With over a century of innovation behind them, Roth Composite Machinery continues to shape the future of brush and broom manufacturing. We sat down with CEO Andreas Reimann and Gernot Müller, Sales Manager Brushes & Brooms, to discuss their approach to custom solutions, technological advancement and the company’s vision for the industry’s future.

How do you address the challenge of recruiting skilled workers?

Reimann: We experience this challenge, and our strategy is to train our people. Germany has a very good, highly sophisticated training system, and the entire Roth Group maintains an above-average number of trainees every year. Roth Composite Machinery has about 15 percent of our staff as trainees, going up to 18% during overlapping periods. We provide our facilities with specialists trained in-house and offer further training up to the highest level, giving everyone the chance to increase their abilities and specialization to the degree they want. We have an 18-year average employee tenure, which speaks to our long-term employee relationships.

How do trade shows and industry events benefit your business?

Reimann: Trade shows like FEIBP and ABMA provide excellent opportunities to meet the community and highly interested people in our industry. There’s a chance to learn more about market trends and demands from potential customers, and it’s a very good way to maintain personal contact with the community, customers and prospects. We restarted our activities in the US market this year by attending the ABMA Congress, and this will be one of our keys to staying close to our customers.

What are your thoughts on the World Brush Expo and its impact on the industry?

Reimann: We’ve been attending trade shows for the brush-making industry for a long time, including the previous Interbrush exhibitions. The World Brush Expo in Bologna was a good event to meet people after the Corona pandemic disrupted our regular meeting schedule. It was excellent to see everyone again and showcase what we and our competitors can provide in terms of services and machinery. We made good leads and new contacts while deepening existing relationships. We’re looking forward to the next event in Belgium.

What aspects of working in the brush industry do you find most rewarding?

Reimann: There are three points I’d highlight. First, the machinery we design is very sophisticated. The internal design and technology are fascinating for an engineer like me. Second, our people are highly skilled, motivated and provide best-in-class craftsmanship. Third, there’s a family-like community in the brush-making industry, especially within associations like FEIBP, ABMA and VDPB. There’s good cooperation between people despite their competition.

Müller: Since joining the company last August, I’ve been amazed by the speed and precision of our machines. When I first saw videos of machines making toilet brushes and floor brooms at incredible speeds, I thought about how users have no idea of the sophisticated process behind these everyday products. It gives me pride to be part of creating something that people use daily without realizing the engineering excellence behind it.

What advice would you give to younger people looking to advance their careers in the industry?

Reimann: Stay interested — be genuinely interested in looking around and understanding how things work. Get actively involved, be engaged in what you do, and show that you want to make positive changes. When you demonstrate commitment and engagement, you’ll be perceived positively and opportunities will open up.

What have you learned throughout your careers in the industry?

Reimann: I’ve learned that the quality of a captain is determined not on the sunny side of life, but in bad weather conditions. This applies not only to sailing but also to industry and business leadership.

Müller: Life is give and take. It’s important that there’s always a balance between giving and receiving. When there’s an imbalance, things become difficult. This principle guides my approach to business and relationships.

Roth Composite Machinery’s commitment to innovation, customer-focused solutions and industry leadership continues to drive the brush and broom manufacturing industry forward. With their combination of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, they remain well-positioned to help their customers navigate the challenges of an increasingly competitive global marketplace.