Industrial brush manufacturer Schaefer Brush, Waukesha, is excited to announce the acquisition of E. Gornell & Sons, Chicago.

The company will operate E. Gornell & Sons independently, continuing in the rich tradition of serving the brush industry and industrial distribution, according to Kim Erdmann, president and CEO of both companies.

“The idea is to take each company’s unique manufacturing process/products and provide multiple solutions for our customers. Each business will continue to operate autonomously” Erdmann said. “These companies serve different customers with different needs, yet we will maintain and strive to enhance the quality and service everybody has come to expect!” he said.

The purchase, on March 1, enables the company to provide customers with a more complete product line of industrial and maintenance brushes. “We are committed to strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and innovation for our customers,” “Design capability, manufacturing technology and customer service will be improved through the synergy of bringing these two companies together.”

Gus Treslo, outgoing president of E. Gornell & Sons, said he was excited to ensure a future for his company and employees. “We are very proud of our reputation for quality and service. It matches up very well with the Schaefer Brush culture. Preserving our legacy and protecting jobs was a very important part of the negotiation for us. I’m glad we are moving forward with Kim and his team.”

Family-owned and operated E. Gornell & Sons has engineered and manufactured brushes in Chicago since 1892. Established in 1905, Schaefer Brush has rich history of designing, engineering and manufacturing twisted-in-wire industrial brushes and related products for custom brushes, complete brush systems, and brush components for machinery at its 60,000 square foot headquarters in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Kim Erdmann, president of Schaefer Brush and E. Gornell & Sons, explains how combining these two leading brush manufacturers helps customers.