Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Gordon Brush Introduces New Speedy Sweep Cordless Battery Powered

Date: 2011-10-26

Gordon Brush, makers of industrial and custom brushes for all applications, have created the new Speedy Sweep battery powered cordless brush.

18 October 2011—Gordon Brush, a manufacturer of quality standard and specialized brushes, is pleased to announce the development of the Speedy Sweep Cordless Battery Powered.

The Speedy Sweep is a lightweight, yet powerful, battery powered cordless brush. It runs off a nickel-metal hydride battery that can power the brush for up to 90 minutes on a single charge. The Speedy Sweep's powered roller brush sweeps dirt, debris, and other items into its dustpan, which can be easily removed and emptied. It comes with a wall mount for storage, a power adapter for charging, and a specially designed pet hair brush roller. The Speedy Sweep is also the most durable cord-free electric sweeper on the market today, guaranteed.

Gordon Brush has been a leading manufacturer of industrial and custom brushes since 1951. The company designs, manufactures, and ships all of their brushes from their Southern California headquarters. They offer more than 2,000 standard brushes, and can manufacture custom brushes to meet any unique specifications. To paraphrase the company's website, "if a brush exists, they have it... if it doesn't exist, they'll make it."

Gordon Brush will have the new Speedy Sweep on display at their exhibitor's booth at the 2011 ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The ISSA/INTERCLEAN expo brings a wide range of cleaning industry related resources together under one roof. Distributors, suppliers, and others in the industry will come together for the largest conference of its kind.

The 2011 ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America trade show will take place from October 18-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Gordon Brush and the Speedy Sweep battery powered cordless brush can be found at Booth 2325.

To learn more about Gordon Brush and their vast array of industrial and custom brushes, visit them online at http://www.gordonbrush.com. For more information on the 2011 ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America convention, visit http://www.issa.com/?id=tshow_issa_interclean_vegas_2011.


Thursday, July 7, 2011

Microfiber Cleaning Tools & Pads Improve Cleaning and Efficiency

Date: 2011-07-07

Your return on investment in purchasing low dilution chemical management systems is negated by the amount of product required to fill a 2 gallon wringer bucket and the amount of product wasted by dumping the residue water down the drain.
 
The old mopping equipment does not support the new generation of chemical dispensing in a manner that maximizes efficiency and return on investment. The 4th Generation eMOP™ Bucketless Floor Cleaning System from Milwaukee Dustless Brush has been designed to offer a completely new option for all floor cleaning programs. 
 
With the goal of providing improved cleanliness with less effort and cost, the breakthrough features of the eMOP support and simplify daily maintenance operations and provide operators with a professional tool that enhances the benefits of a managed cleaning program:
  • Integrated Fluid Reservoir - Cleans up to 3,200 sq. ft.
  • New Operator Controls - 4th Generation Improved Durability
  • Microfiber Pads Improve Efficiency - 45% Larger than Standard Pads
  • Reduced Chemical Usage - Reduced Labor Cost
  • One year warranty that arise from damages due to manufacturer's defect.

Back to News Articles .

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Gordon Brush Acquires Brush Supply Company (BSC)

Date: 2011-05-12

BSC's Geoff Shaw To Helm Gordon's Regional Sales 
 
COMMERCE, CA -- Gordon Brush, Mfg. Co., Inc. announced today that it has acquired Brush Supply Company  (BSC) of Glen Ellyn, Illinois from G. Geoff Shaw, Vice President, and that he has joined Gordon Brush as Regional Sales Manager.
 
Gordon Brush is one of the nation's top industrial manufacturers of specialty and standard brushes. "Business is robust. We are expanding our operations, our equipment and our staff. When Geoff Shaw approached us with his idea to better serve his customer base, it seemed like a natural fit and a win-win for everyone," notes Gordon President and CEO since 1990, Ken Rakusin.
 
