn work. The man-

ufacturer prides itself in being diversified and can fill small and spe-cialized orders and well as large contracts.The company manufactures items for the automotive, building

maintenance, foundry, glass plate, hardware, metal stamp, plasticmolding, foodservice, ventilation, woodworking and mining indus-tries.“We had a good year last year. We were profitable,” said

Schaefer Brush CEO Harold Schaefer, who is the fourth genera-tion of his family to be involved in the business. “Currently, we arerunning about 3 to 4 percent ahead of last year. Given the economy,and because our turnaround on products is relatively fast, we don’tbook orders too far in advance. We are usually looking maybe a

couple of months down the road as far as order booking is con-cerned.“Today, it seems to be more and more demanding to run a business. You

have to really keepyour finger more on thepulse of things thesedays than a few yearsago. You can’t get lack-adaisical. There arenew opportunities thatseem to come up regu-larly.“Also, you just

don’t know when theremight be a turn ofevents in Washington,D.C., that may dra-

matically impact the economy. We conduct business all over the country.Our area (Waukesha is located just west of Milwaukee) is doing quitewell. Some of our competitors in the area here are also doing well. Weare fortunate.”While Schaefer Brush uses state-of-the-art automated machines in

its day-to-day manufacturing operation, the company also excels atdesigning special brush making equipment.“Many of the specialized machines we use, we developed our-

selves,” Schaefer said. “Lately, we have developed some new equip-ment with outside help from an engineering firm. We continue to tryto be less labor intensive and more automated. The company mustcontinue to invest in automation to be competitive.

Royal Paint Roller

Royal Paint Roller— a name known in the industry for over35 years for top quality products, fine service and competitive prices.

Manufacturer of paint rollers in ALL SIZES—from Slim Jim to Jumbo 21⁄4”I.D. in VARIETY OF FABRICS—including lambskin, kodel, lambswool,synthetic blends & “Lint Free” woven line.

Also a complete line of frames, trays, paint brushes & painting accessories forthe professional and Do-It-Yourself markets.

Specializing in private labeling at competitive prices.

ROYAL PAINT ROLLER248 Wyandanch Avenue West Babylon, N.Y. 11704

Tel: (631) 643-8012 • Fax: (631) 253-9428

Schaefer Brush headquarters in Waukesha, WI.

July/August 2011 BROOM, BRUSH & MOP PAGE 21

“We make a lot of custom items for big industry. Sometimes, inaddition to selling a brush to a customer, we also design a machine togo along with the brush — in other words, a complete solution to aproblem.”For example, about a year ago, Schaefer Brush designed a machine

for cleaning large broaches for a company. The broaches were about6 feet long, 4 to 5 inches in diameter and cost $50,000 each.Broaching is a machining process that uses a toothed tool, called abroach, to remove material.“The company was forcing a broach through a steel sleeve, cutting

grooves in the sleeve,” Schaefer said. “When a broach was extractedfrom a steel sleeve, employees had to clean all the chips off beforethey went to the next piece. While performing this process, they werebreaking broaches.“We designed a brushing machine to clean the broaches while they

were being used. We speeded up their process because we were ableto do this automatically. It has worked out very well. They haveordered another machine for their India operation and one for anoth-er location in the United States. We not only make brushes, but wealso engineer solutions for other people that entail using a brush. Infact, some of the other brush companies refer people to us because ofour capabilities along these lines.”Indeed, Schaefer Brush’s commitment to offering the best in cus-

tomer service is well known throughout the industry.“Customer service is the ‘heart and brains’ of any business and for-

tunately we have a very good staff,” Schaefer said.In working with and developing high-tech products, Schaefer

Brush’s employees are highly skilled and well trained. To encourage

staff members to continue their education, the company offers aunique education program that pays employees to attend a local jun-ior college and tech school.“We will pay all of an employee’s fees if he or she earns A’s, 75

percent for B’s, and so forth down the line,” Schaefer said. “We havea number of people who have taken advantage of this program.”

While Schaefer said the greater Milwaukee area is one of the moreprosperous areas in the country right now, despite the economy,skilled labor there is at a premium. “I am in a business group with owners and managers of other com-

panies,” Schaefer said. “In our area, there is a dramatic shortage ofmachinists, welders, industrial electricians, etc. Companies are reallyscrambling. Some have gone to other states to recruit people.“A number of our people have utilized seminars and courses

through MRA. I have two top managers right now involved in a lead-ership management course. Fortunately we have a mixture of vetsand younger staff members.”Schaefer said one of the challenges of doing business these days is

dealing with large retailers and box stores.“I have been involved in this company for 46 years and business

has changed dramatically. Some of the big distributors, retailers,box stores, etc., have put some incredible demands on smaller com-panies,” Schaefer said. “For example, some of these companiesdemand delivery two to three days after orders are placed, whichmeans you have to carry inventory in expectation of filling theirorders. However, these companies usually don’t give much of aforecast.“Sometimes you have to look at cutting loose some of these types

of customers because it is too much of a drag on your business. Wehave one right now we are watching very closely because of thatcompany’s requirements for carrying inventory, etc. Businesses haveto be very careful while trying to run a lean organization. SchaeferBrush is a made-to-order business for the most part, and it is very dif-ficult dealing with some of these large companies.”Despite the obstacles of doing business in the modern marketplace,

Schaefer is optimistic.“Schaefer Brush continues to be successful because it has good

employees,” Schaefer said. “A great staff of good employees is thekey to any operation. These are the people who make everything tick.Our staff is like family here.”

Contact: Schaefer Brush Manufacturing, 1101 S. Prairie Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186.

Phone: 800-347-3501; Fax: 262-547-3927.

Website: www.schaeferbrush.com.


• Galvanized & tinned wire for brush - broom - mop production

• Processed Broom Corn & Yucca

• Wood Broom - Mop - Brush Handles

• Craft Broom Corn And Supplies

• Other Materials - Broom Twine, Broom Nails, Mop Hardware

Supplier of Raw Materials to Manufacture Brooms, Mops, and Brushes

P.O. Box 14634 • Greensboro, NC 27415

336-273-3609 800-213-9224 Fax: 336-378-6047

E-mail: [email protected]

We ship by pup or truck load direct from Mexico, or LTL/ UPS from our Greensboro warehouse.

“Lately, we have developed somenew equipment with outside help

from an engineering firm. We contin-ue to try to be less labor intensiveand more automated. The company

must continue to invest in automation to be competitive.”

- Schaefer Brush CEO Harold Schaefer

Mail to: Broom, Brush & Mop, 204 E. Main, P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910 - USAPhone 800-598-8083 (US) • 217-268-4959 • FAX 217-268-4815 • Email: [email protected]

Broom, Brush & Mop

SUBMITTED BY:

COMPANY NAME:

ADDRESS:

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EMAIL: WEBSITE:

COMPANY OFFICERS:

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Deadline: May 1, 2012

The following form will be used to compile a company profile to be included in Suppliers 2012, an international suppliers directory that will be read all year long by broom, brush and mop manufacturers.

Please fill out and return as soon as possible. Thank you for your help in making this suppliers directory the most helpful and most comprehensive yet.

BROOM, BRUSH & MOP July/August 2011

By Rick MullenBroom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor

U.S. government trade figures for the first four months of 2011indicate raw material imports were up in two of the four categoriesoutlined in this issue, compared to the first four months of 2010.For April 2011, raw material imports were also up in two of thefour categories outlined, compared to April 2010.Import totals for the first four months of 2011 were down in four

of the six finished goods categories outlined from the same timeperiod in 2010. In April 2011, four of the six categories outlinedalso recorded decreases, compared to April 2010.

RAW MATERIAL IMPORTSHog Bristle

The United States imported 50,180 kilograms of hog bristlein April 2011, up 123 percent from 22,500 kilograms importedin April 2010. During the first four months of 2011, 136,554kilograms of hog bristle were imported, a 183 percent increasefrom 48,174 kilograms imported during the first four months of2010.China sent 136,463 kilograms of hog bristle to the United States

during the first four months of 2011.The average price per kilogram for April 2011 was $4.02, up 27

percent from the average price per kilogram for April 2010 of$3.17. The average price per kilogram for the first four months of2011 was $8.16, down 29 percent from the average price per kilo-gram of $11.43 for the first four months of 2010.

Broom And Mop HandlesThe import total of broom and mop handles during April 2011

was 1.9 million, up 36 percent from 1.4 million for April 2010.During the first four months of 2011, 6.9 million broom and mophandles were imported, up 21 percent from 5.7 million for the firstfour months of 2010.During the first four months of 2011, the United States received

2.7 million broom and mop handles from Brazil, 1.6 million fromHonduras and 1.6 million from China.The average price per handle for April 2011 was 80 cents, up 8

percent from the average price for April 2010 of 74 cents. Theaverage price for the first four months of 2011 was 78 cents, up 11percent from 70 cents for the first four months of 2010.

Brush BacksApril 2011 imports of brush backs totaled 450,152, down 22

percent from the April 2010 total of 577,092 brush backs. Duringthe first four months of 2011, 1.8 million brush backs wereimported, down 25 percent from 2.4 million for the first fourmonths of 2010.Sri Lanka shipped 1.1 million brush backs to the United States

during the first four months of 2011, while Canada shipped665,416.

The average price per brush back was 49 cents during April2011, down 1 cent from the average price for April 2010. For thefirst four months of 2011, the average price per brush back was 51cents, up 4 percent from the average price for the first four monthsof 2010 of 49 cents.

Metal HandlesThe import total of metal handles during April 2011 was 2.1

million, down 22 percent from 2.7 million for April 2010. Duringthe first four months of 2011, 10.1 million metal handles wereimported, down 12 percent from 11.5 million for the first fourmonths of 2010.During the first four months of 2011, Italy shipped 5.2 million

metal handles to the United States, while China sent 2.8 millionand Spain shipped 1.8 million.The average price per handle for April 2011 was 79 cents, up 49

percent from 53 cents for April 2010. The average price for thefirst four months of 2011 was 74 cents, up 48 percent from 50cents for the first four months of 2010.

FINISHED GOODS IMPORTSBroom Corn Brooms Valued At Less Than 96 Cents

Imports of brooms of broom corn valued at less than 96 centsper broom during April 2011 totaled 10,560, up 10 percent from9,564 brooms imported during April 2010. During the first fourmonths of 2011, 21,936 brooms of broom corn were imported,down 24 percent from 28,740 imported during the first fourmonths of 2010. All the brooms were imported from Mexico.The average price per broom in April 2011 was 84 cents, up 4

percent from 81 cents for April 2010. The average price per broomfor the first four months of 2011 was also 84 cents, down 6 per-cent from 89 cents for the first four months of 2010.

Brooms Of Broom CornValued At More Than 96 Cents

The United States imported 744,399 brooms of broom corn val-ued at more than 96 cents per broom during April 2011, up slight-ly from 738,709 for April 2010. During the first four months of2011, 2.8 million brooms of broom corn were imported, down 7percent from 3 million imported during the first four months of2010.Mexico shipped 2.7 million brooms to the United States during

the first four months of 2011, while Honduras sent 93,822.The average price per broom for April 2011 was $2.37, down 2

percent from $2.43 for April 2010. The average price per broomfor the first four months of 2011 was $2.45, the same as for thefirst four months of 2010.

Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable MaterialThe import total of brooms and brushes of vegetable material

during April 2011 was 144,920, down 42 percent from 250,833brooms and brushes imported during April 2010. During the first

Imports/Exports Increase In Various Categories


four months of 2011, 541,694 brooms and brushes were imported,down 44 percent from 969,000 imported during the first fourmonths of 2010.Sri Lanka exported 379,741 brooms and brushes to the United

States during the first four months of 2011.The average price per unit for April 2011 was $1.03, down 42

percent from $1.78 for April 2010. The average price for the firstfour months of 2011 was $1.21, an decrease of 21 percent fromthe average price recorded for the first four months of 2010 of$1.54.

ToothbrushesThe United States imported 69.7 million toothbrushes in April

2011, down 6 percent from 74.5 million imported in April 2010.During the first four months of 2011, 288.5 million toothbrusheswere imported, an increase of 4 percent from 276.9 millionimported during the first four months of 2010.China sent 192.4 million toothbrushes to the United States dur-

ing the first four months of 2011, while Switzerland shipped 30.1million.The average price per toothbrush for April 2011 was 25 cents,

up 9 percent from 23 cents for April 2010. The average price forthe first four months of 2011 was 22 cents, up 1 cent from theaverage price for the first four months of 2010.

Shaving BrushesThe United States imported 7.6 million shaving brushes in April

2011, down 28 percent from 10.5 million imported in April 2010.During the first four months of 2011, 36.1 million shaving brush-es were imported, an increase of 5 percent from 34.3 millionimported during the first 10 months of 2009.China sent 14 million shaving brushes to the United States dur-

ing the first four months of 2011. Meanwhile, Mexico sent 8.6million, Germany shipped 7.3 million and South Korea exported5.8 million.The average price per shaving brush for April 2011 was 15

cents, up 15 percent from 13 cents for April 2010. The averageprice for the first four months of 2011 was 13 cents, up 1 cent fromthe average price for the first four months of 2010.

PaintbrushesU.S. companies imported 22.6 million paintbrushes during

April 2011, down 14 percent from 26.4 million paintbrushesimported during April 2010. Paintbrush imports for the first fourmonths of 2011 were 71.2 million, down 13 percent from 81.6million recorded for the first four months of 2010.China shipped 55.7 million paintbrushes to the United States

during the first four months of 2011, while Indonesia exported13.8 million.The average price per paintbrush for April 2011 was 29 cents,

up 38 percent from 21 cents for April 2010. The average price forthe first four months of 2011 was 32 cents, up 28 percent from theaverage price of 25 cents for the first four months of 2010.

EXPORTSExport totals for the first four months of 2011 were up in two of

the four categories outlined, compared to the first four months of2010. In April 2011, two of the four categories outlined alsoreported increases in exports, compared to April 2010.

Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable MaterialsThe United States exported 8,239 dozen brooms and brushes of

vegetable materials during April 2011, down 15 percent from theApril 2010 total of 9,708 dozen. Exports of brooms and brushes ofvegetable materials during the first four months of 2011 were29,493 dozen, down 23 percent from 38,416 dozen for the firstfour months of 2010.The United States shipped 11,577 dozen brooms and brushes to

Canada during the first four months of 2011. The average price per dozen brooms and brushes was $42.83

in April 2011, up 13 percent from $37.85 for April 2010. Theaverage price per dozen brooms and brushes for the first fourmonths of 2011was $60.44, an increase of 89 percent from theaverage price per dozen for the first four months of 2010 of$31.95.

ToothbrushesDuring April 2011, the United States exported 8.8 million toothbrushes,

up 10 percent from the total recorded in April 2010 of 8 million. Duringthe first four months of 2011, 33.7 million toothbrushes were exported,down slightly from 34.2 million exported during the first four months of2010.The United States exported 12.7 million toothbrushes to Canada during

the first four months of 2011, while sending 6.8 million toothbrushes toMexico and 4 million to Ireland.The average price per toothbrush for April 2011 was 58 cents,

down 27 percent from the average price for April 2010 of 79 cents.The average price per toothbrush for the first four months of 2011was 56 cents, down 24 percent from 74 cents for the first fourmonths of 2010.

Shaving BrushesThe United States exported 1.1 million shaving brushes

during April 2011, down 8 percent from 1.2 million shavingbrushes exported for April 2010. During the first four monthsof 2011, 8.3 million shaving brushes were exported, up 89percent from 4.4 million during the first four months of2010.Mexico imported 3.6 million shaving brushes from the United

States during the first four months of 2011, while Colombiareceived 1.7 million and Canada imported 1.4 million.The average price per shaving brush for April 2011 was $1.01,

down 2 percent from $1.03 for April 2010. The average price forthe first four months of 2011 was 55 cents, down 51 percent from$1.13 recorded for the first four months of 2010.

PaintbrushesThe export total of paintbrushes during April 2011 was 168,139,

up 4 percent from 161,952 paintbrush exports recorded for April2010. During the first four months of 2011, 723,350 paintbrusheswere exported, up 14 percent from 632,593 during the first fourmonths of 2010.Canada imported 488,551 paintbrushes from the United States

during the first four months of 2011, while Mexico received39,631.The average price per paintbrush for April 2011 was $9.33,

down 20 percent from $11.60 for April 2010. The average pricefor the first four months of 2011 was $10.23, down 18 percentfrom $12.54 recorded for the first four months of 2010.

Domestic Merchandise1404902000 Broomcorn (Sorghum Vulgare Var. Technicum) Used

Primarily In Brooms/Brushes, Whether or Not In Hanks or BundlesApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/Ton Value Net Q/Ton ValueFrance 8 29,376 26 97,632Germany 1 3,020Croatia 1 9,330TOTAL 8 29,376 28 109,982

9603100000 Brooms & Brushes, Consisting of Twigs or OtherVegetable Materials Bound Together, With or Without Handles

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/Dozen Value Net Q/Dozen ValueCanada 3,518 119,957 11,577 424,657Mexico 190 6,854 190 6,854Salvadr 104 3,444Hondura 80 2,626Nicarag 12 2,851C Rica 114 2,761 324 7,498Panama 226 7,447 238 10,079Bahamas 156 48,777 394 103,929Jamaica 486 14,255Dom Rep 21 6,956Dominca 5 2,859Colomb 250 6,603 250 6,603Venez 2 3,033 5 5,940Brazil 517 23,345U King 1,786 70,683 6,556 866,677Ireland 319 10,512 1,886 38,748Nethlds 269 2,953 269 2,953Belgium 340 11,202 340 11,202France 3 3,227 5 6,115Germany 97 3,196 683 30,086Poland 294 12,096Spain 4 4,719 4 4,719S Arab 870 34,672Qatar 100 9,260 100 9,260Phil R 1 2,709 1 2,709China 886 24,614Kor Rep 294 14,873Hg Kong 1,749 35,512Japan 853 36,157 1,259 58,829Austral 83 4,920Angola 11 2,808 11 2,808TOTAL 8,239 352,858 29,493 1,782,689

9603210000 ToothbrushesApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 4,056,162 1,955,857 12,720,720 6,541,447Mexico 780,641 404,971 6,811,426 2,623,962Guatmal 1,071 10,475Salvadr 9,432 7,297Hondura 1,370 13,343 22,427 69,820C Rica 440 4,500Panama 190,885 347,415 340,918 440,638Bahamas 1,405 14,277 5,939 28,266Jamaica 5,112 2,865 28,896 13,008Cayman 808 7,147Haiti 1,358 7,577 1,358 7,577Dom Rep 32,544 17,449 203,696 106,080Antigua 6,984 4,578 11,664 8,516Grenada 1,183 12,106Barbado 250 4,908 20,370 23,815Trinid 3,720 26,212 40,018 112,089N Antil 1,734 9,593 1,869 12,792

Aruba 5,780 6,021Colomb 17,804 30,751 101,918 158,919Venez 54,268 64,303 309,341 273,550Guyana 144 4,443Ecuador 11,520 3,341 28,551 13,522Peru 8,586 14,331 16,938 17,981Chile 336 9,408 51,240 36,929Brazil 125,280 51,735Paragua 828 8,469Uruguay 1,877 19,208 6,724 59,841Argent 474,300 394,605U King 4,491 48,511 57,228 163,602Ireland 918,720 280,381 4,008,451 1,354,367Nethlds 33,497 161,270France 9,594 14,361Germany 214,313 356,309 336,190 1,293,165Austria 150 2,725 29,718 18,210Slovak 618 3,508Hungary 186,816 98,842 1,396,164 740,730Switzld 400 4,867Poland 15,320 14,033Russia 2,100 13,902Ukraine 5,760 15,030Italy 2,054 21,018 5,873 60,099Turkey 5,540 10,244 5,540 10,244Lebanon 1,240 2,547 1,240 2,547Kuwait 574 5,875 72,918 36,037S Arab 7,451 5,138Qatar 1,188 12,150 1,188 12,150Arab Em 141,446 108,622India 182,400 363,773Thailnd 1,573 16,100Vietnam 2,639 27,000Malaysa 5,040 9,347Singapr 11,385 12,544 41,937 25,749Indnsia 3,000 2,521 7,242 45,923Phil R 10,000 20,000 22,400 58,141China 278,761 156,386 809,394 431,749Kor Rep 1,394,486 720,698 2,513,334 1,240,642Hg Kong 296,814 224,105 2,097,806 1,170,699Taiwan 107,640 55,656 174,624 83,061Japan 98,194 71,051 189,554 178,000Austral 79,680 69,574 174,925 203,214N Zeal 3,300 7,009Rep Saf 600 4,128TOTAL 8,791,602 5,121,524 33,700,743 18,951,967

9603290000 Shaving Brushes, Hairbrushes, Nail Brushes,

Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use on the Person

April Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q./No. Value

Canada 371,724 271,794 1,391,998 1,051,493

Mexico 58,362 336,951 3,614,557 1,116,778

Guatmal 586 5,358

Hondura 72 6,732

C Rica 665 6,510 2,442 19,777

Panama 2,000 15,800 2,000 15,800

Dom Rep 3,630 27,339 3,630 27,339

Trinid 3,483 38,000 12,292 111,097

N Antil 1,511 2,638

Colomb 453,000 141,601 1,709,146 513,054

Venez 3,007 8,796 3,007 8,796

Surinam 2,916 7,097

Ecuador 3,263 21,079

Peru 340 7,820

Chile 7,584 8,583 7,584 8,583

Brazil 196,000 40,025 325,630 77,032

Argent 884,000 177,718

Sweden 2,607 23,839 5,379 49,187Norway 4,510 43,422Finland 375 3,428U King 4,421 20,342 58,749 217,146Ireland 1,108 13,751Nethlds 1,782 16,301 3,343 28,425

EXPORTSApril Exports By Country


Belgium 1,100 2,891 17,772 170,407France 3,021 26,191 14,102 43,641Germany 8,446 73,724 35,795 186,386Austria 2,078 19,000Czech 648 2,592Switzld 371 3,396Lithuan 1,344 3,116Ukraine 684 6,251Spain 960 5,971 2,928 23,971Italy 41,046 46,353Turkey 50 7,500Arab Em 1,320 38,354India 70 6,675Thailnd 3,888 35,559 11,137 101,853Singapr 3,924 28,049Phil R 1,390 12,403China 1,374 12,572 23,854 218,152Kor Rep 3,155 23,942Hg Kong 318 5,760Taiwan 405 3,700Japan 3,124 2,674 99,397 47,178Austral 46 2,800 6,867 50,992N Zeal 4,253 19,171 8,325 27,306Nigeria 144 2,655 144 2,655TOTAL 1,134,621 1,140,089 8,315,562 4,613,182

