CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA - Gordon Brush, the privately held corporation that boasts one of the world's largest selection of industrial brushes, has acquired a new building, 3½ times larger than its existing facility. Gordon Brush's factory and offices will move from its current 51,000 square foot facility at 6247 Randolph Street in Commerce, CA, where they have resided for 17 years, to a 182,000 square foot building in the City of Industry, CA, located at 3737 Capitol Avenue.
The pending move to its new home is part of Gordon Brush's master plan to become the nation's largest Made in America brush manufacturer and a global leader in the industry.
"We are in the business of expansion," beams Gordon Brush's President and CEO, Ken Rakusin. "We are looking for brush businesses to buy. We are buying new equipment. We are hiring new Gordon Brush family members. We are patenting new products. We have added consumer products with annual growth rates up to 500%. For us it's high tide and the surf is up."
Gordon Brush has fought hard to ensure its products are Made in America and to keep its business in California even when other states with more appealing tax laws and lower costs have tried to woo the company. "It hasn't been easy," notes Rakusin, "There have been many temptations, but I feel strongly about American made goods and about staying here; I love California."
Before the purchase of the new building, Gordon Brush tried in vain to expand its existing building. In 2013, the Los Angeles Times, in an article entitled, "Plant Owner Bristles At Red Tape Tying Up Expansion," chronicled the company's failed attempt to surf through building code bureaucracy. Gordon Brush was able to fund the new facility purchase thanks in part to: the Governor's "California Competes" initiative, which offers tax incentives for businesses that stay in California; and through a California Industrial Development Bond coordinated by California United Bank.
Gordon Brush attributes its success to its commitment to three principles. President Ken Rakusin explains, "Our foundation rests on customer service, which includes stocking a huge inventory and filling orders quickly; Investing in the most state-of-the-art automated equipment to produce the highest quality products bar-none; our ability to make anything and make it faster; and most importantly, investing in the best employees. We have a workforce of the most highly trained, loyal and devoted experts in the field. We have worked hard to ensure their work environment and opportunity is competitive with Fortune 500 companies."
Gordon Brush's new facility was sold by Jeff Bethel of Lee & Associates. Escrow closed on April 16, 2015 and Robert Borders & Associates, architects and C.E.G. Construction are orchestrating a $2M renovation to the building. Gordon Brush will lease out its existing Commerce location. Estimated move in date to the City of Industry facility is slated for summer of 2015.
"Our business had been stifled by lack of space," notes Rakusin. "Yes, we get along, but we are all squished in to a small space. We've outgrown it. The customer demand is there and now we can grow the company. I feel like we've got the world's best surfboards, a perfect sunrise, and the whole day in front of us. We're ready for that perfect wave to ride on the Pacific. I am so excited for the future."
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Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., is ISO 9001:2008 Certified and a leading manufacturer of specialty, custom and standard brushes for industrial and consumer purposes including the FootMate™ System as well as over 15,000 other medical, industrial, janitorial, and electronic brushes. It stocks over 2,000 different brushes for same day shipment selling to a variety of industries including: medical; electronics; manufacturing; military; aerospace; and pharmaceutical. Go to: www.gordonbrush.com. Gordon Brush has been featured on the ION Network, Discovery Channel and in Bloomberg News. For further information contact: Alan M. Schechter, Director of Sales and Marketing at (323) 450-2748 or [email protected].