Shaw's father, George Shaw, President, founded BSC 44 years ago. Geoff Shaw notes, "My father built a reputation as a sincere and knowledgeable leader. Throughout my tenure, I have honored his legacy. From this solid foundation, I have grown the trust of our customer base and our standing in the industry. We have been seeking a way to offer more to our customers and have found it in Gordon Brush.  Dad greatly admired Gordon Brush and we both worked hard to make this happen. We are thrilled." 
 
Since 1967, BSC has been a leading supplier of brushes, offering a wide range of diverse industrial and maintenance products, both stock and custom brushes, for multifarious industries. BSC has also designed and created new and replacement brushes for industrial equipment.  
 
Rakusin continues, "The brush industry is like a football game. And if someone like Geoff Shaw hands you the ball and yells, 'run,' well, you listen, because you know you are going to score a touchdown. Geoff Shaw's acute knowledge and unparalleled sales abilities combined with the manufacturing expertise of Gordon Brush will better serve our customer base and exponentially expand business opportunities. It's a winning team." 
 
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Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., an ISO 9001 company, is a leading manufacturer of specialty, custom and standard brushes for industrial purposes and stocks over 2,000 different brushes for same day shipment. Gordon Brush sells to the: medical; electronics; manufacturing; military; aerospace; and pharmaceutical industries. Go to: www.gordonbrush.com
 
Back to Press Releases .

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Military Case Study - Gordon Brush

Date: 2011-04-20
Gordon Brush creates a military brush for the Abrams Tank

Goal
To create a military brush for the United States Army that would clean the chamber of the Abrams Tank after the firing of a number of rounds.

Problem
When the gun chamber is corroded with soot, debris and creosote, the military is not able to guide the shell properly, resulting in misdirection or misfire. The gun barrels were being switched out at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars apiece as no effective cleaning method was yet developed. Three engineering teams were tasked to formulate a military brush to clean the chamber.

Solution
Gordon Brush created a military brush that takes less than 5 minutes to clean the chamber resulting in the extended lifespan of the gun barrel.

Research & Development
This U.S. Military contract resulted in two years of research and development. Once development reached the final product stage, the military gave Gordon Brush 6 months to produce the first order and it was completed in just 3 months.

Design Process
Gordon Brush spent two years in research and development creating a military brush that would work to clean the gun chamber on the Abrams Tank. Gordon Brush engineers and the United States Army engineers corresponded through numerous phone calls, emails, and CAD drawings during this stage. The Army engineers provided the information on the tank’s gun barrel, explaining what they were looking for and how they wanted it to work. The Gordon Brush engineers took the information and with their own expertise in brush design and manufacturing, created a product that would clean the entire chamber at one time.

Testing & Field Use
The U.S. Military tested the various brush prototypes in the Abrams Tank at Fort Knox and various other locations. They provided feedback to the engineers on the usability and cleaning power of the brushes. Cameras were used to inspect the inside of the gun barrels to determine the results of the cleaning. Adjustments were made as needed until the final brush was perfected.

While in use, the brush must be able to withstand extremes in both temperature and environment. Whether it’s used in high humidity, freezing temperatures, or desert like conditions, the brush must not crack, lose its bristles, or otherwise fall into disrepair. Numerous prototypes were put to trial to find the right materials for the brush. A bag was also designed to carry the brush while it was stored in the tank. The material of the bag also had to withstand the harsh environmental extremes and could not damage the brush bristles.

Results
Due to the product created by Gordon Brush, the gun chamber on the Abrams Tank had an extended 3 year lifespan. Because of the new military brush, the United States Army has since saved hundreds of millions of dollars in new parts. The Army no longer has to quickly replace an unclean gun chamber because a Gordon Brush product can be used to clear out soot and other environmental debris.  

About Gordon Brush:
Gordon Brush is a leading industrial brush manufacturer, creating both standard and customized products for the industrial marketplace worldwide. Over 15,000 brushes exist in the Gordon Brush product line, many of which are customizable to suit individual applications.  


