Gordon Brush Acquires J.B. Ward & Sons, Inc.

Date: 2016-10-26

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA- Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., located near Los Angeles in the City of Industry, CA, has acquired J. B. Ward & Sons, Inc. located in Wantage, NJ.  J. B. Ward & Sons, founded in 1855, manufactures a premium line of custom brushes for a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical, graphic arts, electronics, textile and rubber.

Ed Boscia, President and 3rd generation owner of J. B. Ward & Sons, will stay on as a consultant and assist with the transition. All of J.B. Ward's operations will be integrated into Gordon Brush in its new 183,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility. 

"After 47 years, I have decided to retire and I felt that Gordon Brush was the best fit to continue our 161 year tradition of manufacturing our premium line of brushes and servicing our long-standing customers," said Boscia.

"The acquisition of J.B. Ward makes perfect sense for Gordon Brush for two reasons", says Ken Rakusin, President and CEO of Gordon Brush. "Over 50% of Gordon Brush's business comes from the manufacture of custom brushes, so by adding additional knowhow and technology, Gordon Brush gains the capability of adding an entirely new line of custom brushes to its repertoire", noted Rakusin. "In addition, the acquisition of J.B. Ward compliments our investment in the electronics portion of our business with them being the largest manufacturer of Thunderon® brushes which are used to control static electricity in the electronics industry", continued Rakusin.

Patriotism is paramount at Gordon Brush which has been steadfast in commitment to manufacturing in the United States even under competitive threats. Gordon Brush is focused on making higher quality and specialty items. "When you look at our products next to similar items from China there are no comparisons," says Rakusin.  "Promoting American made is vital to the strength, health, and viability of the United States.  We are determined to build and grow our business in the United States and this new plant is proof that it can be done."

Gordon Brush Grand Opening Draws Crowd

Date: 2016-10-25 CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA- Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., a world leader in brush  manufacturing, hosted the Grand Opening of their new, state-of-the-art, 183,000 square foot facility in the City of Industry, CA on September 30, 2016. Almost 400 customers, vendors, affiliates, family, friends, employees and former employees, media and government representatives attended. Company President and CEO, Ken Rakusin gave a short speech and representative Ron Whittemore from The City of Industry's Industrial Manufacture ring Council led the ribbon cutting ceremony. Gordon Brush was presented a Certificate of Recognition by California State Senator Bob Huff, District 29. Guests came from as far away as Taiwan, Belgium, Mexico, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Texas, Maryland, Illinois, Colorado and Ohio and a catered luncheon was served to all.  Tours showing how the company produces over 15,000 different brushes were given by Company personnel and everyone was given a parting gift of Gordon Brush's Footmate® System. "I am so proud of what the Company has accomplished in my tenure," beamed Gordon Brush's President and CEO, Ken Rakusin.  "We owe our success to our employees, customers, vendors, and affiliates. Our new facility has been a vision of mine for many years now. To see it come to fruition is a dream come true." Patriotism is paramount at Gordon Brush which has been steadfast in commitment to manufacturing in the United States even under competitive threats. Gordon Brush is focused on making higher quality and specialty items. "When you look at our products next to similar items from China there are no comparisons," says Rakusin.  "Promoting American made is vital to the strength, health, and viability of the United States.  We are determined to build and grow our business in the United States and this new plant is proof that it can be done."

Napolitano Holds Export Seminar to Connect San Gabriel Valley Businesses with Global Markets

Date: 2016-10-21

DUARTE, CA Yesterday, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) held a free export seminar with the City of Duarte, the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, and the Duarte Chamber of Commerce. More than 40 local business people gathered at the Duarte Performing Arts Center to receive free expert guidance on how to increase international sales and expand their businesses into global markets.

“By educating and training our region’s businesses on exporting opportunities, we are adding local jobs and ensuring companies remain here in the San Gabriel Valley,” Napolitano said. “Foreign countries are continuing to demand American-made goods, which is why today’s seminar is so critical. We thank the City of Duarte for hosting this event and the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership and the Duarte Chamber of Commerce for working with local businesses, helping them to grow and deliver high-quality goods to meet the demands of our changing global economy.”

“95% of world consumers live outside of the US. Exploring international trade opportunities is no longer a choice for US companies but it is a necessity,” said Rachid Sayouty, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce. “The seminar highlighted and showed some of the great resources available from the U.S. Commercial Service to local companies on how to take their business internationally.”

