Tag Archives: Made in USA

Ken Rakusin Grows Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. Inc. Into Major US Manufacturer of Industrial Brushes

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In 1990, Ken Rakusin took the position of president at Gordon Brush Manufacturing Company, but he was not sure what he was getting himself into. The company was based out of a dark and rundown 15,000 square foot facility.

"We had 22 employees. I mean, this was a little, tiny company that was on the verge of going out of business, and every year, for the next six years, I was able to double the company's profits," Rakusin said.

Thirty-one years later, Rakusin said there are 200 employees in a 182,000 square foot facility making more than 17,000 types of brushes for many industries, including medical, aerospace, janitorial and military.

Rakusin remains committed to keeping jobs in the City of Industry, despite an increasing number of manufacturers going overseas for cheaper labor.

"I could put a lot of money in my pocket if I outsourced everything and I went to China or Mexico," he said. "But I also have this loyalty to my employees. We have people that have been here more than 35 years. Our plant manager used to be the janitor."

However, one challenge of staying put in the U.S. is finding workers who have the skills or the desire to work a blue-collar job.

"Nobody that works in a factory that when they were going through school said, 'Gee, I want to make brushes for a living,'" Rakusin said. "It doesn't happen."

It is an issue that Joanna McClaskey, the executive director of the Industry Business Council, is looking at as part of the Made in City of Industry initiative.

The goal is to keep existing manufacturers, which provide about 17,000 local jobs, or 25% of total employment, and attract new ones to the city.

"There are so many people that college is not their first choice of what they should do in their life," Rakusin said. "They might want to work with their hands. They have this great mechanical mind, or they have this great mind where they love to see machines work and operate and design machines."

He ultimately wants to see more education in the U.S. geared toward those who work best with their hands, preparing them for blue-collar jobs critical to the economy.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/udkrO3R9uNA

Company information: https://www.gordonbrush.com/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0506s2p-Ken-Rakusin-300dpi.jpg

In 1990, Ken Rakusin took the position of president at Gordon Brush Manufacturing Company, but he was not sure what he was getting himself into. The company was based out of a dark and rundown 15,000 square foot facility.

Related link: https://www.gordonbrush.com/

Zootility Launches a Comfortable Face Mask

PORTLAND, Maine /ScoopCloud/ -- Zootility, a design-driven US manufacturing company, launches a mask to provide comfort and protection to both those who are wearing masks just for a quick trip to the grocery store as well as essential workers who are masked 8+ hours per day. After a few revisions to the original design, the new Comfort Mask with a double layer of fabric helps keep out pesky allergens, airborne contaminants and unwanted germs.

Each Comfort Mask is laser cut. The stitch-free design creates a soft covering for the face. It stretches to conform better to all face shapes and attaches behind the ears with two adjustable-length ear loops. The unique folded design gives ample breathing room and contours tightly to the nose to help minimize fogging with glasses.

In a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, the researchers found that wearing one mask - a disposable or cloth mask - blocked around 40% of test particles. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a disposable mask, about 80% of particles were blocked. When worn as a second mask for "double masking," Comfort Mask fits snugly and eliminates gaps around the sides of the face or nose when worn over a disposable mask.

"As a USA Made Manufacturer, we continue finding ways to respond to the worldwide crisis. We are all tired of wearing uncomfortable face masks yet we understand it's necessary to stay safe and keep our communities safe. Imagine that feeling you get when you put on a cozy pair of sweatpants? We designed our Comfort Mask to give the same feeling of comfort and safety when wearing it," says Nate Barr, Founder of Zootility.

The company is currently raising funds to support the launch of the Comfort Mask on Kickstarter. The project is running an early bird reward option at a discount for the next three days.

Backers can expect their masks shipped in March: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zootility-health/comfort-mask-a-unique-twist-on-soft-and-safe-face-masks?ref=agksy5&token=362f8132

Zootility manufactures functional everyday objects in eccentric forms using quality materials and laser cutters to slowly create one at a time. From product design to manufacturing, Zootility produces everything in-house at their 10,000 sq-ft shop in Portland, Maine.

For more information on Zootility, please visit https://zootility.com/.

Press Contact
Nate Barr
Owner/Designer, Zootility
(207) 536-0639
nate@zootility.com

Zootility, 2301 Congress St, Suite 3, Portland, ME 04102

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zootilitytools

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0218s2p-comfort-mask-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Comfort Mask provides comfort and protection to both those who are wearing masks just for a quick trip to the grocery store as well as essential workers who are masked 8+ hours per day.

Zootility, a design-driven US manufacturing company, launches a mask to provide comfort and protection to both those who are wearing masks just for a quick trip to the grocery store as well as essential workers who are masked 8+ hours per day.