Thursday, March 31, 2011

Gordon Brush Earns ISO 9001 Certificate

Date: 2011-03-31


COMMERCE, CA --Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. announced today that the Preferred Registrar Group, Inc. (PRG) of Madison Heights, MI has registered them ISO 9001:2008 Certified as of February 11, 2011. According to the certificate, "Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. has implemented a Quality Management System scope in accordance with ISO 9001:2008. The scope...Governs: manufacture and assembly of standard, specialty and custom brushes for the commercial, aerospace, military, medical and electronics industries. Certificate registration number 10-R8095."

Ken Rakusin, President and CEO of the company since 1990 has built Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. to an industry leader consisting of 100,000 square feet and almost 100 employees. The company is currently under expansion. "This certification means everything to us. We take immense pride in our quality systems and employee involvement. Each of us is committed to providing our valued customers the best possible products and services available. We maintain rigorous internal auditing, ongoing assessments, and high performance from all our internal systems. We focus on continuous improvements within all our production including design and customer service. We uphold stringent requirements of product appearance and quality. We strive to exceed our competitors, continually improving our products through technology and customer satisfaction."

About ISO 9000...

ISO 9000 originated in Europe in response to the growing market need for a set of standardized guidelines for quality management and quality assurance. It is currently adopted in over 90 countries and is applicable to a wide selection of industries. Its certification is used as a means to identify companies that visibly focus and commit to ensuring the best possible products and services to their customers. It is a completely voluntary certification that is achieved only through a rigorous registration audit and regular external surveillance audits by third party ISO assessors.

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Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. is a leading manufacturer of over 15,000 specialty, custom and standard brushes for industrial purposes and stocks over 2,000 different brushes for same day shipment. Gordon Brush sells to the: medical; electronics; manufacturing; military; aerospace; and pharmaceutical industries. Visit: Click here for GordonBrush.com


Wednesday, February 2, 2011

GORDON BRUSH PRINCIPAL RETIRES

Date: 2011-02-11
GORDON BRUSH PRINCIPAL RETIRES AFTER 37 YEARS – February 10, 2011
COMMERCE, CA -- Gordon Brush announced today that Executive Vice President, Bill Loitz is retiring after more than 37 years. Mr. Loitz, whose father bought the company from the founder, will pursue other interests and hobbies. During his tenure, Loitz designed and built machines and technology systems that helped catapult Gordon Brush into one of the nation's top industrial manufacturers of specialty and standard brushes. Loitz will remain with the company for several years to aid in the transition with his replacement.
Loitz sold his interests to Ken Rakusin, President and CEO of the company since 1990, making Rakusin the sole owner of Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. The two veterans of the brush industry have worked closely, side-by-side for the past 21 years. "Loitz has been an invaluable contributor and a friend," says Rakusin, "We are thankful that he will remain with the company for the foreseeable future during the transition. His knowledge and skills are rare, but we are confident that Gordon Brush will continue its track record of sustained growth."
According to Rakusin, "When Loitz joined the company it was a small 'Mom and Pop' operation in a 5,000 square foot building with five employees." Loitz notes, "I feel very proud of the legacy. Our growth has been amazing. Ken and I have built this into a leading enterprise consisting of 100,000 square feet and almost 100 employees. Many of them have stayed with us since the beginning and like I, they love being a part of the Gordon Brush family. I'm ready to step down, but am glad that I will still be working with these valued colleagues for the next few years." Adds Rakusin, "Our employees are excited for Loitz but he will be missed. Thanks to our entire team, our loyal customers and trusted vendors will not even notice a change in the way we do business."

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Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. is a leading manufacturer of specialty, custom and standard brushes for industrial purposes and stocks over 2,000 different brushes for same day shipment. Gordon Brush sells to the: medical; electronics; manufacturing; military; aerospace; and pharmaceutical industries. Go to: www.gordonbrush.com


How to Choose the Right Anti-Static Brush

Date: 2011-02-02


Every time you dry brush a surface, whether for cleaning, finishing or applying; a static charge is created.  Tribo in the word triboelectric means rubbing. The effect of this  charge can range from critical in static-sensitive environments like munitions plant where a static charge can be dangerous or lethal, to extremely serious when working with sensitive (and expensive) electronic components, to problematic throughout the world of manufacturing wherever non-conductive parts are machined or moved or ungrounded conductive parts or machined or moved.