“This seminar is an important means to help expand the region’s export base, through connecting businesses with the resources they need to assist them to bring their goods and services to market internationally,” said Jim MacLellan, Port of Los Angeles. “We are very grateful to the Office of Congresswoman Napolitano for consistently convening these valuable introductory export seminars for the benefit of local businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Ken Rakusin of Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. (City of Industry) spoke about the importance of continuing to produce goods here in the United States, while facing foreign competition.

“Patriotism is paramount at Gordon Brush which has been steadfast in its commitment to manufacturing in the United States even under competitive threats,” said Ken Rakusin, President and CEO. “When you look at our products next to similar items from China there are no comparisons. Promoting American made is vital to the strength, health, and viability of the United States. We are determined to build and grow our business in the United States.”

The panel discussions led by ten experts from the U.S. Department of Commerce, East West Bank, the Centers for International Trade Development, the Export-Import Bank of the United States and other organizations, focused on trade financing and resources as well as export logistics. Seminar attendees learned about available government resources and private capital, how to research different markets, and how to secure financing.

Resources for Further Information:

·         Small Business Administration (SBA): 1-800-U-ASK-SBA - www.sba.gov/recovery

·         International Trade Administration  –  http://www.export.gov

·         SBA Los Angeles Office: (818) 552-3215 www.sba.gov/localresources/district/ca/la

·         California Job Service: (562) 402-9336 - www.caljobs.ca.gov

·         Small Business Opportunities with Dept. of Energy 

- http://management.energy.gov/business_DOE.htm

·         Small Business Opportunities with Dept. of Labor - www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/osdbu

Link: http://bit.ly/2eoTpOX

Napolitano, Hoyer Visit Gordon Brush to Discuss Ways to Encourage Competitive Manufacturing in the U.S.

Date: 2016-08-29

(City of Industry, CA)-Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) and Rep. Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) visited Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. in the City of Industry to congratulate and thank them for being a proud American manufacturer, while discussing the important role small businesses play in our economy and how the houses' Make It In America plan can help break down barriers companies face to growing their businesses here in the U.S.

"Despite foreign competition and companies replicating its products, Gordon Brush continues to manufacture its goods right here in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles, employing local residents and stimulating our region's economy. It is the exceptional quality and durability of their brushes that businesses and consumers look for when purchasing items for industrial, commercial, and personal use, and we must do all we can to ensure these American-made goods remain on the market," said Rep. Napolitano. "We are so grateful Congressman Whip Steny Hoyer has joined us for this important visit today. I look forward to continuing to work with my friend and our distinguished Whip to advance the Make It In America plan, so we that we can help small businesses like Gordon Brush compete in the global economy and keep their companies here in the U.S."

"I was proud to join my friend and colleague, Rep. Napolitano, in her district today to visit Gordon Brush and discuss our Make It In America plan," said Whip Hoyer. "I was pleased to learn more about how Gordon Brush is innovating and creating good jobs here in the U.S., and I enjoyed meeting their hardworking employees. In Congress, Rep. Napolitano and I will continue to pursue our jobs plan to help ensure businesses like Gordon Brush and their workers can compete, succeed, and continue to make it in America."

"Gordon Brush appreciates the opportunity we had for discussions with Congresswoman Napolitano and Congressman Hoyer on the importance and impact that American manufacturing has on our business and the economy," said Ken Rakusin, President & CEO. "We welcome their continued support to pass legislation that incentivizes companies to "Make It In America." They were receptive to our discussions on financial incentives for manufacturers such as retaining the Section 179 deduction or creating an investment tax credit, as well understanding the impact higher taxes and increased health care costs have on businesses."

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., founded in 1951, is a leading manufacturer of specialty, custom, and standard brushes for industrial, commercial, and consumer purposes. The company sells to a multitude of industries including: janitorial, medical, electronics, manufacturing, military, aerospace, and pharmaceutical. Gordon Brush has made brushes for the United States Army to clean the main gun on the Abrams tanks, saving the Department of Defense over $1.5 billion.

Napolitano participated in a "Make It In America: What's Next?" hearing last year to discuss her ideas based on visitations to San Gabriel Valley businesses for how Congress can address today's economic challenges and capitalize on new economic opportunities. Using Napolitano's and her colleagues' feedback, Democrats unveiled a new Make It In America plan in June. The updated plan addresses four areas of action: expanding entrepreneurship & innovation, closing the skills gap, building a 21st century infrastructure, and breaking down barriers to manufacturing in the U.S. Since the plan was launched in 2010, seventeen Make It In America bills have become law, including legislation to cut taxes and provide loans for small businesses, speed up the patent process, train skilled workers, and end tax loopholes that encourage companies to ship jobs overseas.

