ZAHORANSKY, Wooster Up for the 2026 ABMA William A. Cordes Innovation Excellence Award
Winners to Be Announced at 109th ABMA Convention in Puerto Rico
Voting is open for the ABMA William A. Cordes Innovation Excellence Award, with one week remaining for industry professionals to cast their vote. The winner will be announced during the Opening Meeting of the 109th ABMA Convention on March 25, 2026. The award recognizes forward-thinking companies and technologies that are helping shape the future of the brush industry through innovation, engineering and product development.
Wooster: GripTech MAX Handle Technology
An innovative handle technology developed exclusively by Wooster Brush Company, GripTech MAX is engineered to maximize comfort and control for professional users. The design features a rubberized soft-grip texture that extends up and around the handle, providing enhanced grip and reduced slip in high-contact areas. The technology is available across Wooster’s Ultra/Pro Firm and Silver Tip brush lines and combines ergonomic design with everyday durability.
Key features include:
- Composite handle with extended rubberized grip
- Improved ergonomics for extended use
- Enhanced control and reduced slippage
- Durable construction for professional applications
To learn more, watch the video.
ZAHORANSKY: Z.WASP 1 – Drilling and Tufting Machine
The Z.WASP 1 from ZAHORANSKY is a high-performance drilling and tufting machine designed for the production of both technical and household brushes. The system is capable of processing long filaments up to 70 mm in standard configurations and up to 660 mm when working with flat wire. A key innovation of the machine is its ability to produce brushes using a “filament mix” of plastic and wire, offering expanded design flexibility for advanced applications.
Key features include:
- Flexible system supporting various brush sizes, shapes and filament types
- Capability to process up to four flat wire spools simultaneously
- Production of disc brushes up to 900 mm in diameter
- Advanced mixed-filament manufacturing capability
Learn more about the Z.Wasp at www.zahoransky.com/products/z-wasp.
Voting Still Open
ABMA members are encouraged to vote now, with one vote permitted per person. Voting will remain open through the week leading up to the convention.
About the Award
The William A. Cordes Innovation Excellence Award honors groundbreaking products and technologies that demonstrate creativity, ingenuity and measurable impact within the brush industry. The award continues to highlight companies and individuals driving innovation across manufacturing, materials and end-use performance. Learn more at about the Innovation Excellence Award at www.abma.org/about/innovation-excellence-award/.