Related link: https://zootility.com/

Gordon Brush Recognized as a ‘Featured Business’ in the City of Industry

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Gordon Brush(R) was recognized as a "Featured Business" by Industry Business Council. The Council shone its "Business Spotlight" on Gordon Brush(R) for its commitment to keeping its manufacturing in the City of Industry.

"I am truly honored to receive this recognition from the City of Industry," said Ken Rakusin, president & CEO, Gordon Brush.

Gordon Brush is Proud To Be An American Manufacturer(tm). "I made a commitment to build and grow my business in this city because contributing to the American economy is near-and-dear to my heart," further proclaimed Rakusin. "Moreover, and perhaps most importantly," added Rakusin, "are my over 200 valued, long-tenured, skilled employees and their families, most of which live in or adjacent to Industry."

About Gordon Brush(R):

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., an ISO 9001: 2015 certified company, has a rich history as an American brush manufacturer. Founded in 1951, Gordon Brush(R) includes two brands whose origin dates to 1855 and 1897. The company consists of 12 brands that operate out of its 250,000 square foot manufacturing facilities in Mississippi and California. Gordon Brush manufactures over 17,000 different types of stock and custom brushes with over 3,500 ready for same day shipment.

Gordon Brush(R) is the 2018 recipient of the Made: In America Award and the 2019 recipient of the Armed Forces Award from Made In America.com.

Company President and CEO, Ken Rakusin, was presented with a special Congressional Recognition Award for his commitment to American manufacturing from House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and local Congresswomen, Grace Napolitano. Mr. Rakusin was also the recipient of the 2019 Patriot Award from Made In America.com and honored as an American Made Hero by American Made Heroes.com.

About The City of Industry:

The City of Industry, incorporated in 1957, is an area of approximately 12.5 square miles in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County. The City is strategically located within the Los Angeles metropolitan area and is devoted primarily to the development of light manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution facilities.

Learn more at: https://www.gordonbrush.com/ and https://www.industrybusinesscouncil.org/resources-directory/media/business-spotlight

VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/441387645

Media Only Contact:
Alan Schechter
323-450-2748
ASchechter@gordonbrush.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/18-0905s2p-gbrush-award-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: (L) Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-32); (R) Ken Rakusin, President & CEO.

Gordon Brush was recognized as a "Featured Business" by Industry Business Council. The Council shone its "Business Spotlight" on Gordon Brush(R) for its commitment to keeping its manufacturing in the City of Industry.

Related link: https://www.gordonbrush.com/

Car Seat Mobility Device Born of Necessity

TOWSON, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Katherine Miles, creator of the Ruby Slipper Car Seat Cover, shares that for this product, which allows persons with limited mobility to enter and exit a car with ease, necessity was truly the mother of invention. Miles was faced with a common dilemma: how to help her aging parent stay active and living a full life.

Miles' mother-named Ruby-was a busy senior and always on the go, volunteering at a local hospital and other community organizations and enjoying shopping and eating out. She had no trouble getting in and out of the car, until injuries and other health conditions cropped up. Due to her lack of upper and lower body strength, and even with her daughter's help, Ruby struggled to enter and exit vehicles. She feared she might never get back to her active and fulfilling life.

Miles hated the thought of no longer being able to take her mother for errands, appointments and drives. Reducing the friction between her mother's clothes and the car seat, Miles quickly realized, would make it vastly easier for her mother to slide herself into the seat-or for a caregiver to do so.

She devised the Ruby Slipper, a deceptively simple product that is both affordable and easy to use. This two-layer nylon seat cover creates a unique sliding action that allows an individual to pivot smoothly into a comfortable sitting position.

"It was no longer difficult to get my mother into the car safely," said Miles, "and it did not take super powers to do!" Quickly realizing that this "swivel car seat" could help lots of other people, too, she patented her design in 2014.

Now, anyone with limited mobility, whether temporary or permanent, can find greater freedom with the Ruby Slipper, including those who are elderly, injured, disabled, recovering from surgery or experiencing upper or lower body muscle weakness. Miles noted that the market for the Ruby Slipper also includes caregivers, physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists and Veterans Administration professionals.

To use the Ruby Slipper, the top layer of nylon fabric is rotated over the seating area toward the door to hang over the side of the seat. Then, the individual sits on the fabric, swivels into the car to place his or her feet on the floor, and slides back into the seat. (If help is needed, a caregiver can grasp the individual's legs and rotate them into the car.)

Lightweight and simple to install, the Ruby Slipper can be moved from car to car as needed. The Ruby Slipper fits virtually all passenger cars and trucks and works on both cloth and leather seats. The nylon fabric (red, black or gray) is rugged, comfortable and easy to care for.

