Take a look at the St. Nick Brush Company in this video — a start to finish brush company that produces a complete line of consumer and industrial brushes and brooms. Every stage of the manufacturing process is overseen by experienced brushmakers that are dedicated to creating the highest quality brushes and brooms.
According to the Hackett Group, 77 percent of companies have strengthened their commitments to digital transformation because of the COVID-19 crisis. In fact, not only are the commitments strengthening but also the pace of adoption is increasing. A McKinsey survey found the pandemic has significantly accelerated the pace of adoption of digital transformation technologies. Clients and colleagues are seeing the critical importance of using technology for a win-win-win, creating a safe working environment that is efficient, cost-effective, resilient and responsive to customer needs.
The ABMA Foundation is now accepting applications for the new year through March 1, 2021. The ABMA Foundation Endowment Fund assists industry employees and their families based on need. The Kathy K Parr Memorial Scholarship Fund awards an annual $2,500 Kathy Parr Memorial Scholarship. This money will be awarded to high school age or older applicant who desires to improve his/her knowledge and understanding in the field of manufacturing-related activities.
The International Housewares Association announced today that Peter Giannetti will join the organization as director, editorial, content and education. In this role, Giannetti will oversee the development and delivery of industry-wide content and resources intended to inform, educate and inspire.
Giannetti joins IHA after serving for 14 years as editor-in-chief and 14 years before that as editor of HomeWorld Business, a leading print and digital B2B publication for the home and housewares business. He has covered the home and housewares industry since joining HomeWorld Business in 1990. Giannetti also served as vice president /publishing and editorial operations for ICD Publications, parent of HomeWorld Business and its sister publication, Gourmet Insider. Gourmet Insider ceased operations at the end of 2020, and HomeWorld Business recently announced it is closing operations at the end of February.
“Our industry has relied on Peter for decades to provide objective reporting and relevant insights that help drive business success, and that is exactly what he will continue to do at IHA,” says Derek Miller, president of IHA. “His deep expertise in home + housewares and his unparalleled ability to deliver timely and relevant news and content will benefit the entire industry.”
The 2021 March/April eMag issue of Brushware magazine is now available to all readers. In this issue, Bob Lawrence provides a full preview of the 2021 ABMA Virtual Convention with feedback and insights from key industry contacts. This issue also sees the launch of our Global Brush Maker Locator — an in-depth listing of all brush manufacturers by country. We’ve also expanded our approach to the US Import/Exports to get a historical look at the final numbers for 2020. And there’s plenty more including a report on the FEIBP Paintbrush Working Group meeting and a look at ERP as a launchpad.
The ABMA reports Thomas S. O’Connor, 78, formerly of Dennis, Mass., passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, Feb 11, 2021, at UMASS Medical Center. Tom attended Worcester Boy’s Trade, then enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years. Following his military service, he graduated from Becker Jr. College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Clark University. He worked many years at Parker and Harper Manufacturing. Tom then co-founded the family business, Lanoco Specialty Wire Products, Inc., of which he was president for 25 years until retirement.
Tom enjoyed many years golfing in Florida, fishing and boating in Cape Cod Bay and traveling throughout the United States and Europe.
Manufacturing in India showed strength with a reported 57.7 PMI from Markit Economics, which represented a fourth straight month of improvement. Italy had a second straight month of growth and a big uptick to a reported PMI of 55.1 percent after registering 52.8 in December. That represents Italy’s highest level since February 2018.
MAR/APR 2021
-PMI Updates
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