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., To Host Congresswoman Napolitano And Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer

Date: 2016-08-23

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA - Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., will host Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer at their 183,000 square foot manufacturing complex in the City of Industry, CA, on Friday, August 26, 2016, from 1:00-4:00 PM.

"Gordon Brush is honored to have Congresswoman Napolitano and Democratic Whip Hoyer tour our facility," says Gordon Brush's President and CEO, Ken Rakusin.  "We are thrilled that they share our commitment to United States manufacturing and organizations promoting American manufacturing and American-made goods."

Launched by House Democrats in 2010, the Make It In America plan was created to encourage private sector job creation in the U.S. Over the past six years, seventeen Make It In America bills have been signed into law. Last year, Rep. Napolitano participated in the "Make It In America: What's Next?" hearings led by Whip Hoyer to discuss how Congress can address today's economic challenges and capitalize on new economic opportunities, including how we can help more businesses innovate and make their products here in the U.S. Based on the feedback they received during the hearings, House Democrats unveiled a new Make It In America plan in June focused on four areas of action: expanding entrepreneurship & innovation, closing the skills gap, building a 21st century infrastructure, and breaking down barriers to manufacturing in the U.S. To learn more about the Make It In America plan, click here.

Patriotism is paramount at Gordon Brush which has been steadfast in commitment to manufacturing in the United States even under competitive threats. Gordon Brush is focused on making higher quality and specialty items. "When you look at our products next to similar items from China there are no comparison.  Promoting American made is vital to the strength, health, and viability of the United States."

Many end users are willing to sacrifice cost over quality.  "We are determined to build and grow our business in the United States. It was very difficult at first. Companies that have nothing to differentiate themselves with besides price are the most vulnerable to the threat of lower priced Chinese made products; which is a no-win game."  Gordon Brush chooses to compete on value-added.

Most important to Gordon Brush are its valued, long-tenured, skilled employees. Gordon Brush is a great place to work and we are committed to enhancing their lives."  "There are tremendous problems all over the world, said Rakusin. "We can't fix them all. But what we can do is to act locally. We start here. Our priority is to help our Gordon Brush community. That means keeping our business here no matter how tough it gets."

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., founded in 1951, is an ISO 9001:2008 certified and leading manufacturer of specialty, custom and standard brushes for industrial and consumer purposes. The Company makes the very popular FootMate® System, as well as over 15,000 standard and custom brushes, selling to a multitude of industries including: janitorial, medical, electronics, manufacturing, military, aerospace, and pharmaceutical.

Gordon Brush has made brushes for the United States Army to clean the main gun on the Abrams tanks, saving the Department of Defense over $1.5 billion.  The Company also has made brushes that were used on the space shuttle, the lunar module, and brushes to clean the guidance system and guns on the Apache helicopter. Gordon Brush manufactures brushes that grow microorganisms used as alternative energy sources; that are used by the FBI for fingerprinting crimes scenes; and for complex circuit boards in the computer industry. Gordon Brush has patents pending on stadium sweepers that are changing the way America cleans its greatest sports stadiums and theatre chains.

Gordon Brush has been featured on the ION Network, Discovery Channel, Bloomberg News, and in the Los Angeles Times. The FootMate® System has been featured on the Today Show and The Real TV Show, as well as in online magazines: People.com: "Stuff We Love;" CNN.com: "The Short List for Buying American;" Cosmopolitan Germany: "Beautiful Feet for the Warm Days!;" Drug Store News; Bisous Magazine; Posh Beauty; Milk & Honey; and Beauty Store Business.

Gordon Brush has received Member Resolution No. 1402, sponsored by Senator Ronald S. Calderon, 30th California State Senate District. 

The FootMate to Be Featured On the Fox Business Network

Date: 2016-07-07

(Chicago, IL – July 8, 2016) The FootMate System, a product that cleans, massages and exfoliates feet in the shower, will be one of five breakthrough home and housewares products featured on episode 9 of The Big Pitch. The show will air Saturday, July 9 on the Fox Business Network at 4:00 PM EST.

The FootMate System adheres safely and securely to the shower floor, is cradled for the controu of the foot, and features 11,000 bristles. It also includes the specially formulated FootMate Rejuvenating Gel.

The Big Pitch home shopping show gives companies five minutes to impress a panel of product development experts. The Episode 9 pitches were filmed during the 2016 International Home+Housewares Show in Chicago.

“I’ve seen cheap, flimsy products made overseas that target the elderly and people with mobility problems, but this just blows those away,” says John Cremeans, one of The Big Pitch panelists. Cremeans, a home-shopping pioneer, saw dozens of products in Chicago and tabbed the Stingray design as one of the best. “In terms of quality, there’s no comparison and, in terms of function, this is a product for the entire family.”

