Fuller Industries LLC

10/09/2025

10/06/2025

Fuller marks October birthdays, anniversaries

Fuller Industries Inc. is celebrating the birthdays and work anniversaries of several staff members in October. The company brings treats into the cafeteria to observe these monthly special occasions.
Honored this month are:
Birthdays:
• Maribel Balderrama – Oct. 3
• Frank Garcia - Oct. 3
• Aly Perkins - Oct. 11
• Teresa Castillo - Oct. 15
• Angi Beck - Oct. 20
• Austin Smittle - Oct. 25
• Rodolfo Martinez - Oct. 31

Anniversaries:
• Austin Smittle - Oct. 19 - five years
• Pookie Blecha - Oct. 4 - three years
• Tonya Cope - Oct. 7 - three years
• Karl Jenkner - Oct. 24 - three years

10/02/2025

Fuller Industries Urges Nation to Observe National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day

GREAT BEND, Kan. – Fuller Industries Inc., Great Bend-based long-time manufacturer of commercial and industrial janitorial and cleaning products, is calling on businesses and the public nationwide to pause today and acknowledge the vital role of custodial workers on National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day, observed annually on Oct. 2.
The day serves as a dedicated time to express appreciation for the often-unseen efforts of custodians who tirelessly maintain the cleanliness, safety, and well-being of workplaces, schools, hospitals, and public spaces across the country.
“For decades, Fuller Industries has supplied the tools and products that help cleaning professionals do their jobs, and we know firsthand the dedication it takes,” said Joe Mann, Fuller general manager. “These individuals are essential to public health and safety, and their commitment to keeping our facilities sanitary and well-maintained deserves genuine recognition. They are truly the unsung heroes of our economy.”
Custodial work is fundamentally important, contributing to a healthy and safe environment for employees, students, and the public. Despite the critical nature of their work—especially in light of heightened public health awareness—their contributions often go unnoticed. National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day aims to bring these vital efforts into the spotlight.
Fuller Industries encourages everyone to participate in showing their gratitude on Oct. 2. Simple, sincere gestures can make a significant difference in a custodian’s day, including:
• Verbal Thanks: A simple, genuine "thank you" or a word of appreciation.
• Small Gestures: Leaving a kind note, a small treat, or a gift card.
• Positive Recognition: Informing a supervisor about a worker’s excellent service.
• Helpful Actions: Keeping personal workspaces tidy and cleaning up messes to lighten the custodial load.
“The cleanliness they provide is the foundation for all other business and educational activities,” Mann said. “We are proud to stand with the millions of dedicated custodial workers across the nation and urge everyone to take a moment to say thanks on Oct. 2.”

09/30/2025

Special visitors

Fuller Industries Inc. took part in the Great Bend Tribune Women's Expo Tuesday afternoon and the booth was busy non-stop as attendees asked about our monopod and other cleaning products. Many recalled working at Fuller in the past. The Barton County Commission was touring Great Bend as part of its Travel 389 initiative and popped into the expo, and paid Fuller a visit. Pictured with Fuller's Dale Hogg, in the back, are commissioners Duane Reid, Tricia Schlesinger, Shawn Hutchinson and Barb Esfeld, and County Administrator Matt Patzner. Thanks to the Tribune for the wonderful event and thanks to our county officials for their time.

09/27/2025

Showing off Fuller Industries

There were two wonderful opportunities Friday for Fuller Industries Inc. to shine in our community. First, Fuller was a hole sponsor for the 19th-annual Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Lake Barton Golf Club. Fuller's Dale Hogg, left, is pictured with fellow chamber volunteer Toby Elliott of My Lawn Turf and Tree. Second, Fuller helped sponsor Great Bend Alive's Final Friday on Forest event. Hogg took the opportunity to visit with attendees about the company's expansion and commitment to progress. It was a beautiful early fall day for both.

09/26/2025

Fuller Industries Inc. emphasizes safety with September training on proper attire

GREAT BEND, Kan. – Great Bend-based Fuller Industries Inc. is reminding employees about the importance of safe attire in a new training initiative for the month of September, focusing on proper clothing, footwear, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The training, titled "Toolbox Talk: Safe Clothing in Manufacturing," addresses safety precautions as weather and temperatures change.
“As temperatures shift, it’s important that employees continue to dress safely while staying comfortable,” said Bree Husted, environmental health and safety assistant for the longtime commercial cleaning product maker. “Clothing, footwear, and personal protective equipment must be appropriate for both the environment and the tasks at hand.”
The training, recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, outlines key safety guidelines for employees working around chemicals, robotics, and machines. Employees are advised to wear snug-fitting clothing and to avoid loose sleeves, hood strings, or baggy pants that could be caught in equipment. Jewelry such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets should not be worn, and long hair must be tied back.
For chemical safety, the company reminds employees to always wear lab coats, aprons, or other chemical-resistant clothing when handling hazardous materials. Employees are also instructed to check protective gear for holes or tears before each shift and to change immediately if clothing becomes contaminated.
Regarding footwear, the company emphasizes a strict policy of closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes. Steel-toe boots are required in designated areas, and sandals, open-toe shoes, or fabric sneakers are strictly prohibited around chemicals.
The training also encourages employees to be prepared with a backup set of clothing and shoes in case of a chemical spill or other contamination, storing them in a clean, dry place. The training reinforces the message that while PPE is the last line of defense, proper clothing is the first. Employees are encouraged to check their clothing and PPE and to ensure they have backup clothes and shoes. They are also reminded that when in doubt, they should ask their supervisor.