9603300000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes and Similar Brushes for the

Application of CosmeticsApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 473,275 1,080,282 1,644,167 3,553,385Mexico 49,122 167,504 240,256 838,616Salvadr 8,869 14,874Hondura 1,988 5,082 19,187 41,390C Rica 1,295 4,777Panama 5,535 20,423 41,679 114,269Barbado 23,186 85,550Colomb 1,130 5,126Venez 1,919 9,888

Chile 3,776 7,013 3,776 7,013

Brazil 107,623 109,689 186,993 188,762

Paragua 13,644 50,342

Sweden 437 4,244 1,916 9,702

Norway 4,190 15,460 7,198 26,170

Finland 18,773 69,267 36,125 133,291

Denmark 535,676 1,976,458 536,096 1,980,360

U King 11,647 97,511 305,917 1,355,360

Ireland 996 3,674

Nethlds 2,014 7,428 5,422 25,986

Belgium 17,218 63,526

France 903 7,776 24,485 119,731

Germany 2,328 10,044 10,953 48,424

Austria 4,178 13,017

Slovak 151 9,527 151 9,527

Switzld 4,737 20,266

Estonia 1,993 7,353 1,993 7,353

Latvia 575 8,579

Poland 13,457 49,650 13,457 49,650

Russia 875 8,594 3,516 19,718

Armenia 6,103 22,518 6,103 22,518

Italy 17,998 66,404 38,832 143,273

Israel 21,847 80,606

Arab Em 5,726 21,124 5,726 21,124

India 2,680 4,001

Thailnd 2,387 12,422

Vietnam 900 9,696 900 9,696

Singapr 1,831 15,144

Indnsia 862 3,182

Phil R 9,000 8,493 27,000 25,479

China 6,244 23,040 35,514 131,032Kor Rep 15,394 91,675Hg Kong 14,342 59,617 25,044 101,640

Taiwan 4,808 17,741 5,058 20,290Japan 11,211 21,285 19,143 50,554Austral 30,228 110,357 55,237 202,363N Zeal 2,380 8,556TOTAL 1,340,323 4,013,580 3,426,972 9,751,881

9603402000 Paint Rollers

April Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. Value

Canada 235,366 430,233 646,755 1,440,817

Mexico 21,515 35,864 120,984 322,479

Guatmal 1,800 2,712 1,800 2,712

Hondura 3,450 11,698

C Rica 1,816 31,875 3,312 58,123

Panama 9,039 13,325 11,087 17,014

Bermuda 1,944 4,330 14,218 21,730

Jamaica 5,800 5,993

Dom Rep 5,401 90,548

St K N 249 4,369

S Vn Gr 2,316 2,760

Trinid 7,000 7,924

Colomb 239 4,198 239 4,198

Ecuador 745 13,073 745 13,073

Peru 651 11,431

Chile 27,766 36,678

Paragua 174 3,050

Argent 72 3,456 72 3,456

Sweden 39 3,175

Finland 841 2,673 841 2,673

Denmark 2,834 12,346 3,711 19,159

U King 2,589 11,897 5,734 41,380

Ireland 4,520 22,865 4,836 28,412

Nethlds 6,003 39,130

Belgium 203 3,569 203 3,569

France 692 7,846 692 7,846

Germany 2,961 12,644 31,708 116,383

Switzld 18,597 40,168

Israel 371 6,516 651 11,428

Qatar 610 3,972

Arab Em 7,332 10,153 7,332 10,153

India 2,101 36,867

Thailnd 176 11,176

Indnsia 13,356 69,333

China 3,855 67,660

Kor Rep 1,839 32,270

Hg Kong 820 37,895 820 37,895

Japan 1,946 12,301 1,946 12,301

Austral 25,097 251,352 113,348 942,217

N Zeal 3,357 12,933

Rep Saf 58,798 40,571

TOTAL 322,742 931,123 1,132,572 3,648,724

9603404020 Paint PadsApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueMexico 11,639 22,609Panama 35 2,556 47 5,910Bermuda 1,010 7,166Barbado 166 3,215Peru 1,173 3,127Sweden 12 2,676 12 2,676Finland 4,000 6,640Belgium 1,120 2,560Romania 728 5,171Kuwait 1,761 12,500S Arab 1,800 6,131Malaysa 1,310 9,300

Singapr 584 4,144

China 1,500 4,860

Kor Rep 645 4,580 67,333 491,792

Austral 35,620 71,776

TOTAL 692 9,812 129,803 659,5779603404050 Paint, Distemper, Varnish or Similar Brushes


(Except Brushes of 9603.30)April Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 119,321 830,649 488,551 3,460,768Mexico 3,647 59,284 39,631 802,494Salvadr 150 3,119Hondura 1,954 27,664 9,484 126,946Nicarag 2,853 10,483C Rica 989 10,006 2,138 41,042Panama 1,826 48,290 4,776 132,247Bermuda 1,893 29,766 1,893 29,766Bahamas 146 3,725 7,972 49,440Jamaica 198 4,109 323 6,709Cayman 559 4,658B Virgn 224 4,647 1,594 21,099Trinid 639 13,260N Antil 530 11,000Aruba 141 2,924Colomb 2,700 56,000 4,014 81,582Peru 181 3,758 1,396 46,282Chile 1,815 10,452Brazil 177 3,678 177 3,678Argent 2,314 48,004Iceland 666 8,591Sweden 1,040 13,025 3,335 52,075Finland 1,100 6,745Denmark 8,098 258,739U King 394 8,169 29,738 407,947Ireland 965 10,162 3,960 27,398Nethlds 300 2,988 28,515 558,660Belgium 11,177 225,421 11,177 225,421France 542 4,606 3,487 57,944Germany 1,408 31,481 5,682 103,595Poland 324 4,183Spain 183 3,804 183 3,804Malta 132 2,734Iraq 1,146 23,760Israel 5,618 118,974S Arab 133 2,756Arab Em 918 11,138

India 258 11,579

Sri Lka 184 3,822

Thailnd 600 4,720 1,007 10,531

Malaysa 313 11,172 4,128 74,896

Singapr 229 6,273 5,853 60,496

China 858 17,813 880 20,525

Kor Rep 3,889 68,158 7,904 151,437

Hg Kong 1,800 20,700

Japan 3,048 42,733

Austral 12,332 66,071 17,607 158,354

N Zeal 653 13,538 4,525 37,506

Samoa 901 18,687

Fr Poly 93 7,465

TOTAL 168,139 1,568,977 723,350 7,399,148

9603900000 Hand-Operated Mechanical Floor Sweepers,

Not Motorized, Mops & Feather Dusters; Prepared Knots & Tufts

for Broom or Brush Making, NESOI

April Year To Date


Canada 239,183 2,272,578 1,037,074 9,192,654

Mexico 74,791 946,900 274,513 3,564,983

Guatmal 17,380 51,639

Belize 1,971 15,798

Salvadr 10 2,501 310 11,861

Hondura 28 7,017C Rica 2,389 40,842 4,901 49,591Panama 1,181 52,736 7,948 162,507Bahamas 630 2,843Jamaica 314 5,090 314 5,090Cayman 536 8,689Dom Rep 353 7,980 2,058 20,787B Virgn 240 5,998

S Lucia 193 3,123Trinid 174 2,819 174 2,819N Antil 1,212 8,158Aruba 822 3,418 1,922 24,360Colomb 3,168 46,289Venez 2,352 38,155 5,545 95,602Ecuador 3,690 22,705 8,020 63,219Peru 608 9,867 608 9,867Chile 100 4,230 23,896 212,822Brazil 3,847 90,699 8,493 144,312Norway 696 11,293Finland 12,869 64,326 13,608 76,311Denmark 1,696 27,498 1,696 27,498U King 15,534 259,230 32,958 601,804Ireland 618 29,728 3,124 74,121Nethlds 2,314 21,238 20,842 114,572Belgium 4,784 28,236 14,171 107,748Luxmbrg 106 8,940 350 23,749France 888 2,683 2,139 26,137Germany 2,503 39,941 30,288 439,272Austria 265 4,291 873 14,147Czech 222 3,608Switzld 50 3,810 2,398 26,816Poland 252 12,510Russia 1,863 28,885 4,099 58,739Spain 169 2,748Portugl 690 7,908Italy 1,243 20,153 10,404 84,727Lebanon 876 5,522Israel 439 7,116 859 13,929Jordan 1,320 21,408Kuwait 30 3,952 599 13,175S Arab 7,528 139,209 31,253 229,739

Arab Em 6,282 83,932 12,807 148,345

Afghan 4,188 67,935 6,448 109,371

India 540 3,645 5,989 68,946

Sri Lka 154 2,501 154 2,501

Thailnd 293 4,750 1,396 20,506

Vietnam 450 4,193

Laos 244 3,960

Malaysa 482 10,120 482 10,120

Singapr 302 10,342 1,545 45,438

China 7,477 121,258 16,581 232,980

Mongola 170 2,763

Kor Rep 2,611 23,344 8,616 103,464

Hg Kong 14 2,912 5,326 95,437

Taiwan 552 12,879 5,410 77,155

Japan 13,388 103,480 35,350 287,244

Austral 5,197 82,010 34,139 398,236

N Zeal 730 2,790 11,300 67,957

Moroc 157 5,500

Camroon 269 3,821

Sier Ln 200 3,964 200 3,964

Nigeria 24 4,462 964 12,126

Angola 170 6,401 170 6,401

Kenya 262 4,249

Rep Saf 583 5,823 2,583 14,743

TOTAL 425,731 4,742,304 1,726,032 17,436,929

0502100000 Pigs’, Hogs’ or Boars’ Bristlesand Hair & Waste ThereofApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG ValueThailnd 81 6,579China 50,180 201,965 136,463 1,107,086TOTAL 50,180 201,965 136,544 1,113,665

IMPORTSBroom and Brush

April Imports By Country


0502900000 Badger Hair &Other Brushmaking Hair, Waste ThereofApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG ValueU King 14 34,561Germany 89 34,715 105 85,338Thailnd 325 21,697 770 52,649China 258 8,866 21,000 485,491TOTAL 672 65,278 21,889 658,039

0511993300 Horsehair and Horsehair Waste, Whether or NotPut Up As A Layer With or Without Supporting Material

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG ValueCChina 7,721 118,609 67,631 773,037TOTAL 7,721 118,609 67,631 773,037

1404903000 Istle Used Primarily In Brooms or In Brushes,Whether or Not In Hanks or Bundles

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/KG Value Net Q/KG ValueMexico 26,985 130,667 122,221 601,443TOTAL 26,985 130,667 122,221 601,443

4417002000 Broom and Mop Handles, 1.9 CM or More InDiameter and 97 CM or More In Length, Of Wood

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 1,615 5,085Mexico 58,880 8,099 165,236 24,994Hondura 349,144 185,266 1,646,355 750,019Colomb 23,352 10,024 33,072 14,036Brazil 860,144 868,578 2,728,838 2,998,676Belgium 29,870 36,991India 2,495 2,158Sri Lka 76,000 100,539 212,300 272,381Indnsia 38,584 37,896 469,155 401,907China 446,939 274,127 1,554,277 823,406Taiwan 41,440 32,477 43,452 38,050TOTAL 1,894,483 1,517,006 6,886,665 5,367,703

4417004000 Paint Brush and Paint Roller Handles, Of WoodApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable ValueGermany 7,167Czech 29,926Poland 5,787 12,425Italy 555,884 1,800,399Thailnd 14,835 27,030Indnsia 72,288 222,036China 109,628 538,226Taiwan 4,061TOTAL 758,422 2,641,270