“We are thrilled that the Big Pitch panel selected FootMate System as one of five breakthrough products amongst thousands at the 2016 International Home+Housewares Show in Chicago,” said Ken Rakusin, President and CEO of Gordon Brush. “The FootMate System is great for anyone wanting a soothing, stimulating way to clean and massage their feet; it also makes a great gift,” added Rakusin.

The American Made Beauty Verified FootMate System is endorsed by the American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine (ACFAOM), a specialty organization part of the American Podiatric Medical Association and Dawn Harper-Nelson, Olympic Gold and Silver medalist in the 100M hurdles.

The FootMate System was featured on the Today Show and the REAL TV Show and numerous magazines and publications including: Cosmopolitan Germany; Bisous Magazine; Milke & Honey; Beauty Business Store; CNN; Drug Store News; Home Care Magazine.

The FootMate System is the ultimate foot massage and the perfect way to pamper your tired, aching feet. Refresh, Restore, Renew!...Your feet will Love You!

Viewers can purchase the FootMate System at a special price during the program, and after the airing while supplies last, at www.thebigpitchtv.com. Another home shopping legend, Cory Bergeron, hosts the show.

Rakusin Purchases Static Faction Inc.

Date: 2016-07-14

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA - JULY 12, 2016. Static Faction, Inc. of Salem, MA has been acquired by a new company, StaticFaction, LLC owned by Maureen Kedes Rakusin and Ken Rakusin, President and CEO of Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. located at 3737 Capitol Avenue in the City of Industry, CA, a suburb of Los Angeles.

Ian Moss, the founder and President of StaticFaction, will stay on as consultant and assist with the transition. Inventory and sales activity will remain in the Salem, MA location for the short term. The exclusive relationship with Nihon Sanmo Dyeing Co Ltd., the Kyoto based inventor of Thunderon®, an integral element of StaticFaction products, will remain. StaticFaction will be housed in Gordon Brush's new 183,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility.

The Rakusin and Moss relationship spans more than two decades. They have consulted each other on countless business affairs and become close personal friends. The duo has collaborated on projects and events at the West Coast Brush Manufacturers Association and the American Brush Manufacturers Association; including both having had the honor of serving as President of the latter.

"Working with Ken and seeing first-hand what he has achieved for the industry and his own business, I can think of no better person to take over the ownership of Static Faction. Realizing the vast growth potential of the static brush business requires the kinds of resources, expertise and leadership that Ken brings to all his business activities," notes Moss. 

Adds Rakusin, "We are confident and excited to bring great improvements and innovations to the static control industry. Our plan is to continue to advance and grow Ian Moss' legacy.  Ian has planted the seeds and grown the tree, and now we want to grow the forest."

Established in 1994, StaticFaction has defined and occupied a very successful niche in the static control business. Ian Moss has been a major player in the brush industry for 50 years and in the static business for 22 years. Gordon Brush was founded in 1951 and Ken Rakusin has been at the helm since 1990.  "I'm thrilled to begin a new chapter," says Moss. "I am immensely confident as I pass the torch to Ken Rakusin. I see nothing but continued growth and innovation on the horizon."

The smooth transition is a reflection of the admiration and deep friendship the two business leaders have for each other. "Hey Ian, I think those song lyrics were all wrong," jokes Rakusin, "What are they again? 'I Can't Get No StaticFaction?'...well I sure got some now!" Without missing a beat, Moss retorts, "Mick Jagger is rolling over in his grave and he's not even dead yet." 

Gordon Brush's products are American made. Gordon Brush is an ISO 9000:2008 certified company and has a commitment to improving the quality of customers' products through excellence in design, functionality, and customer service. Gordon Brush offers same-day shipping on over 2,000 standard brushes and quick turn-around on custom or specialty brushes. The Company helps its customers improve their productivity and profitability by providing them with high quality brushes which suit their exact requirements for a variety of industries including medical, electronics, manufacturing, military, aerospace, and pharmaceutical.

FootMate® System Featured on The Big Pitch

Date: 2016-07-15

John Cremeans gives thumbs up to shower foot-health system on Fox Business program

Chicago, IL - July 15, 2016.      The FootMate® System, a product that cleans, massages and exfoliates feet in the shower, was one of five breakthrough home and housewares products featured on Episode 9 of The Big Pitch.

The show aired Saturday, July 9 on the Fox Business Network.

The FootMate® System adheres safely and securely to the shower floor and features 11,000 contoured bristles. It also includes the special FootMate® Rejuvenating Gel™.

