Schaefer Brush Manufacturing, LLC, Sees Growth with Resources from New Ownership Group.
Schaefer Brush Manufacturing, LLC, will invest in new equipment, product innovation, and personnel development with resources from a new ownership group. The investment will bolster the company’s position as one of the world’s most diverse industrial brush manufacturers.
“Schaefer Brush is internationally known as a premier source for industrial brushes, and for its innovation to meet the evolving needs of the brush industry,” said John Syburg, of Brookfield, Wis.-based Blackthorne Partners, an investment group which acquired Schaefer Brush Manufacturing, effective June 1. “We intend to build upon that legacy and keep Schaefer Brush Manufacturing in the forefront of its industry for many years to come.”
Harold Schaefer, the fourth generation of the Schaefer family involved with the business and the owner since 1991, will retire after more than 50 years with the company.
“When I saw how Blackthorne Partners has strengthened other Wisconsin companies, and how it retains the owner/operator culture that keeps those businesses innovative and in the forefront of their industries, I knew my decision to sell to Blackthorne Partners was the right one,” Schaefer said. “I can retire knowing the Schaefer family legacy will be honored and carried on.”
Sheri Reichart, Schaefer Brush ManufacturingCurrent company President Sheri Reichart will remain in that position and continue to manage its day-to-day operations to ensure a seamless customer experience with Schaefer Brush.
“Sheri has been with Schaefer Brush since 1968 and is deeply knowledgeable about every aspect of the business and our industry,” said Steve Balistreri of Blackthorne Partners. “We’re pleased that she will remain in her leadership position as the company enters a new era of growth and innovation.”
Reichart said the Blackthorne Partners investment will provide the resources and guidance to put the company in an even stronger market position. The company will continue to operate independently as Schaefer Brush Manufacturing, LLC, and company operations will remain at its 60,000-square-foot facility on Prairie Avenue in Waukesha.
“The future is bright as we continue on our path of innovation and leadership in the industrial brush industry,” Reichart said. “We are moving ahead on many initiatives that will solidify Schaefer’s position as the innovative leader. I am excited about this new partnership with Blackthorne and our growth plan.”
Along with a wide line of standard twisted-in-wire, staple set and hand drawn brushes, Schaefer Brush Manufacturing offers custom brushes as well as turn-key brushing systems. Since its founding in 1905 as a supplier of tank and kettle brushes for the brewing industry, the company has grown to serve a wide range of industries and has customers throughout the world.
The company is online at www.schaeferbrush.com.
Blackthorne Partners has steadily increased its portfolio of Wisconsin companies over the last few years and is actively seeking other Midwestern firms to acquire. Its portfolio includes skid steer attachment manufacturer Berlon Industries, glass fireplace door and hearth accessories manufacturer Design Specialties, food processing machinery manufacturer Hughes Equipment Company, SAP information technology consultants group:basis, pallet manufacturer Pallet USA, and Integrated Medical Partners, which owns a portfolio of health care information technology service businesses.
Blackthorne Partners is online at blackthornepartners.com.
