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