"Being selected to present to the esteemed panel of the Big Pitch was a fantastic opportunity for the FootMate® System and Gordon Brush®", said Ken Rakusin, President and CEO.  "The endorsement of the FootMate® System by Big Pitch team enhances the practical and intrinsic value the product offers to the many people for whom this product is intended", added Rakusin.

Home Shopping legend John Cremeans, one of three panelists on The Big Pitch, is enthusiastic about the potential behind the product.

"Anyone who appreciates a foot massage-and who doesn't?-will see the benefits of FootMate® System," he says. "I'm thinking about athletes, pregnant women, and people with diabetes and arthritis as natural targets for this product."

The Big Pitch home shopping show gives companies five minutes to impress a panel of product development experts. The Episode 9 pitches were filmed during The 2016 International Home+Housewares Show in Chicago. 

Corey Bergeron, who hosts The Big Pitch, says he likes how the contoured bristles cradle the foot, which cleans and massages the bottoms and sides of the foot.

The American Made Beauty Verified FootMate® System is endorsed by the American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine ("ACFAOM"), a specialty organization part of the American Podiatric Medical Association and Dawn Harper-Nelson, Olympic Gold and Silver medalist in the 100M hurdles.

The FootMate® System was featured on the Today Show and the REAL TV Show and numerous magazines and publications including: Cosmopolitan Germany; Bisous Magazine; Milk & Honey; Beauty Business Store; CNN; Drug Store News; Home Care Magazine.

The FootMate® System is the ultimate foot massage and the perfect way to pamper your tired, aching feet.  Refresh, Restore, Renew!....® Your feet will Love You!...®

Viewers were able to purchase the FootMate at a special price during the program, and after the airing while supplies last, at www.thebigpitchtv.com. 

Gordon Brush Relocates

Date: 2016-03-01

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., Gordon Brush Wisconsin, LLC and Redtree Industries, LLC are excited to announce that effective immediately we have moved into our new 183,000 square foot facility in the greater Los Angeles area. Our Milwaukee Dustless Brush products will continue to be manufactured in Delavan, WI for the time being.  The address is different but all telephone, facsimile and email addresses remain the same.

New address:

3737 Capitol Ave

City of Industry, CA  90601 USA

Tel:  (323) 724-7777

Fax:  (323) 724-1111

Gordon Brush Showcases Bold New Corporate Logo

Date: 2016-02-01

City of Industry, CA - Last week, Gordon Brush announced the move of their corporate offices and manufacturing facility from Commerce to the City of Industry, CA. Gordon Brush team members orchestrated the complex move while maintaining virtually flawless service to their customers. Movers and riggers packed up and drove multimillions of dollars worth of equipment, inventory and high-tech robotics across town. Software engineers, machinists and half a dozen technicians from Germany and Italy installed and fine-tuned their thoroughbred machinery.

To properly represent Gordon Brush's vast new 183,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, the company needed a new image to match; a new logo that would illustrate the fortitude and growth of the corporation.

"I feel so grateful. I wanted a logo that reflects that," says Ken Rakusin, President and CEO of Gordon Brush. "Business at Gordon Brush has never been better. I feel so fortunate to be able to provide even better service for our valued customers and a better work environment for our hard working, devoted, and caring team members who and have been an integral part of our success."

Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Alan M. Schechter, worked with a major design studio to create a new face for the company; a bold, strong logo that exemplifies Gordon Brush's expansion and strength. "The new logo reflects our bold new image and emphasizes our 'proud to be American' manufacturing philosophy - even the new colors are the same as those in the American flag. The powerful 'G' symbolizes the 15,000 different types of brushes we make. It says 'we are strong and proud,'" says Schechter.

"Coming to work in the morning at this new amazing place is like being a kid and getting your first shiny new bike. It just makes you so happy. Everyone is feeling it. All of us on the manufacturing and engineering side really love the new logo too. It really demonstrates what we are all feeling," notes Ricardo Ruiz, Plant Manager.

Adds Christina Lynch, Operations Manager, "It took a lot of complex logistics to get us to this point; a lot of hard work. But it was so worth it. Our new offices are amazing. We love coming to work. We are all joking around that we don't need a gym membership. All we have to do is walk to the other side of the building! We love the new logo, it just seems to fit."

"We have a very aggressive 5-year growth plan and with our existing team and the incoming new hires, we are very confident that we will surpass our own expectations," continues President Rakusin. "During the move, our entire staff went the extra mile not only for the company, but especially for our customers. I am very proud of everyone at Gordon Brush and feel blessed. We are a bigger, stronger Company with even better customer service. Our new logo showcases this new chapter in our company history."