About Ruby Slipper, LLC

Made entirely in America, the Ruby Slipper Car Seat Cover can be purchased online at http://www.rubyslippercarseatcover.com/ (via PayPal) or by calling 877-855-3065. The cost is $79.95 plus $11.95 shipping. The Ruby Slipper comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Questions can be directed to http://www.rubyslippercarseatcover.com/contact or 877-855-3065. Ruby Slipper, LLC is located at P.O. Box 42430, 808 Gleneagles Ct., Towson, MD 21284.

VIDEO: The Story of the Ruby Slipper Car Seat Cover, https://youtu.be/P9MCRFYsbdg

PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0511s2p-ruby-slipper-cover-black-300dpi.jpg

Katherine Miles, creator of the Ruby Slipper Car Seat Cover, shares that for this product, which allows persons with limited mobility to enter and exit a car with ease, necessity was truly the mother of invention. Miles was faced with a common dilemma: how to help her aging parent stay active and living a full life.

Related link: https://www.rubyslippercarseatcover.com/

Talon International, a global Trims and Zipper manufacturer, is leveraging its supply chain, delivering millions of pieces of PPE to global market

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Talon International, has retooled its manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and around the world to supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical and non-medical. Talon is supplying 3-ply face masks and medical-grade face shields, as well as cloth masks, gloves, alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, and isolation gowns. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of PPE will be donated to the Feeding America organization.

"For over 125 years, Talon has supplied the fashion industry with trims, zippers and other related products," said Larry Dyne, CEO of Talon. "Today, the world has very different needs. I'm proud of the team at Talon for taking on the challenge of redirecting all their efforts to supplying our country and local communities with safety equipment that will save lives. This team is passionate about being able to help the whole world in this effort. Our entire supply chain is mobilized and ready to meet this global challenge. Our 125 yrs. of expertise in managing supply chains and global logistics will aid this effort."

Manufactured in Los Angeles, the Talon face shields help the N95 masks last longer by protecting them from particulate matter. Manufacturing of these shields will ramp up very quickly to keep up with the demand required. We have the ability to "scale up" on short notice. Talon's "stretch technologies" facility was retooled in just a few days to begin making these face shields. Talon is also manufacturing and importing hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, gloves, and medical gowns for use by medical and non-medical personnel.

While production is expected to be significant and consistent, businesses and nonprofits in need are encouraged to contact the company immediately to make sure their needs are filled quickly.

Customers can begin placing orders by e-mailing Covid@TalonInternational.com with a request for what they need.

"My optometry business hasn't stopped," said Dr. Matthew Aplert, based in Los Angeles, California. "People still need eyewear and eye care, particularly our front-line heroes, such as doctors and nurses. Talon was able to deliver masks to me when no one else could. I have enough to keep my staff and my patients protected. Talon made it possible for me to continue to serve my patients safely."

Talon invented the world's first zipper in 1893 changing fashion forever. With a pedigree like this, it may seem like they would rest on their laurels. Instead, they're committed to moving fashion forward with custom zippers, trim, tags, and a wide variety of printed marketing solutions. Talon continues their legacy of innovation in apparel technology with stretch technology, as well as the Plastic and Spiral Airtight Zippers.

Website: https://taloninternational.com/

For more information about this topic, please e-mail: Covid@TalonInternational.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0417s2p-talon-ppe-gear-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Talon has immediately available PPE Safety Gear.

Talon International, has retooled its manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and around the world to supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical and non-medical. Talon is supplying 3-ply face masks and medical-grade face shields, as well as cloth masks, gloves, alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, and isolation gowns.

Related link: https://taloninternational.com/

Ken Rakusin and Gordon Brush Honored at the 2019 MADE IN AMERICA CONVENTION

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Ken Rakusin, President & CEO of Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., was the recipient of the PATRIOT AWARD at the 2019 MADE IN AMERICA CONVENTION, that was held at the Indianapolis, Indiana convention center on October 3-6. "This award was presented to Ken for his Proud To Be An American attitude and his unwavering commitment to manufacturing in the United States, in-spite of the infiltration of low cost, inferior Chinese goods," said Don Buckner, founder, MadeInAmerica.com.

In addition, Buckner presented Gordon Brush with the ARMED FORCES AWARD and commented, "On behalf of Made in America.com we commend you for your patriotism and extraordinary efforts in developing the 'Chamber' brush, for the Abrams tank, that saved the United States Army, $1.5 Billion."

"I am overwhelmed, honored, and deeply humbled to receive these two prestigious awards. My goal was to make a difference for our employees, our customers, and our country. I guess we achieved that," said Rakusin.

"I want to thank Don and his team for recognizing our accomplishments. Gordon Brush is Proud To Be An American Manufacturer and a GOLD sponsor of the 2019 MADE IN AMERICA convention," added Rakusin.

