About2026-01-23T22:21:26+00:00

Over a Century of Custom Brush Innovation

Since 1919, Carolina Brush has helped manufacturers solve real-world production challenges with precision-engineered brushes. For more than a century, we’ve combined expert craftsmanship with modern engineering to create brushes that deliver reliable performance in the toughest environments.

From local manufacturers to global OEMs—and even NASA missions to Mars—our brushes are built to work wherever performance matters most.

Vintage Industrial Brushes made by Carolina Brush Company
Group photo of Carolina Brush team on the production floor in Gastonia, NC

About Carolina Brush

We design and manufacture brushes that are integrated into machinery and industrial systems across the globe. Whether you’re looking to enhance a production line, solve a custom engineering problem, or source a dependable OEM component, Carolina Brush is ready.

Our specialties include:

  • Custom brushes for OEM integration
  • Application-specific brushes for manufacturing environments
  • Brushes engineered for durability, precision, and repeatability

Learn More

See how we help customers design the right brush—from material selection to custom fit.

Historical Timeline

For more than a century, Carolina Brush has grown, adapted, and evolved alongside American industry. From a single basement workshop in 1919 to a modern manufacturer serving companies around the world, our story is one of craftsmanship, innovation, and resilience.

This timeline captures the milestones that shaped who we are today.

1919 – A Vision in a Basement Workshop2025-12-08T16:46:52+00:00

The end of World War I brought rapid industrial growth across the United States. Seeing opportunity on the horizon, James D. Smith founded Carolina Brush Company in 1919 with little more than his tools, determination, and a basement workshop. His commitment to quality quickly set the foundation for a company built to last.

1920s – Early Recognition and Steady Growth2025-12-08T16:47:40+00:00

As the textile industry expanded across the Carolinas, manufacturers took notice of Carolina Brush’s craftsmanship. Word spread quickly, and the young company grew steadily as demand increased.

1933 – Leadership Passes to the Next Generation2025-12-08T16:48:13+00:00

In the depths of the Great Depression, James S. Smith, son of the founder, was elected President and General Manager. Despite one of the most difficult economic periods in American history, Carolina Brush continued to grow — a testament to its reputation for dependable, precision-made brushes.

1930s–1950s – Expansion Through Innovation2025-12-08T16:48:47+00:00

Through the mid-20th century, Carolina Brush invested in new machinery and expanded its product offerings to support a wider range of industrial applications. Even during periods of slow national economic growth, the company remained committed to innovation, quality, and customer partnership.

1958 – A New Chapter in Gastonia2025-12-08T16:49:28+00:00

A major milestone arrived in 1958 when the company acquired the Gastonia Brush Company. This strategic move brought new equipment, new customers, and new capabilities. Carolina Brush relocated its entire operation to Gastonia, North Carolina — a city that continues to be our home today.

1960s–1990s – Serving a Growing Industrial Landscape2025-12-08T16:50:03+00:00

With the rise of automation and advanced manufacturing, Carolina Brush expanded its engineering capabilities and developed new brush types for a wider range of applications — from material handling to high-precision surface finishing. Our customer base grew to include OEMs, global manufacturers, and specialized industries across the country.

2000s – Engineering Meets Modern Manufacturing2025-12-08T16:50:38+00:00

The turn of the century brought new technologies, materials, and production methods. Carolina Brush modernized its equipment and processes, ensuring the same craftsmanship that defined our early years now met modern engineering standards.

2010s – Brushes Built for the World (and Beyond)2025-12-08T16:51:12+00:00

As our global reach grew, Carolina Brush brushes began appearing in equipment across international facilities — and even in extreme environments. One of our brushes was selected for use in a NASA Mars mission, a testament to the durability and reliability of our designs.

Today – Over 100 Years of Trusted Performance2025-12-08T16:51:44+00:00

More than a century after James D. Smith built his first brush, Carolina Brush remains committed to the same principles: craftsmanship, innovation, and service. We continue to design and manufacture brushes for customers across the United States and around the world, supporting industries that power modern life — just as we did in 1919.

Carolina Brush technician operating automated brush manufacturing equipment to ensure precision, consistency, and quality for engineered industrial brush solutions

Trusted by Engineers, Backed by Experience

We serve companies across the Southeastern United States and around the world—with brushes that have even gone to Mars on a NASA mission. Every project benefits from our combination of hands-on manufacturing experience, engineering support, and attention to detail.

What sets us apart:

  • Tailor-made brush solutions for industrial applications
  • Deep knowledge of materials and performance requirements
  • Collaborative design and responsive customer support
  • Scalable production for one-offs or high-volume orders

Global Reach. Local Roots.

Headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina, we proudly serve clients throughout the Southeastern U.S., across the country, and around the world. Our brushes have been installed in factories on five continents—and even deployed on NASA missions to Mars.

Whether you’re building precision equipment or maintaining critical infrastructure, we’re equipped to support your goals with proven solutions and responsive service.

Gastonia Brush Company Display

Meet Carolina Brush

Behind every brush we build is a team of engineers, craftspeople, and problem-solvers who care about doing the job right. We believe in honest work, long-term relationships, and building tools that help our customers succeed.

Go to Top