4417006000 Brush Backs, Of WoodApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 131,937 44,503 665,416 275,203Sri Lka 318,215 177,192 1,107,970 638,029TOTAL 450,152 221,695 1,773,386 913,232

4417008010 Tool Handles of Wood

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable ValueCanada 14,770 42,622Mexico 12,897 69,403Brazil 295,298 1,245,245Nethlds 11,698India 4,282Vietnam 46,192 167,839China 76,025 216,411Taiwan 3,901 92,294TOTAL 449,083 1,849,794

4417008090 Tools, Tool Bodies, Broom or Brush Bodies,

Shoe Lasts and Trees, of Wood

April Year To Date

Country Net Q/Variable Value Net Q/Variable Value

Canada 104,781 298,783

Mexico 5,735 25,731

Hondura 17,200

Chile 615,617 2,006,083

U King 12,117 22,698

Germany 2,477

Austria 4,920

Czech 2,688

Poland 2,650 2,650

Spain 31,090

Italy 8,916

India 80,676 312,172

Sri Lka 105,316

Vietnam 21,255 121,864

Indnsia 19,985

China 155,081 919,807

Taiwan 16,764

Japan 333,349 1,299,001

Austral 2,145

TOTAL 1,331,261 5,220,290

7326908576 Metal Handles or Brooms, Mops, Paint Applicators

April Year To Date


Canada 120,000 8,414 120,000 8,414

Mexico 20,400 6,209

Brazil 33,600 17,574 122,830 78,310

Denmark 400 3,702 965 10,098

Germany 14 2,821 14 2,821

Spain 241,920 112,011 1,831,584 824,600

Italy 832,640 818,627 5,153,169 3,786,635

China 844,356 674,610 2,791,118 2,666,982

Taiwan 100,898 79,473

TOTAL 2,072,930 1,637,759 10,140,978 7,463,542

9603100500 Wiskbrooms, of Broom Corn, LT=.96 EA. Prior to Entry

or Withdrawal for Consumption of 61,655 Dozen In Calendar Year

April Year To Date


Mexico 3,612 3,088 8,496 7,373

China 12,240 9,094

TOTAL 3,612 3,088 20,736 16,467

9603104000 Other Brooms, of Broomcorn, LT=.96 EA, Prior to Entry or

Withdrawal For Consumption of GT=121,478 Dozen in Calendar Year

April Year To Date

Mexico 30,252 24,553

TOTAL 30,252 24,553

9603105000 Other Brooms, of Broomcorn, LT=.96 EA, at Entry or

Withdrawal For Consumption of GT=121,478 Dozen in Calendar Year

April Year To Date


Mexico 10,560 8,921 21,936 18,321

TOTAL 10,560 8,921 21,936 18,321

9603106000 Other Brooms, Of Broomcorn, Valued Over .96 Each

April Year To Date


Mexico 724,431 1,720,491 2,686,092 6,615,121

Hondura 19,968 43,397 93,822 198,203

TOTAL 744,399 1,763,888 2,779,914 6,813,324

9603109000 Brooms & Brushes, of Twigs or Other VegetableMaterials Bound Together, With or Without Handles, NESOI

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 40 2,455 1,040 11,285Mexico 5,640 10,270 19,920 31,891


U King 1 2,535France 6 2,757Germany 486 5,619Turkey 2,000 5,560India 1,800 2,224 1,800 2,224Sri Lka 104,156 80,133 379,741 390,087Thailnd 7,924 22,275Vietnam 5,320 4,802 66,240 58,242Phil R 1,600 2,195 6,620 14,826China 26,364 47,765 55,015 100,900Kor Rep 900 3,127Japan 1 2,197TOTAL 144,920 149,844 541,694 653,525

9603210000 Toothbrushes, Incl. Dental-Plate BrushesApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 1,771 4,955 76,036 34,518Mexico 470,106 136,679 2,535,249 674,770Brazil 443,664 169,388 2,064,456 650,872Sweden 121,077 84,934 143,277 100,087Norway 23,550 11,709 23,550 11,709U King 4,800 16,352Ireland 255,072 418,740 901,388 1,202,424Nethlds 148,969 21,209Belgium 1 2,995Germany 2,567,500 2,128,779 9,155,563 7,687,524Hungary 10,080 22,615 20,547 52,999Switzld 7,397,430 2,520,719 30,070,813 10,198,787Poland 413,952 46,663Italy 294,000 91,001 807,100 257,999Turkey 12,024 18,375 12,664 24,902Israel 467,120 65,572India 4,579,018 740,607 16,072,353 1,793,845Thailnd 265,600 79,740 834,952 242,609Vietnam 6,345,840 347,531 19,740,168 1,035,076Malaysa 873,584 83,745 5,993,104 246,581Indnsia 9,300 2,308 451,512 30,932China 45,675,313 9,937,939 192,426,047 37,309,087Kor Rep 43,860 22,478 2,051,330 365,051Hg Kong 43,000 36,655 361,698 183,442Taiwan 208,276 76,357 1,473,352 289,512Japan 94,634 363,861 1,084,834 590,167Austral 130 2,500Gabon 1,171,872 164,241TOTAL 69,734,699 17,299,115 288,506,837 63,302,425

9603294010 Hairbrushes, Valued Not Over .40 EachApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueThailnd 33,600 12,698Vietnam 7,200 3,088China 2,566,624 859,026 12,894,798 3,749,171Hg Kong 10,800 2,654 262,320 37,431Taiwan 26,604 10,243TOTAL 2,577,424 861,680 13,224,522 3,812,631

9603294090 Shaving Brushes, Nail Brushes, Eyelash Brushes & Other Toilet Brushes For Use On The Person

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueMexico 2,920,850 255,557 8,550,400 733,639France 48,000 4,473 48,000 4,473Germany 2,112,780 432,900 7,292,871 1,447,107Switzld 19,200 4,961Italy 31,800 5,004India 55,000 7,125China 2,481,700 470,562 13,987,859 2,142,913Kor Rep 5,822,500 107,509Hg Kong 134,040 23,476Taiwan 8,400 3,287 170,020 44,011Japan 282 5,534TOTAL 7,571,730 1,166,779 36,111,972 4,525,752

9603302000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes ForApplication Of Cosmetics, Valued Not Over .05 Each

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueMexico 530,000 16,631 3,576,367 100,857France 600,000 19,672 1,900,000 60,688

Germany 2,204,000 95,606 10,889,500 481,575Italy 7,997,500 83,646 24,831,600 276,570India 794,880 12,821China 8,208,856 250,580 56,906,946 1,447,581Kor Rep 1,100,000 37,159 6,663,000 171,446Hg Kong 225,864 4,238 277,824 6,617Taiwan 750,000 17,829 2,020,000 54,737Japan 200,000 9,066TOTAL 21,616,220 525,361 108,060,117 2,621,958

9603304000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes ForApplication of Cosmetics, Valued Over .05 But not Over .10 Each

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueMexico 9,073,373 682,019 26,176,596 1,964,975Brazil 96,000 6,891Germany 1,376,000 99,289 6,065,500 442,161India 65,520 5,313 273,528 21,598Thailnd 110,956 12,111 138,726 15,799China 13,139,364 948,793 39,808,767 2,877,672Kor Rep 305,000 22,965 1,589,940 120,393Hg Kong 575,050 41,614 1,248,214 96,503Taiwan 305,000 20,571 2,506,928 173,217TOTAL 24,950,263 1,832,675 77,904,199 5,719,209

9603306000 Artists Brushes, Writing Brushes & Similar Brushes ForApplication Of Cosmetics, Valued Over .10 Each

April Year To DateCountry Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 1,344 35,629 1,474 45,168Mexico 11,545,712 1,984,369 51,847,216 8,583,238Dom Rep 68,539 104,064 296,824 467,262Chile 336 2,763U King 70,026 135,540 284,881 712,475Ireland 738 9,353France 85,686 330,698 325,448 1,323,628Germany 919,552 352,763 5,309,706 1,597,957Switzld 180 5,336 281 8,544Spain 17,806 84,822 54,307 267,793Italy 34,912 37,187 37,426 59,385Greece 1,133 31,637Israel 2,643 7,038 4,995 14,591India 319,529 118,064 2,032,425 757,914Sri Lka 242,076 170,709 610,116 390,199Thailnd 307,443 185,803 1,272,899 694,968Indnsia 20,736 12,142 20,736 12,142Phil R 2,592 9,470China 15,041,462 10,209,123 65,624,577 41,058,367Kor Rep 167,174 193,053 766,104 550,888Hg Kong 354,556 136,927 1,532,652 888,841Taiwan 228,298 109,889 1,164,472 396,694Japan 404,241 1,505,197 1,308,469 5,675,277Austral 688 5,654 1,376 11,406Mauritn 5,347 20,287 18,394 68,102Maurit 11,000 7,600TOTAL 29,837,950 15,744,294 132,530,577 63,645,662

9603402000 Paint RollersApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 14,638 14,938Mexico 1,328,620 538,694 4,501,828 1,847,908Brazil 5,052 5,816 5,052 5,816Sweden 600 3,456 1,600 8,778U King 588 8,242 952 13,516Nethlds 950 6,823 950 6,823Germany 233,153 47,474 1,050,795 229,568Italy 23,500 15,993China 3,937,552 1,748,806 13,589,139 6,015,264Hg Kong 123,735 82,082Japan 75 2,309TOTAL 5,506,515 2,359,311 19,312,264 8,242,995

9603404020 Paint Pads April Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValuePakistn 28,000 3,297Indnsia 2,736 4,321China 1,098,472 940,019 3,451,119 2,649,929TOTAL 1,098,472 940,019 3,481,855 2,657,547


9603404040 Natural Bristle Brushes, April Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 15,748 22,235 45,970 61,610Guatmal 21,168 22,864 21,168 22,864U King 51,875 60,425Germany 554 9,413 8,875 44,622Turkey 28,368 97,889Sri Lka 6,192 18,127Thailnd 366,576 196,867Vietnam 148,824 21,593Indnsia 4,432,212 510,611 19,786,282 3,142,216China 302,363 51,411 1,881,457 406,757Taiwan 1,000 7,422Japan 4,510 7,533TOTAL 4,772,045 616,534 22,351,097 4,087,925

9603404060 Paint, Distemper, Varnish/Similr Brushes Exc Brushes April Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 5,398 7,637 25,653 35,332Mexico 18,504 25,474Guatmal 37,368 40,380 37,368 40,380Brazil 4,176 2,588 4,176 2,588Sweden 158,496 44,148 184,396 57,518U King 31 8,372 34 12,004Germany 287 4,761 5,232 53,339Italy 31,270 86,726Greece 138 2,451 138 2,451Turkey 6,144 23,673India 349,632 46,070 359,978 81,268Sri Lka 16,512 34,367 34,152 65,785Vietnam 2,350 5,547 6,650 14,924Indnsia 3,613,692 444,741 13,780,135 2,105,046China 18,165,861 5,816,911 55,662,517 19,593,973Kor Rep 38,552 14,482Hg Kong 316,381 51,161Taiwan 204,768 51,158 682,544 296,768Japan 4,880 10,700 17,300 38,721TOTAL 22,563,589 6,519,831 71,211,124 22,601,613