About Made in America.com

Made in America.com is a non-partisan, private company whose mission is to raise awareness for the economic, environmental and community impact of American-made manufacturers and brands.

Over 300 companies showcased their American manufacturing capabilities and American made products at the inaugural Made in America convention. Speakers included: Michael Lindell from My Pillow; former NASCAR driver, Darrell Waltrip; Indianapolis Mayor, Joe Hogsett; and Congressman, Daniel Webster.

About Gordon Brush(r)

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., has a rich history as an American brush manufacturer. Founded in 1951, Gordon Brush(r) includes two brands whose origin dates to 1855 and 1897. The Company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a leading manufacturer of specialty, custom and standard brushes for a multitude of industries.

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. was the 2018 recipient of the Made: In America Award. The award was presented in a ceremony in the Rayburn Office building rotunda, in Washington, D.C., in July, 2018. Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-32), also presented the Company's President and CEO, Ken Rakusin, with a special Congressional Recognition Award for his commitment to American manufacturing. Mr. Rakusin was also honored as an American Made Hero.

Learn more at: https://www.gordonbrush.com/about-gordonbrush.php

*PHOTO Link for Media: https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/19-1008s2p-gbrush-award-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: (L-R) Brad Winnings, COO Made in America; Kenneth Rakusin, President and CEO Gordon Brush, receiving the Made In America 2019 American Patriot Award; Don Buckner, CEO and Founder Made In America.

*VIDEO (YouTube)
https://youtu.be/-uqZejEjdvk

Ken Rakusin, President & CEO of Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., was the recipient of the PATRIOT AWARD at the 2019 MADE IN AMERICA CONVENTION, that was held at the Indianapolis, Indiana convention center on October 3-6. "This award was presented to Ken for his Proud To Be An American attitude and his unwavering commitment to manufacturing in the United States, in-spite of the infiltration of low cost, inferior Chinese goods," said Don Buckner, founder, MadeInAmerica.com.

Related link: https://www.gordonbrush.com/

Gordon Brush CEO Ken Rakusin to Speak at the 2019 MADE IN AMERICA CONVENTION

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Ken Rakusin, President & CEO of Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. is a "highlighted" speaker at the 2019 MADE IN AMERICA CONVENTION, to be held at the Indianapolis, Indiana convention center, October 3-6.

According to Don Buckner, founder, MadeInAmerica.com, "The convention will celebrate US manufacturing in a way that's never been done before."

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. is Proud To Be An American Manufacturer(TM) and a GOLD sponsor of the 2019 MADE IN AMERICA convention.

"I feel that it is important for Gordon Brush to show strong support for this event that will celebrate American manufacturers and American made goods. That is why I decided to exhibit and be a Gold sponsor," said Ken Rakusin. "We've said for many years now that patriotism is paramount at Gordon Brush. Even under competitive threats, and low-cost Chinese knockoffs and counterfeit goods, the Company has been steadfast in its philosophy and commitment to manufacturing in the United States. Gordon Brush never considered off-shore manufacturing to become more price competitive."

"Our American made products give us the ability to display our patriotism and pride and to create feelings of goodwill when our customers receive American-made items," added Rakusin.

About Made in America:

MadeinAmerica.com is a non-partisan, private company whose mission is to raise awareness for the economic, environmental and community impact of American-made manufacturers and brands.

The Inaugural Made in America convention will feature over 800 companies showcasing American manufacturing and American made products. There will also be a slate of educational sessions, high-level keynote addresses, and panel discussions featuring manufacturing specialists and professionals from key segments of the manufacturing community.

About Gordon Brush(R):
Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., has a rich history as an American brush manufacturer. Founded in 1951, Gordon Brush(R) includes two brands whose origin dates to 1855 and 1897.The Company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a leading manufacturer of specialty, custom and standard brushes for a multitude of industries.

Gordon Brush(R) is the 2018 recipient of the Made: In America Award. The award was presented in a ceremony in the Rayburn Office building rotunda, in Washington, D.C., in July, 2018. Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-32), also presented the Company's President and CEO, Ken Rakusin, with a special Congressional Recognition Award for his commitment to American manufacturing. Mr. Rakusin was also honored as an American Made Hero.

For more information, visit: https://www.gordonbrush.com/ and https://madeinamerica.com/.

Read blog at: https://www.gordonbrush.com/blogs.php

* PHOTO Link for Media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0628s2p-rakusin-300dpi.jpg
* Photo Caption: Ken Rakusin, President and CEO, Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc.

Ken Rakusin, President & CEO of Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. is a "highlighted" speaker at the 2019 MADE IN AMERICA CONVENTION, to be held at the Indianapolis, Indiana convention center, October 3-6.

Related link: https://www.gordonbrush.com/