Made in Schönau – we are your brush manufacturer from the heart of the Black Forest
As a brush manufacturer with over 150 years of tradition, we specialise in producing high-quality brushes for shoe care, well-being and special applications in the Black Forest – Made in Germany. Our solutions are used across the globe in more than 50 countries, are based on responsibly sourced materials and combine craftsmanship, experience and modern design. This page shows why our business is valued worldwide, how our operations are structured and which solutions we develop for different shoe surfaces and applications in various sectors.
Do you have specific questions? Click here to go directly to your personal contact person!
The brush-making craft – why brush factories have been indispensable for centuries
Brushes are among the oldest tools known to mankind. They clean, care for, shape and structure surfaces – from leather shoes to delicate materials. Their functions are manifold: removing, smoothing, applying, polishing or protecting. For many customers, they are everyday items; for us, they represent a craft shaped by generations, defined by dedication, durability and a clear focus on performance.
Brush manufacturers in the Black Forest – a special connection
Since the 19th century, the Black Forest has been one of the most historic regions for brushes. The dense forests provided and continue to provide suitable wood for functional design and long service life. Deep mountain valleys and local communities shaped a culture of careful craftsmanship, and small workshops became part of the regional trade early on. This heritage remains visible today: Schönau in the Black Forest stands for precision, robust construction and manufacturing methods that work closely with both hand and machine.
Tradition as part of our identity – the history of Frank Bürsten
The development of our company is closely intertwined with the people of Schönau. What began as a regional craft operation has grown into a globally active manufacturer with high performance standards. Our history reflects change – economic shifts, technical progress and new customer needs. One aspect has always remained constant: our focus on materials, manufacturing reliability and functional design. This consistency has built long-term trust with retailers and brands.
Bürsten Frank today: Where tradition meets reliability
What was once a small craft business has developed into an international specialist that specialise in brushes for shoe care, skiing, wellness and promotional use. Today, our company ranks among Europe’s leading manufacturers of durable solutions for shoe and ski care. In Schönau, we combine over 150 years of experience with modern investment in machinery, efficient operations and an international outlook with manageable lead times. Our range extends from suede to polishing brushes, from wellness tools to advertising solutions, all developed with a clear focus on function, style and longevity. Customers in around 50 countries rely on our expertise and benefit from custom brushes for different markets and projects. As a fourth-generation family business, we bring the craftsmanship of the Black Forest to partners around the world.
Where performance begins – raw materials and processing
We manufacture our wooden bodies from carefully selected beech wood, purchased as planks and processed in-house. Drying takes place in our own facilities to achieve the ideal moisture content – a prerequisite for dimensional stability and long-term durability. The wood is then sawn, milled, planed and sanded, allowing consistent results and reliable design execution. We accompany each step from material selection to the finished brush. Wherever possible, we rely on regional or national suppliers with short transport routes and transparent processes. Packaging is mainly made from recycled cardboard and meets recognised standards.
Our categories – a range for many applications
Our production facility manufactures brushes tailored to a wide variety of requirements and sectors. Flexible processes allow us to realise series production, prototypes and custom brushes with equal efficiency, supported by our experienced technical team and manufacturing experts.
Do you require assistance or detailed advice? Please send us your enquiry directly using the contact form!
Shoe brushes
Our shoe brushes are designed for effective cleaning, care and polishing. Coconut fibre, horsehair or goat hair are selected according to function, surface and desired finish, ensuring reliable results and long service life.
Ski brushes
Our ski brushes remove excess wax after application, exposing the structure of the base and preparing skis for high performance on the slopes. Both professional and amateur athletes value the consistent results and functional design.
Massage & wellness brushes
Brushes for wellness applications combine natural fibres, ergonomic shapes and a balanced style. They support skin care, stimulate circulation and are designed for comfortable daily use.
Private label
Brands and retailers choose our expertise to develop individual solutions – with their own branding, defined design and tailored production. We work closely with partners from concept to implementation.
Promotional brushes
For customer gifts and brand communication, we offer plenty of options within our promotional brush range. These options combine function and brand presence and are suitable as durable giveaways or advertising tools.
Responsibility – for today and tomorrow
Responsibility is firmly anchored in our daily operations.
- We work exclusively with green electricity from our own hydroelectric power plants and photovoltaic systems.
- Production residues such as sawdust and wood shavings are converted into heat via our wood-fired heating system.
- Beech wood is sourced primarily from the Black Forest, preferably from certified partners. Packaging consists almost entirely of recycled cardboard.
In addition, we stand for fair working conditions and high social standards. Close cooperation with employees, individual development opportunities and long-term perspectives are part of our approach. Our goals are documented in line with the German Sustainability Code (DNK) and reviewed regularly.
Why Frank brushes are the right choice
We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and manufacture millions of brushes every year with a clear focus on function and durability.
Our machinery, our people and our commitment to precision ensure results that perform reliably over time.
Our advantages at a glance:
- Consistent standards through experience and manufacturing Made in Germany
- Flexible solutions for retailers, B2C brands and professional sectors
- Responsible sourcing, regional partners and transparent processes
- Product-specific advice from experienced experts
- Custom brushes for brands and companies worldwide
- International orientation with shipping to over 40 countries
Contact and advice
Are you looking for brushes with proven performance, responsible production and a long tradition?
Send us your message or email – we support you with personal advice, clear information and a direct contact person.
Frank brushes strengthen brands, support care and cleaning, and deliver reliable results from the Black Forest to the globe.
You can reach us by telephone on +49 7673 888650, by email at info@frank-brushes.de – or via our contact form.
FAQ – brush manufacturing
We mainly work with natural hair such as horsehair and goat hair, complemented by other fibres like nylon or bronze wire, depending on application, function and expected performance.
The best results are achieved by combining different brushes for different needs: fibre brushes for cleaning, horsehair for polish application, goat hair for final shine and specialised solutions for suede or sneakers.
Experience, reliable processes, functional design, transparent manufacturing and customer focus. These factors create trust and long-term partnerships.
Skis are brushed after waxing to remove excess wax and expose the structure. This improves glide and control; depending on conditions, additional brushing steps may be useful.