9603908010 WiskbroomsApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueMexico 8,844 11,394Spain 3,456 6,456China 27,744 34,248 162,600 165,874Taiwan 1,008 2,389 1,008 2,389TOTAL 28,752 36,637 175,908 186,113

9603908020 Upright BroomsApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueMexico 41,087 53,420 200,281 225,947Guatmal 36,532 62,909 36,532 62,909Colomb 14,280 12,372 17,640 15,412Brazil 14,400 21,335 26,789 90,762Argent 8,944 17,766Spain 20,088 40,402Italy 22,800 26,186 119,199 133,986Sri Lka 7,872 14,648 24,024 48,779China 693,502 791,791 2,758,676 3,363,169Taiwan 1,008 6,905 3,012 21,419Egypt 11,244 9,686 24,240 20,954TOTAL 842,725 999,252 3,239,425 4,041,505

9603908030 Push Brooms, 41 CM or Less in WidthApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueMexico 448 2,457India 1,224 2,670Sri Lka 56,226 168,448 70,054 220,971China 16,422 53,071 248,748 1,035,453Taiwan 420 3,453TOTAL 72,648 221,519 320,894 1,265,004

9603908040 Other Brooms, NESOIApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 61,506 104,212 303,926 500,276Mexico 478,503 793,823 1,464,908 2,495,653Guatmal 18,600 22,010 78,144 65,438Salvadr 43,800 43,978 88,116 107,518Colomb 23,981 22,889 90,596 142,031Brazil 20,424 32,988 124,580 133,963U King 1,413 18,743 2,060 28,299Czech 59,136 50,937 137,016 153,722Lithuan 250 5,397Spain 26,736 37,466Italy 80,832 137,242 304,667 519,270Israel 1,320 2,865India 4,517 6,627 16,121 27,313Bngldsh 60 2,700Sri Lka 81,018 116,981 370,304 648,900Thailnd 7,250 10,998 37,750 64,253Vietnam 6,000 9,539 20,560 30,070Phil R 80 2,414 80 2,414China 586,060 1,807,397 1,879,973 5,471,523Kor Rep 2,600 4,811Taiwan 361 6,426 1,281 20,351TOTAL 1,473,481 3,187,204 4,951,048 10,464,233`

9603908050 Brooms, Brushes, Sqeegees, Etc., NESOIApril Year To Date

Country Net Q/No. Value Net Q/No. ValueCanada 1,926,125 8,256,210Mexico 2,901,472 10,498,468Guatmal 6,115 6,115Salvadr 41,788 62,381Hondura 1,353,649 4,979,699Dom Rep 57,618 151,535Colomb 83,702 304,316Brazil 89,141 153,833Sweden 15,820 58,884Norway 16,691Finland 78,398Denmark 128,469 611,292U King 33,247 190,327Nethlds 204,271 1,069,547Belgium 158,376 499,819France 6,896 48,004Germany 201,463 827,208Austria 2,252Czech 266,950 377,081Switzld 15,541 45,438Latvia 8,875Lithuan 19,390 137,324Poland 89,540 164,652Russia 5,880 5,880Spain 155,045 431,060Italy 406,700 1,448,367Slvenia 7,566 13,850Romania 29,806 90,884Turkey 3,863 14,112Israel 25,485 97,460India 48,658 201,207Pakistn 189,819 1,562,271Sri Lka 347,883 1,159,886Thailnd 324,072 1,571,286Vietnam 10,693 79,517Malaysa 30,593 95,136Indnsia 58,500 234,826China 29,723,298 110,266,836Kor Rep 182,224 795,752Hg Kong 725,058 3,172,787Taiwan 1,105,199 4,453,347Japan 65,550 293,966Austral 328,038Egypt 23,670 58,098TOTAL 41,069,135 154,922,915


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sells this item mostly to customers that produce wound brooms. “There are a lot of different kinds of palmyra, and we used to have

customers that put this fiber into push and street brooms. However, wedon’t see much of that anymore,” Caddy said. “Most of the palmyra thatwe provide can be found in a wound broom. These tend to be specialbrooms for the roofing industry or used in snow removal where extrastiff material is needed for sweeping. These types of brooms would notbe good for sweeping up fine dust particles, but they are great for out-door situations such as spreading roofing tar, etc.”Along with fiber, the company provides other supplies to help its cus-

tomers produce various types of brooms — as well as brushes and mops.This includes steel wire, which is used to either wind brooms and mops,or under special applications, to staple set brushes. R.E. Caddy also sup-plies nails, either for nail machines or to be used when making broomsby hand; polyethylene sewing twine for stitching brooms; broom knivesand a variety of other tools used in the craft broom industry. “Those in the craft trade like a variety of knives, hand sewing needles

and all kinds of threads and twines. It’s quite a variety of supplies,”Caddy said. “The bulk of our sales comes from commercial factories,

however, so for those customers it’s confined to broom corn, yucca andpalmyra fiber, wood handles, steel wire, nails — these are the main com-ponents that we supply.”Traditionally, the strongest period of demand for R.E. Caddy’s supply

of fiber runs from April through October when many special promotionstake place within the commercial broom, mop and brush industries. Thisincludes nationwide “spring cleaning” and “back to school” promotionsthat are designed to help spur the desire for cleaning products among thepublic. “This demand trend has held true during the past 12 months. Despite

the slow economy, there still remains a steady need for cleaning tools,”Caddy said. “Some of our customers have been ordering less fiber thanin the past, however, when the economy was stronger. “We always provide good customer service which helps. It’s very

difficult to pick up new accounts as there are not many new broom andmop companies entering the U.S. marketplace. Therefore, it’s vital totake care of the current customer base and treat these people the bestwe can.”This focus on service includes warehouse management. “We work to help our larger accounts better manage their inventories.

Rather than having them buy large quantities at any given time, they canpurchase smaller amounts from us while knowing we have more productavailable in our own warehouse,” Caddy said. “By doing this, our cus-tomers don’t have to tie up a lot of resources when making their orders.It also helps us to purchase inventory from our suppliers on a regularbasis. “Typically, larger commercial shipments for customers are pretty easy

to put together. They often come with multiple orders and the material isoften already on skids. It’s just a matter of putting the right address labelon the shipment and calling a trucking company.”In looking ahead, Caddy said U.S. demand for natural fiber used in the

production of brooms and brushes continues to be steady. “I’m not sure if we can ever say again that demand will grow since

there is now a limited number of U.S. manufacturers left in the indus-try. Demand, however, has stayed steady as of late,” Caddy said.

“Today’s fiber demands do not come close to 10 years ago in terms oftotal tonnage, but they have come back from a low period during therecent recession.”

Contact: R.E. Caddy & Company, Inc., P.O. Box 14634, Greensboro, NC 27415. Phone: 336-273-3609; Fax: 336-378-6047.

E-mail: [email protected] site: www.recaddy.com.

Enjoying a solid year thus far in 2011 is Brush Fibers, Inc. TheArcola, IL, company supplies such natural fibers as tampico,palmyra, sherbro, coco, arenga, bassine, rice root and horsehair.

Synthetic filaments include polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, PET andwire. Brush Fibers also supplies foam and solid plastic brush blocks. “We have seen a year-over-year improvement since the lows of 2008.

However, challenges remain with continuing raw material increases andglobal commodity volatility,” Brush Fibers President Chris Monahansaid. The company has multiple warehousing facilities in North America

and a centralized headquarters in Arcola, which is located in CentralIllinois. In addition, Brush Fibers has its own fleet of trucks and cancombine orders with The Thomas Monahan Company and MonahanFilaments to reduce shipping costs for customers. Monahan said his business remains committed to customer service.“A consistent policy of efficiently shipping products within 24

hours and keeping a large stock of inventory, at competitive prices,provides many opportunities at our company,” he explained.“Customers appreciate this effort, which includes our ability at BrushFibers to place quite a few different orders in one shipment to save onfreight costs.

“Brush Fibers will continue to concentrate on providing naturalfibers, polypropylene and polystyrene, which will allow MonahanFilaments to invest more heavily in highly engineered resins.”The various fiber/filament items provided by Brush Fibers are used to

make brush and broom products found in different markets, such as retail,household, janitorial/sanitary and industrial. These products include angleand push brooms as well as car wash and industrial brushes.

Monahan said polystyrene filament is particularly in high demand atthe moment. Used in snow brushes, this filament has benefited from lastwinter’s heavy snow activity across large portions of the United States. “The filament also makes quality car wash and push brooms. It helps

that more people are outside cleaning cars, garages, etc., now that theweather has turned warm,” Monahan said.He added that “recycling” and “green” continue to be important

buzz words among customers. Brush Fibers helps satisfy those seek-ing environmentally friendly products through the supply of varioustypes of natural fiber and recycled material. Natural fibers are consid-ered a renewable resource, while PET is made from recycled plasticbottles.As a domestic fiber/filament supplier, Monahan feels encouraging

signs are taking place that show certain U.S. manufacturers are focusingmore on purchasing raw materials “at home.” “The gap between the United States and overseas is getting smaller.

Continued from page 14

“Today’s fiber demands do not come close to 10 yearsago in terms of total tonnage, but they have come

back from a low period during the recent recession.”— R.E. Caddy & Co. President Richard Caddy

“The gap between the United States andoverseas is getting smaller. Also, inflation is

hitting China, which recently raised interest ratesfor the fifth time in the last nine months as

prices there continue to rise fast.” — Brush Fibers President Chris Monahan


Also, inflation is hitting China, which recently raised interest rates forthe fifth time in the last nine months as prices there continue to risefast,” Monahan said. “I feel the business climate in the United States isgetting better. “We all have challenges, but hopefully there are brighter days ahead

for everybody. The growth of our company mostly tracks the U.S. brushmanufacturing industry.”

Contact: Brush Fibers, Inc., 202 N. Oak St., Arcola, IL 61910. Phone: 217-268-3012; Fax: 217-268-3245.

E-mail: [email protected]: www.brushfibers.com.

Reporting on an increase in capacity is Hahl Inc., a manufactur-er of synthetic bristle, nylon (6, 66, 612, 610), polyester,polypropylene, abrasive fiber Abrafil 612 and Hahlbrasif 6 for

the brush industry. This capacity upgrade will enable Hahl Inc., to fulfilla desire to manufacture 90-plus percent of all products sold from itsSouth Carolina plant. “Hahl Inc., is always looking for ways to remain competitive through

product innovation and competitive pricing. Our new plant expansionwill drive the company toward this goal,” Terry Hogan, Hahl’s salesmanager for North America, said. Other changes have also taken place. In February 2010, Martin

Ohrinburg and Global Equity Partners acquired Hahl Inc. (USA), HahlGmbH (Germany) and Pedex GmbH (Germany) from Lenzing AG.The new name of the company is Hahl-Pedex.“We are growing and focused on developing products that meet differ-

ent markets requirements. This strategy has helped the Hahl Groupbecome a leader in technical/industrial applications for bristle and abra-sive products around the world,” Hogan said. “Our products are used inthe brush market for many applications. These brushes are predominant-ly found within the technical brush market as well as the professionalcleaning market.” Hahl Inc., sells many products from a generic list of stock that meet

the needs of most customers. For individual orders, the company sellsas little as one box to several thousand pounds.“In addition to our generic stock items, Hahl Inc., manages many

custom stock programs for individual customers. This enables thecompany to offer short lead times and take advantage of manufactur-ing efficiencies,” Hogan said. “Our customers are then able to meetthe delivery requirements for their own customers without increasingthe value of raw materials.”When asked about specific challenges found in today’s brush industry,

Hogan said the marketplace still has a long way to go when it comes tofull recovery. “Our industry depends on a healthy and growing economy. Market

recovery in the automotive and housing industries is a key driver to ahealthy brush industry,” Hogan said. “However, product quality, serviceand price remain the most important requirements for Hogan Inc., in 2011.”