Static charges come in very large packages.  Walking across a carpet on a dry day wearing leather shoes will create upwards of 30,000v of static charge [the spark when you touch the light switch].
Frequently, the term “anti-static” is used as a generalization to encompass low charging, static dissipative and conductive properties.  Each of these types of brushes has its own unique properties and recommended uses.

Conductive brushes are used for applications where it is necessary to reduce the static charge to 0v because even a small charge obstructs the operation and the medium being discharged is not sensitive to high current flow.  An example is the brushes inside copy machines.  The charge on the paper is small but its presence is sufficient to make individual sheets of paper cling together. The current created by the rapid discharge [I = E/R and R is near 0] of the paper through the conductive fiber is not harmful to the equipment.  Another example is in brushing off plastic chips that cling to the block from which they were produced. Again, the rapid discharge is not harmful to the medium and a small charge is problematic.

Static Dissipative brushes are used for applications where high current flow would be damaging to the product being discharged.  Static dissipative brushes introduce a high resistance [R] between the charged surface and ground thereby reducing the current flow proportionally.  This is the only fiber recommended when working around Class 1 electrical components. The limitation to static dissipative fiber is that it doesn’t reduce the static charge to 0v.  At some point, the charge is insufficient to overcome the resistance and that amount of charge will remain on the medium.

Low Charging brushes are used for applications where the creation of a charge of <200v when using the brush is not important. These brushes do NOT remove an existing charge.  These brushes are used for non-electronic purposes. Because of the unique properties of the low charging fibers [horse hair, tampico, goat hair, and hog bristle], these brushes find extensive application.

Anti-Static Brush Materials:
  • Natural fibers:  goat hair, horse hair, tampico and hog bristle.
  • Synthetic fibers:  static dissipative nylon, Thunderon™ ,Statigo9, and carbon fiber can be used for clean room applications.
  • Metal fibers:  Brass, phosphor bronze, aluminum, and stainless steel are often used for conductive brushes and some cleanroom applications.
If the brush is being used exclusively for electronic purposes, choose smalldiameter fibers because they abrade much slower than stiffer fibers but accomplish the same task.  When using the brush for non-electronic purposes, the metal and synthetic fiber diameters can be increased to stiffen the brush or decreased to soften it.  Always choose the minimum diameter that will accomplish the task to minimize brush wear.
Handles:
  • Wood is least expensive brush handle material for low charging applications, but cannot be used for cleanroom applications.
  • Aluminum, brass and stainless steel are frequently used in conductive applications.
  • Plastic that has been modified to have either conductive or static dissipative properties.
Environmental Factors:
Frequently, environmental factors determine which fiber and handle is best suited for the application. Temperatures, chemical environments, FDA requirements, and outgassing concerns are a few among the many considerations that go into fiber and handle selection.

Automated or Manual Applications:
If the brush is going to be used for a manual application, the shape and size of the handle will be important. Handles need to be comfortable to those using them and not be so heavy that they cause stress from repetitive use. The size is also important:  Using too small of a brush creates additional work; using too large of a brush can be ineffective or cumbersome.
If the brush is going to be used for an automated application, you may need anti-static brushes that are custom made to fit into your equipment or processes. Finding a partner who has the manufacturing capabilities to meet your requirements and timeline can be challenging.

Prototypes, Testing and Production:
Finally, you may need to have one or multiple prototypes created so you can test their performance in your environment. Find a partner that will work with your engineers to make sure you get the right anti-static brush for the job. This partner will also need the right equipment to manufacture the brushes to meet your requirements. In addition to meeting manufacturing requirements, they will also need to deliver your brushes in the timeframe you need.
An industrial brush manufacturer, like Gordon Brush, will have the experience and knowledge to help you choose the right brush. With more than 20 years of working with anti-static materials, they can help you find the right solution, create your prototypes and manufacture your product.