09/11/2025

Fuller wishes a happy birthday and anniversary to employees

GREAT BEND, Kan. - Fuller Industries Inc. is taking time to recognize the work anniversaries and birthdays of its employees in September. The company will hold its special monthly celebration on Tuesday morning, Sept. 16, in the cafeteria and will provide sweet treats to mark the special occasion.

Honored will be:
Birthdays
Stephanie Marrufo - Sept. 1
Zackery Cheney - Sept. 6
Corey Gros - Sept. 7
Roger McPherson - Sept. 7
Scott Johnson - Sept. 7
Wendy Najera - Sept. 10
Luly Hernandez - Sept. 12
Chris Cowles - Sept. 21
Nate Thayer - Sept. 21
Tammie Jacobs - Sept. 27
Ryan Zimmerman - Sept. 30

Anniversaries
Roger McPherson - Sept. 27 - 15 years
Karen Saenz - Sept. 3 - 1 year
Glenda Clark - Sept. 9 - 1 year
Kimle Rebein - Sept. 16 - 1 year
Sandy Riggs - Sept. 16 - 1 year

09/09/2025

A laboratory facelift
Fuller renovating lab space for procedure control, R&D

GREAT BEND, Kan. – It wasn't that long ago that the old mezzanine laboratory at the back of Fuller Industries Inc.'s factory was a dingy repository for old, obsolete equipment. Now, the space is undergoing a major renovation.
A new floor and freshly painted walls will soon greet new, high-tech instruments and highly trained technicians.
"Initially, we'll be using the lab to bolster our process control efforts," said Chris Cowles, Fuller's vice president of operations. "This is an important step as we continue our focus on making sure every product that leaves this plant meets our rigorous quality standards."
Process control involves using standardized processes to monitor and regulate production, ensuring consistent product quality from batch to batch, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. The new lab will allow the longtime commercial and industrial cleaning product maker to expand on these efforts.
But the plans go further, Cowles said.
"We will use the lab for research and development when we bring some of that in-house," he said. "That's pretty exciting."
The rehabilitated area is directly above Fuller's quality control lab. The two departments will work hand in hand as the company continues its legacy of innovation, Cowles said.
Work on the lab is ongoing and there is no definite timeline for completion.

Pictured are:
The new second-floor laboratory at Fuller Industries Inc. is taking shape as remodeling efforts continue. The new space will be used for procedure control work and, down the road, research and development.

The new laboratory at Fuller Industries Inc., now under renovation, was once the repository for a wide collection of old and unique lab equipment that had been used by company chemists in the past.

09/04/2025

Fuller holds chemical safety training for employees

GREAT BEND, Kan. – To enhance workplace safety, Fuller Industries Inc. is holding mandatory chemical labeling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) awareness training for all employees this month. The training is required for all departments and aims to ensure compliance with federal regulations, said Bree Husted, Fuller’s environmental health and safety assistant.
The training focuses on the importance of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). These standards require standardized information on chemical labels and in SDS documents.
According to Husted, the training is a critical component of the long-standing Great Bend-based commercial and industrial cleaning product maker’s safety program.
“Safety Data Sheets are standardized, 16-section documents that communicate the hazards of a chemical or chemical mixture to employees and emergency responders,” Husted said. “This training helps our employees understand and use this vital information on container labels and in the SDSs. It teaches them to identify chemical hazards, understand safety measures, and know how to respond to spills, which is essential for a safer workplace and for staying compliant with OSHA.”
The training emphasizes that proper labeling and understanding SDSs are vital for protecting workers from unknown hazards. Labels must include the product name, hazard symbols, handling instructions, and manufacturer information. Employees are also being instructed on key sections of an SDS, including product identification, hazard information, first aid measures, and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Employees are reminded to never use a chemical without a label, to report any missing or damaged labels immediately, and to ensure SDS sheets are easily accessible. The company's safety motto for the training is: "Labels tell you the hazard. SDS tells you how to handle it. You protect yourself by using both."
About Fuller Industries Inc.
Based in Great Bend, Kan., with a rich heritage dating back over a century to the Fuller Brush Man, Fuller Industries is a leading American manufacturer of industrial products, including cleaning chemicals and supplies, as well as brooms, mops, brushes and more. Fuller serves manufacturing, commercial, institutional and agricultural clients across the Western Hemisphere. Call 620-792-1711 or visit Fullerindustriesinc.com.