Contact: Hahl Inc., 126 Glassmaster Rd., Columbia, SC 29072. Phone: 803-359-0706; Fax: 803-359-0074.E-mail: [email protected].

Website: www.hahl-pedex.com.

Working hard to maintain longtime relationships and establishnew customer contacts remain the focus of MFC, Ltd.,located in Laredo, TX. Primarily a supplier to natural fiber

brush manufacturers, the company’s history runs 100-plus years. “We have worked hard throughout those years to find good suppliers

of raw materials,” MFCs David Kalisz said. “Once we find these sup-pliers, we work with them for many years — sometimes through sever-al generations. This has allowed us the ability to supply fibers with qual-ity that is second to none. “We try to have the same long-term relationships with customers.

We are thrilled to be able to say that our customers’ productiondepartments value their relationship with MFC, as the fiber we sup-ply works well with their machinery and provides less waste andbetter through-put. It’s also important to our customers’ purchasingdepartments that our prices remain competitive.”Among the fibers that MFC supplies are tampico, unión and

patent fiber, horsehair and boar bristle mixtures, cattle hair, synthet-ic mixtures and tapered paintbrush mixtures. These fibers are usedin the manufacturing of many types of brushes including household,paint, personal, industrial and janitorial. “Each of the different fibers that we sell has its own benefits.

When we make a mixture of various fibers, the manufacturercan then tailor a brush to a certain application and/or pricepoint,” Kalisz explained. “The benefit of a mixture is having allof the fibers, each with its own special characteristic, spreadout evenly over the brush.”He added that overall business at MFC during the first half of

2011 has been slightly better than 2010, which was better than 2009. “I continue to be very optimistic due to the creativity of the com-

panies that remain in the North American brush industry. I feel thebusinesses that have lived through the latest recession will do wellas the economy improves,” Kalisz said. He added that most of the outsourcing in the brush industry has

already taken place. Today’s North American brush manufacturers havebeen able to adapt and learn how to compete with imports where it ben-efits them to compete.

“These brush manufacturers understand the local customerrequirements better as they are located in local markets and notoffshore,” Kalisz said. “The North American brush manufacturercan react quickly to their customers’ needs. This is true whether acustomer has an uptick in demand or must resolve a new problemwith a specialized brush. Most North American brush manufactur-ers also allow their customers more opportunities to purchase insmaller quantities. “Due to MFCs long-term customer relationships — along with our

quality, competitive pricing and willingness to customize mixtures usedin brushes — we are confident that as our customers do well, we willalso succeed.”

Contact: MFC LTD, 1904 Freight St., Laredo, TX 78041. Phone: 800-TAMPICO (826-7426) or 956-724-5191;

Fax: 956-725-8080. Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected].

Website: www.mfc-usa.com.

“Our industry depends on a healthy and growingeconomy. Market recovery in the automotive and

housing industries is a key driver to a healthy brush industry.”

— Hahl Inc., Sales Manager Terry Hogan

“I continue to be very optimistic due to the creativity of the companies that remain in the

North American brush industry. I feel the businessesthat have lived through the latest recession will do well

as the economy improves.” — MFC, Ltd. David Kalisz

While doing business in a sluggish U.S. economy, executivesfrom five companies that supply wire products to the broom,brush and mop segments shared with Broom, Brush & Mop

Magazine how their respective businesses have remained competitive.One of the challenges these companies have faced is the ever-presentthreat of rising raw materials costs that have been up and down since therecent recession hit in 2008 and 2009.

The late Richard Earl “Tip” Caddy Sr. founded R.E. Caddy &Company, of Greensboro, NC, in 1958, and the company hasbeen the exclusive sales representative for Southern Steel &

Wire for more than 30 years. The company also supplies processedbroom corn, palmyra and yucca fiber;wood broom, brush and mop handles; wetmop hardware and handles; polyethylenebroom sewing twine; nails, knives andother supplies.“We can divide our wire accounts into

three broad groups — people who windbrooms, people who wind mops and peoplewho staple set brushes,” said R.E. CaddyPresident Richard Caddy, son of EarlCaddy Sr. “Also, within the brush segment,there are some people we sell to who usetwist quality wire and anchor set wire.Right now it seems our largest wire ton-

nage is probably for broom and mop winding. Brushes are a little moreseasonal.”As far as raw materials are concerned, Caddy said there are no serious

issues in availability or quality facing the company at this time.“We haven’t had any particular problem with the availability of the

proper kind of steel we need in order for our customers to make theirproducts,” Caddy said. “This can be somewhat tricky because with tin

coated broom wire, a very good raw material must be used to get goodadhesion to the tin.“With staple wire, the emphasis is on the quality of the basic steel

itself. We must also, in house, control diameter and tinsel rate tolerances.We have not had any negative issues with this process.

“We have seen fluctuations in the price of steel over the past year. Itseems like prices have kind of leveled out somewhat. Nonetheless, we didhave some pretty good run-ups in steel, not only for wire, but also formop hardware. “It has been fairly steady for the past couple of months, but you never

know. Price increases are something that could be on the horizon. A lot ofwhat happens in this area is tied into worldwide demand and is beyondour control. If Asian manufacturing picks up and comes back strong, itwill put pressure on the market worldwide for availability, as well as pric-ing.”R.E. Caddy’s diversity and flexibility with wire have allowed it to offer

quality customer service to both small and large customers. The compa-ny’s traditional ability to quickly turn around orders is even more impor-tant as customers are seeking to keep inventories low as a cost savingmeasure.“We work with customers to help them anticipate when they are

going to need product,” Caddy said. “Many manufacturers wouldrather give us a blanket order with the understanding that a certainamount of product must be available on demand. Southern Steel &Wire has always been good at this. We have been with them for 34years as their sales rep and we have never had a negative issuewith product availability. We can quickly get product out thedoor.”Another important aspect of R.E. Caddy’s customer service effort is

its commitment to quality control. Quality control programs are in placeat R.E. Caddy’s facility, where nothing is taken for granted, Caddy said.Southern Steel & Wire is also committed to quality control as both com-

“We haven’t had any particularproblem with the availability of the

proper kind of steel we need inorder for our customers to make

their products.”

— R.E. Caddy President Richard Caddy

“Price increases are somethingthat could be on the horizon. A lot

of what happens in this area istied into worldwide demand and

is beyond our control.”

— R.E. Caddy President Richard Caddy

5 ire Suppliers

By Rick Mullen, Broom, Brush & Mop Associate Editor

Richard Caddy

panies constantly strive to offer the best products available to maintaina competitive edge.“We have been in business for 53 years and we remain as ready and

willing as ever to serve our customers,” Caddy said.

Contact: R.E. Caddy & Company, Inc., P.O. Box 14634, Greensboro, NC 27415. Phone: 336-273-3609; Fax: 336-378-6047.

E-mail: [email protected]: www.recaddy.com.

For 63 years, the Jewel Wire Company, of Pomfret, CT, has beenserving the brush industry, while establishing a reputation of pro-viding quality and service to its customers.

“Jewel Wire was founded to produce fine diameter brush wire for thebrush industry,” said Jewel Wire General Manager Sam Dixon. “Thecompany has grown over the years and has gone through several own-ers.”Jewel Wire was founded in Belleville, NJ, in 1948 by John Mustica.

In the early 1960s, the company was purchased by John Giannuzzi, whowould own it for the next 25 years. During Giannuzzi’s tenure as owner,the company’s customer base grew to many small and large wire brushmanufacturers in the United States and Canada. Also, during this time,the company’s product line grew to include stainless steel wire.In December 1986, Jewel Wire was sold to National Standard

Company. Following a move to a larger facility in Mount Joy, PA, Dixonbecame general manager.On Aug. 16, 1991, Jewel Wire was sold to Loos & Sons Incorporated,

based in Pomfret, CT. By January 1993 Jewel Wire had relocated toPomfret, near the main Loos factory. Loos manufactures a wide varietyof wire, aircraft cable and wire rope for aerospace, military, and commer-

cial applications.In the fall of 2000, Jewel Wire acquired

an additional 13,000 square feet of space formanufacturing and stocking products fordistribution.“We manufacture stainless steel, brass

rods, nickel silver, high carbon and low car-bon steel material used for the fill in brush-es and also staple set and stem wire,” Dixonsaid. “Excellent service, quality and com-petitive pricing have made us successfulover the years.”In addition to supplying North American

brush manufacturers, Jewel Wire also services international markets,including The United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany, South Africa andSouth Korea.Dixon reported that sales are up from the deep recession years of 2008

and 2009.“Usage is up and we are all very happy about that,” he said. “However,

business is not quite what we would like.”One of the main economic challenges Jewel Wire faces is the high cost

of raw materials, especially copper.“Most of the products we deal with, especially the copper-based alloys,

are being heavily impacted by speculators who drive up the price,” Dixonsaid. “Copper is at an all-time high and that is adversely impacting theprices we have to charge our customers. They, in turn, pass the priceincreases on to their customers. It is not a happy situation for anybody. “I think the government should try to figure out how to take specula-

tors out of this equation. It is going to be a major challenge if copperdoesn’t come down pretty soon and we can’t stabilize prices. “All through the 1980s and 1990s, the pricing was so stable on brush

wire that year after year companies could use the same price schedules.In the 2000s, speculators got involved and it has just been a nightmare.

“Right now, we are managing costs and trying to stabilize pricing asmuch as possible, not only for Jewel Wire’s sake, but also for the cus-tomer’s sake.”Despite the challenges set forth by the economy and rising material

costs, Dixon is optimistic about Jewel Wire’s future.“Jewel Wire is going to be around for a lot of years. We have a good

diversity of products. We can offer many types of wire in a lot of differ-

ent packages,” Dixon said. “When the brush industry comes out of thesedown economic times, Jewel Wire will be there to meet its needs.”Dixon credited the company’s leadership throughout the years with

keeping it prosperous and competitive through good times and bad.“The people who have owned the company basically decided that they

were going to run it to serve the needs of the brush industry, which wasa really wise decision,” Dixon said. “Jewel Wire has, and continues, toconcentrate on the brush industry. The company didn’t go after a lot ofdifferent industries or other products. We could have, but the decisionwas made to serve the brush industry, and that is what we have done.”


Sam Dixon

“Most of the products we dealwith, especially the copper-basedalloys, are being heavily impactedby speculators who drive up the

price. Copper is at an all-time highand that is adversely impacting

the prices we have to charge ourcustomers.”

— Jewel Wire General Manager Sam Dixon


As for Dixon’s future, he is set to retire in a couple of months, com-pleting a distinguished 48-year career.“I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to deal with so

many outstanding people and companies. I really feel blessed and verythankful that I had the opportunity to work in the brush industry and sup-ply brush manufacturers,” Dixon said. “There are many privately ownedcompanies with outstanding owners. They are all class acts. Jewel Wirealso deals with corporations. We are very fortunate that the corporationswe deal with have some very good people. I have been very fortunate —48 years is a long time to be in one industry.“I wish everybody in the brush industry the best in the future and thank

them all for being so good to me all these years.”

Contact: The Jewel Wire Company, Route 101, Pomfret, CT 06258.

Phone: 860-928-6681; Email: [email protected]: www.jewelwire.com.

