Our company history
The art of brush making has a deeply rooted tradition in the southern Black Forest, dating back to the 19th century. In the midst of this historically rich region, the Frank Bürsten company occupies a special place in Schönau.
The history of the Frank brush factory and its predecessors is inextricably linked to the life and work of the people in Schönau. What once began as a small craft business has developed over the decades into an integral part of the local economy. Despite all the challenges of the time, from structural change to economic crises and technological upheavals, the passion for quality and traditional manufacturing has always been preserved.
- The production of brush woods for manual insertion begins at today's location.
- Twelve employees are already working with machine support, powered by hydropower.
- Construction of the water canal for energy supply to the wood factory.
- The company premises undergo various changes of ownership.
- Brush production remains constant over the years, a constant in change.
- Adolf Frank takes over the site and founds the Frank brush factory.
- The mechanization of production begins.
- Switching from transmission to own power generation through the hydropower plant.
- After the death of Adolf Frank, his son Egon Frank takes over the management.
- Start of automation with effective filling machines.
- Renate Ganzmann (née Frank) joins the company, supported by her husband Klaus Ganzmann.
- First specialization in product ranges on shoe care brushes, advertising brushes, massage & wellness brushes and technical brushes.
- Introduction of modern computer-controlled filling systems
- Stefan Ganzmann, great-grandson of the company founder, joins the company.
- International orientation is strongly promoted.
- The company goes online, introduction of digital administration (EDP).
- Katharina Hackner, wife of Stefan Ganzmann, complements the management.
- Focus on sales and marketing
- Expansion of the machinery for efficiency and capacity increase.
- 01/2006 Change of name to Frank Bürsten GmbH
- Doubling of the storage area
- Expansion of the production area in filling and assembly
- CO2-neutral operation through own local heating supply
- Feed-in of over 700 MWh annually into the Schönau local heating network
- Significantly negative CO2 footprint
- Completion of the new pallet warehouse with approx. 550 additional pallet spaces
- Expansion of production in the area of filling
- More space for picking and shipping
Frank Brushes Today
Today, Frank Brushes is one of the leading manufacturers in Europe in the field of brushes for leather and shoe care. At the traditional location in Schönau in the Black Forest, we combine over 150 years of experience with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, sustainable management and international orientation. Our products, from suede to cream to polishing brushes, stand for quality “Made in Germany” worldwide. As a fourth-generation family business, we combine traditional roots with a spirit of innovation and bring brush competence from the Black Forest to the whole world.
Our membership
We are firmly rooted in the region – not only with our production site in Schönau but also with our attitude. That is why we are involved in the Initiativkreis Oberes Wiesental (IOW). This association of companies, institutions and committed individuals from the Upper Wiesental pursues the goal of sustainably strengthening the economic performance of our region.
The IOW specifically promotes projects that benefit both the regional economy and the quality of life of the people, be it through the expansion of modern infrastructures, the promotion of education and young skilled workers or through the dialogue between business, politics and society.
We are convinced: A strong region needs partnerships. The IOW creates exactly the connection that is necessary to further develop the Upper Wiesental as an attractive place to live and do business.