Established in 1996, Stainless Steel Products, a division of RMRInternational Co., Inc., of Deer Park, NY, focuses on the saleof wire and value-added wire products to American manufactur-

ers and distributors.SSP specializes in manufacturing wire to customers’ specifications.

The company says it stocks and distributes products for quick shipmentsand just-in-time deliveries.SSP offerings include high-fatigue resistant wire, including brush fills,

staple wire, scratch brush wire, power brush wire, crimped wire, retain-ing wire, straightened and cut-to-lengthwire, winding wire, stranded wire and flatwire.The company’s wire products are used in

such applications as power brushes, scratchbrushes, crimped and crimped wheel brush-es, strip brushes and twisted in wire brush-es. SSP also offers stainless steel and galva-nized strip.Following the depth of the recession in

2008 and 2009, SSP’s business improved in2010, and the trend continues into 2011.“This year is better than last year,” said

SSP President Ralph Rosenbaum. “Weare not going gangbusters, but business is good. Sales of crimped fila-

ment brush wire are going fairly well, and have shown the most improve-ment in sales since last year. We have improved some of our machinery,and we increased our crimping capacity as a result of adding anothermachine.”While steel prices showed extreme fluctuations during the recession

years, the up and down nature of steel pricing has leveled off the pastcouple of years.“Steel prices have been relatively stable recently. They have gone up

and down, but they seem to be fairly stable at this point, barring anymajor changes in the economy,” Rosenbaum said.Rosenbaum is cautious about predicting how future steel prices would

play out.“While I don’t see raw material prices changing very much, with what

is going on in Washington, it is hard to predict anything,” Rosenbaumsaid. “The uncertainty of the economy is the main challenge, becausesome people don’t want to commit to adding lines and hiring people.“SSP’s ability to be flexible in offering the best in customer service

extends to its ‘friendly’ attitude toward trying new products, prototyping,innovations and working with customers to develop new products.Another area where the company’s flexibility is seen is its effort to quick-ly supply customers with what they need.”Because of the continuing sluggishness of the economy, many compa-

nies are continuing to strive to keep their inventories as low as possible.SSP’s ability and willingness to handle emergency shipments and to offerquick turnaround times have proven to be extremely important to cus-tomers.“People are keeping inventories low more than ever,” Rosenbaum said.Another effective way SSP has helped some customers during the

down economy is by offering blanket orders. Blanket orders allow a cus-tomer to lock in a price for several months and they also give SSP more

opportunity to plan ahead.“We stock material for customers. It helps them in terms of reducing

their inventory and helps us with sales as well,” Rosenbaum said. “Somecustomers just prefer to buy every month without an order. Blanketorders kind of secure everything. They keep the prices stable.”In addition to the brush industry, SSP also services many other seg-

ments, including aircraft maintenance and the manufacturers of cable,chains, custom specialty products, dental products, filters, flexible metalhose, jewelry, medical products, pool safety cover hardware, springs, sta-ples, wire for thread and yarn, wire braid and wire cloth.Looking down the road, Rosenbaum is optimistic that SSP will contin-

ue to prosper.“We are constantly working to be more efficient,” Rosenbaum said.

“We have lean practices in place and we continue to further improve ourquality.”Another area in which SSP has shown significant advancement is in its

exporting efforts.“We are working to expand our exports going forward, especially with

the low dollar,” Rosenbaum said. “Our exports are really up this year.”As the company moves forward, Rosenbaum said it would continue its

historical long-suit of building relationships and serving the individualneeds of customers.“Customers have different ways they like to be serviced,” he said.

“Our goal is to continue to adapt and meet expectations, if not exceedthem. We seek to minimize disappointments and to maximize theupside.”

Contact: Stainless Steel Products, 561-T Acorn St., Deer Park, NY 11729. Phone: 631-243-1500.

Web site: www.stainlesswires.com.E-mail: [email protected].

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in August, Mount Joy WireCorporation, of Mount Joy, PA, offers a wide variety of highquality wire products, including high and low carbon, regular

tempered, high fatigue, scratch, untempered steel, brass plated and stain-less steel.Fred Krieger is the owner of MJW, and Tom Duff, is the president.

Fred Krieger’s son, Ty Krieger, has been with the company for nearly

Ralph Rosenbaum

“Steel prices have been relativelystable recently. They have gone up

and down, but they seem to be fairly stable at this point, barring

any major changes in the economy.”

— SSP President Ralph Rosenbaum

“People are keeping inventorieslow more than ever.”

— SSP President Ralph Rosenbaum

two years and is vice president of operations.Servicing the industrial brush industry, MJW’s motto is “You are never

far from our wire.” The motto reflects the many applications of the com-pany’s offerings, including fishhooks, disposable lighters, cable, oil fil-ters, musical instruments, among others.While the company makes wire products for other segments, it dedi-

cates more square feet of its facility to the brush industry. In the manufac-ture of brush wire, MJW uses mostly tempered wire. The companyinstalled a new tempering line just before the economic crash in the latterpart of 2008.“This past year is the first time we have sold as much tempered wire

per month as we have hard drawn wire,” said MJW Director of Sales &Marketing George Belforti.Tempered wire undergoes a process involving heat treating and

quenching in oil to change the structure of the wire for special applica-tions. Typical tempered wire types include brush wire, spring wire, cablecore wire, flat wire, shape wire, lay wire and specialty wire.MJW weathered the worst of the recession in 2008 and much of 2009.

In the latter part of 2009, business began to improve dramatically.“This past year, 2010, was our best year ever,” Belforti said. “This year

(2011) has not been as robust as last year, but it still has been a good year,thus far. We had a tough time in 2008 and 2009. However, one of ourcompetitors went out of business, which gained us a lot of market share.That is why 2010 was the best year we ever had.”To further enhance its production capabilities, MJW recently brought

online a new rod mill breakdown machine.“It is a mega-machine, compared to some of our other equipment,”

Belforti said. “It is a 12-pass machine as opposed to our 5- and 6-passmachines, which means it can perform double the amount of passes atquadruple the speed.”While business is good at this time, there are challenges and issues to

be considered down the road.“We always have challenges. We are an old industry. The steel seg-

ment, lovingly called a ‘smokestack industry,’ is an old industry,” Belfortisaid. “There are very few companies manufacturing steel wire in thiscountry. The economy is not great and the dollar value is weak, whichmakes some people kind of upset. However, a weak dollar to a companylike MJW is beneficial, because it helps take imports out of the picture. “With the weak dollar, some companies don’t want to sell in the United

States, because they can sell their products at a higher value somewhereelse. Likewise, our pricing becomes more attractive for overseas sales.Recently, we assigned a person to The United Kingdom to handle ourEuropean sales. We are hopeful that we are going to grow, even in a mar-ket that is very mature.”Along with the economy, another issue MJW must deal with is the con-

tinuing rise of the cost of steel.“We just received an increase for August,” Belforti said. “There is real-

ly no major reason for steel prices to continue upward. Usually the priceof steel has a tendency to follow scrap prices, but scrap prices are notgoing up.

“In North America, there is very little outside competition coming inanymore. This gives the North Americansteel companies a little bit of a free reign onpricing. The demand for steel is up some-what because the auto industry is gaining alittle traction. Furthermore, steel mills aretaking their summer shutdowns, causing aninterference in production. This results in alack of supply that is bringing up demand.”Located in picturesque Lancaster County,

noted for its beautiful farmland and largeAmish population, MJW is keenly aware ofprotecting the environment. MJW is poisedto complete an environmentally friendlyproject in October. Last year, the companyreceived a $1.3 million state grant toward the installation of an electricgenerator.“The generator is supposed to generate 25 percent of our electricity

and, hopefully, accomplish most of the heating of our chemical baths,”Belforti said. “Not only are we going to generate some electricity for our-selves, but we are also going to generate the heat for our chemical baths,meaning we won’t have to generate steam from our boilers. This is wherethe important savings will be.“We try to be as ‘green’ as we can. We did a complete changeover of

our lighting system to low energy bulbs. It saved a considerable amountof electricity.”When it comes to marketing the company, Belforti reported that MJW

is adopting a more aggressive approach.“We have hired a new agency to help us with our marketing program.

Also, we are going to be rolling out a brand new website shortly,” Belfortisaid. “These efforts are part of our new push in the marketing area.”When it comes to customer service, MJW’s “advocacy” approach has

proven to be a successful one. This program involves MJW staff memberswho are each assigned to be an “advocate” for some of the company’s topcustomers. The way the program works is, anytime a customer has a need,an “advocate” will handle the needs of that customer, almost on a full-time basis.Another ongoing customer service effort, especially important to cus-

tomers during these lean economic times, is maintaining short lead timeson orders.In discussing the success of MJW over the years, Belforti praised Fred

Krieger’s foresight and leadership. Fred Krieger had worked for anothercompany for 35 years that decided to scale back. That company decidedto divest itself of the current MJW operation. Fred Krieger purchased thefacility. “When MJW began on Aug. 16, 1991, about 50 percent of the work

force was laid off and the facility had not been maintained by the formerowner,” Dixon said. “Fred Krieger said the first thing to do was to fill the


“With the weak dollar, some companies don’t want to sell in the

United States, because they cansell their products at a higher

value somewhere else. Likewise,our pricing becomes more

attractive for overseas sales.”

— MJW Director of Sales & Marketing

George Belforti

“In North America, there is verylittle outside competition comingin anymore. This gives the NorthAmerican steel companies a littlebit of a free reign on pricing. Thedemand for steel is up somewhat

because the auto industry is gaining a little traction.”

— MJW Director of Sales & Marketing

George Belforti

George Belforti


plant up and make it work 24/7. The plant used to operate Mondaythrough Friday and shut down over the weekend. We went to 4, 12-hourshifts, working 7 days a week. “Even though we didn’t have the business at that time, Fred Krieger

was determined to make it work. Once we did that, we flourished. Eventhough we started in a recession in 1991, we came out of it flying, and wenever looked back.”

Contact: Mount Joy Wire Corporation, 1000 E. Main St., Mount Joy, PA 17552-9505. Phone: 717-653-1461; Toll Free: 800-321-2305; Fax: 717-653-0221.

Email: [email protected]: www.mjwire.com.

For more than a half a century, Deligh Industries, Inc., ofBrooklyn, NY, has served the broom, brush and mop industries,offering tinned wire for corn brooms, galvanized broom bands,

brush stapling wire, oil-tempered wire, stainless steel wire, nickel silverwire and brass wire.“We currently sell every type of wire that is used in the broom, brush

and mop industry,” said Deligh Industries President Robert Deligdish.R u d o l p h

D e l i g d i s hfounded thecompany in

Brooklyn and originally supplied animal fiber for the brush market. About25 years ago, the company made the transition from the animal fiber mar-ket to the wire market. “In general, business has been relatively strong,” Robert Deligdish

said. “Looking at the brush industry, we are no longer selling nearly asmuch corn broom wire as we had previously. However, we are selling sig-nificantly more wire related to other segments of the brush industry.”After reaching unprecedented highs in 2007, steel prices backed off

somewhat, but now are on the rise again.“The price of steel has risen over the past year,” Deligdish reported.

“The rise is primarily due to a lack of imports of steel rod, the rise in thecost of energy and in the cost of the raw materials used to produce steel.We don’t see any abatement in the rise at this time.”

In addition to wire products, Deligh Industries also provides many vari-eties of brush blocks and broom handles. The company recently beganselling injection molded mop parts as well.“Approximately a year ago, my father began selling brush blocks to the

trade, and we now stock many different styles and varieties of brushblocks,” Deligdish said. “The company has been very successful in thisendeavor and sales has grown dramatically since my father entered thisbusiness.”As the economy slogs on, many companies are continuing the practice

of keeping inventories as low as possible as a cost cutting measure.Deligh helps customers to keep inventories low by stocking a large inven-

tory of the popular sizes of wires and its ability to manufacture specialtywires with short lead times.“We stock 95 percent of the products we sell,” Deligdish said. “We

maintain an extremely large inventory of raw materials as well as finishedgoods, so that we can focus on customer service. Our ability to ship thenext day has had a dramatic effect on our company.”Looking down the road, Deligdish said he sees a “strong” future for

Deligh Industries.“Some of the challenges going forward are maintaining a strong level

of sales in an industry where we are faced with the consolidation of man-ufacturers,” Deligdish said. “The primary cause of the success of thiscompany has been the knowledge, experience and hard work of myfather, Rudy Deligdish. I’ve tried to emulate my father in many ways and,hopefully, I will be able to come close to what he has accomplished.”

Contact: Deligh Industries, Inc., 255 Conover Street, Brooklyn, New York 11231.

Phone: 718-875-1511; Email: [email protected].

Website: www.delighindustries.com.

DELIGH INDUSTRIES INC.

“The price of steel has risen overthe past year. The rise is primarily

due to a lack of imports of steelrod, the rise in the cost of energy

and in the cost of the raw materials used to produce steel. We don’t see any abatement in

the rise at this time.”

— Deligh Industries President Robert Deligdish

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 1, 2011 53rd FEIBP Congress, Vienna, AustriaInformation: www.eurobrush.com

OCTOBER 18 - 21, 2011 ISSA/INTERCLEAN®, Las Vegas, NV

Information: 800-225-4772

November 17-18 2011National Broom & Mop Meeting, St. Louis, MO


MARCH 7 - 10, 2012ABMA Annual Convention, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Information: 720-392-ABMA (2262)

MARCH 11 - 13, 2012International Home & Housewares Show, Chicago, IL, Information: 847-292-4200

MAY 1 - 3, 2012 National Hardware Show, Las Vegas, NV


MAY 9 - 11, 2012 ISSA/INTERCLEAN® - Amsterdam (NL)


MAY 9 - 11, 2012InterBrush, Freiburg, Germany

Information: www.inter-brush.com

INDUSTRY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

PFERD INC., the American subsidiary ofAugust Rüggeberg GmbH and Co. ofMarienheide, Germany, a 212-year-old compa-ny working in the design and manufacture ofabrasive tools, power brushes, maintenancebrushes and power tools, has completed its con-solidation of all U.S. production and distribu-tion operations into one 100,000-square-footstate-of-the-art facility, located at 9201 HeatherAve., Milwaukee, WI.The building was purchased by PFERD in

January and all production equipment andinventory have been moved to this location.Advance Brush products had previously been

located in Menonomee Falls, WI, while PFERDdistribution operations and production workhad been handled at the PFERD INC. headquar-ters in Leominster, MA. The PFERDMassachusetts building has been sold, but exec-utive headquarters with financial, marketing,

and customer service staff remaining in thatstate will move to new offices located in a near-by community.PFERD President Gene Huegin pointed out

the advantages this investment can bring to cus-tomers and to PFERD’s operations.“First, this consolidated facility means that

our distributors will have one-order, one-ship-ment, one-invoice service they require to reduce

their costs. Second, our combined inventory ofabrasive tools and brushes is now more central-ly located for distribution purposes, making forquicker and easier shipping to our customers.Finally, with the company’s strong growth inrecent years, we needed a larger and more lead-ing-edge facility. When the opportunity arose tobuy the 100,000-square-foot manufacturingfacility in Milwaukee it just made sense to pur-chase it and have ownership equity value, alongwith a permanent and significant upgrade incapabilities,” Huegin said.Veteran PFERD executive, Sam Birel, led

all details of the consolidation move and willremain as vice president, operations in chargeof the new Wisconsin facility. He will contin-ue to report to Huegin. Birel commented onthe commitment PFERD has made in thisundertaking.“This is a major investment by PFERD to put

our company in the best position to serve ourdistributors now and in the years to come. Thisis our permanent home and we equipped andstocked it the way we know will enable us tomeet the abrasive and brush product needs ofthe metalworking, welding and constructionmarkets well into the future,” Birel said.

BROOM CAPS BRUSH and HANDLE FERRULES

MANUFACTURING INCORPORATEDP.O. Box 6505 Wolcott, CT 06716 Phone 203-879-1481

PFERD Inc. And PFERD Milwaukee Brush Co. AnnounceMajor Operations Upgrade Investment

Shown, left to right, are Jim Rüggeberg, CEO, and Joern Bielenberg, CEO, of August RüggebergGmbH & Co.; Robert Puente, Milwaukee alderman; and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

PFERD’s Milwaukee facility

July/August 2011 BROOM, BRUSH & MOP PAGE 39INDUSTRY NEWS

Customers, partners and interested partiescan get comprehensive information on theZahoransky Group and its business areas by vis-iting www.zahoransky-group.com, the compa-ny’s new website.Besides accessing in-depth machine descrip-

tions, visitors also have the option of directlycontacting respective contact persons.Supplementing the website, customers, partnersand interested parties can also directly contactZahoransky through Facebook. Interested persons keen on knowing about

issues dealing with brush production, mold mak-ing, packaging machines and systems technolo-

gy get informed, relations are built, and businessas well as customer processes are supported. Videos on systems such as the Z.TIGER

demonstrate the operating mode and functional-ities as well as support sales. Besides Facebook, Zah-oransky is also repre-

sented on the micro-blogging platform Twitter.Here, short company messages are published. Inaddition, new machines are presented, photosshown and trade fair dates are announced. Visit www.zahoransky-group.com for more

information.

PelRay International’s CEO Mike McKenzieand COO Raymond LeBlanc recently announcedthat Raul Gonzalez has been named logistics &customer service director. In his new position,Gonzalez will be responsible for oversight of cus-tomer service, freight traffic and inventory con-trol. According to McKenzie and LeBlanc,

although new to the industry, Gonzalez bringsvast experience to this position with over 20years as a manager for a U.S. CustomsBrokerage in Laredo, TX. LeBlanc noted, “I’ve known Raul for over 30

years and he is exceptional in customer service andhas earned the respect and friendship of many.” McKenzie also added, “In addition to Raul’s

strong commitment to exemplary customerservice, he has also served his country in a dis-tinguished career with the Texas State Guard,retiring in 2006 as colonel.” “I’m excited to begin a new career with

PelRay International, a company known world-wide for its ability to match customers with theproducts they need at the best prices,” Gonzalezsaid. “Working with the PelRay sales team ofRay, Bart Pelton and David McGee, I’m confi-

dent that we’ll continue to bring new productsto our customers within a framework of stellarcustomer service.” Gonzalez is married to Carmen, a retired

school teacher. They have twin sons, Juan andRicardo, and four grandsons.

Zahoransky Group Develops New Website/Social Networks

PelRay International Welcomes New Logistics & Customer Service Director

Raul Gonzalez and Ray LeBlanc


By Harrell KerkhoffBroom, Brush & Mop Editor

For the second straight month, 80 short tons of broom corn wereimported into the United States, according to the U.S. Department ofCommerce, which recently released its May 2011 import figures.Total value of May’s import was $167,412, with a cost per ton of$2,093 ($1.05 per pound). All imported broom corn for May camefrom Mexico. After the first five months of 2011, 307 short tons of broom corn

had been imported into the United States. Total value of this importwas $632,025, with a cost per ton of $2,059 ($1.03 per pound). Incomparison, a total of 353 short tons of broom corn entered theUnited States after the first five months of 2010. Total value of thisbroom corn was $1,039,099, with a cost per ton of $2,944 ($1.47 perpound). All but 9 short tons of broom corn during the first five months of

2011 were imported from Mexico. The remaining broom corn camefrom Chile in February.

Bart Pelton, of PelRay International, LLC, in San Antonio, TX,felt the total value of May’s imported Mexican broom corn was too

low. He noted, however, that the current trend of all imported broomcorn arriving from Mexico remains active.“There is not enough business out there to really make it worth-

while to import broom corn from anywhere else,” Pelton said. Future broom corn imports will likely come from the first major

harvest of the season in the Torreon region of Mexico. This area nor-mally experiences a large harvest beginning in July. Pelton said his business partner, Ray LeBlanc, recently returned

from a visit to Mexico where he had an opportunity to inspect someof this new broom corn. LeBlanc reported that the quality of thebroom corn was good, while the size of the new crop is probablygoing to be smaller compared to last year. “There is also still a fair amount of carry-over processed broom

corn available from Mexico, particularly insides,” Pelton said. “Someprocessors are even asking buyers to purchase a certain percentage ofinsides in order to receive hurl.”Meanwhile, Pelton reported that prices have recently increased 15

percent for raw Mexican broom corn.“This is not a big surprise. In fact, I think we are fortunate it’s only

15 percent considering what prices have jumped to for other agricul-tural crops,” Pelton said. “Overall, demand for broom corn has shrunksince last year. The corn broom market is smaller. It seems broom

U.S. Imports 80 Short Tons Of Broom Corn In May


corn supplies are stilladequate when con-sidering the new cropand carry-over materi-al available on themarket.”When asked about

yucca fiber, Peltonsaid there hasn’tbeen much change inpricing during thepast month. He feelsthis trend will con-tinue. “The weather is

good for processingyucca fiber, so thereshouldn’t be any prob-lem with supply,”Pelton said. “Yuccafiber produced thistime of year, however, can have some issues with color. The sun isvery direct in the sky right now and may bleach the fiber during thedrying process.”

Richard Caddy, of R.E. Caddy & Co., Inc., in Greensboro, NC,also said that May’s reported broom corn value average of $1.05 perpound looked too low. “When combining hurl, insides and raw corn it should be in the

$1.30 per pound range,” Caddy said. He added that initial reports out of Mexico have indicated the first

Torreon broom corn harvest of 2011 will probably not be as largecompared to past years. Meanwhile, processors in Mexico are startingto receive the recently harvested material. “I haven’t seen any of the new Torreon broom corn as of yet. It’s

possible I could receive some very soon,” Caddy said, when inter-viewed on July 27. “Right now, I am still working off of 2010 carry-over broom corn, which remains in decent quality. There is not anoverwhelming amount of carry-over broom corn left, but enough tomeet today’s demands. There might be a problem if someone wants alot of short hurl from this carry-over, but the market usually doesn’tdemand a whole lot of real short hurl. I have customers who use it, but

not in huge quantities.”He added that even some of the No. 2 carry-over

broom corn is of decent quality. As far as future Mexican broom corn pricing is con-

cern, Caddy feels it’s necessary to take a wait-and-seeattitude. “We will have to see what kind of tonnage actually

comes in from this year’s first Torreon harvest as wellas demand from the United States and Mexico,” hesaid. In discussing the current state of yucca fiber, Caddy

said availability remains in the three to four weekrange, while quality is good. “I haven’t had any recent trouble receiving yucca

fiber. Typically, 14-, 16- and 18-inch fiber are the mostpopular sizes, along with some 20-inch material,”Caddy said.

Tim Monahan, of The Thomas Monahan Co., inArcola, IL, was unavailable for comment for thismonth’s broom corn dealer survey.


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broom, brush & mop july/aug 2011

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