Jennifer Kussmaul

ABC is a leading supplier of ventilation products for mining and tunneling, industrial, manufacturing, and aviation markets worldwide. ABC’s quality industrial textile fabrics are recognized as the top performers in diverse industry applications. They stand behind their product lines and custom options to deliver customers the best solutions. Industry trends and technological advancements have always guided ABC toward innovation to provide its customers with premium products and outstanding service. What once began with a single product, jute brattice cloth, has transformed into a diverse line of industrial ventilation products and industrial textile fabrics.

1 Can you tell us what ABC Industries is and what markets it serves?

Jennifer Kussmaul: We are a 100-year-old ventilation and textiles manufacturing company based in Winona Lake, Indiana. We offer products in various industries, including agriculture, civil engineering, mining, aviation, and defense. We are proud that our products have such broad applications in many segments and industries. We attribute this to the design and engineering expertise we have developed in close collaboration with our partners throughout our company’s history. 

2 What do you do to support the aviation industry?

Jennifer Kussmaul: In civilian aviation, our primary products are pre-conditioned air (PCA) ventilation ducting for Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB) as well as hoses and ducting for ground support equipment (GSE) applications. We have an extensive presence in North American and international markets. We partner with airport end-users, distributors, and original equipment manufacturers to ensure the right solution is tailored to their requirements. This has helped us become known as a PCA ventilation consultant and manufacturer within the industry; we are very proud of that. In addition, we have been able to apply our commercial aviation expertise to military aviation as well. We have ducting exclusively used on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and other U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps platforms. 

3 How do you ensure your products are designed and function so no one pays attention to you? 

Jennifer Kussmaul: The most important thing is listening to our partners. We want to fully understand what they value and are trying to accomplish with PCA ducting. Every airport is different regarding environment, operational tempo, types of PBBs, airframes, ground crew preferences, etc. We ensure we provide the right solution to the airport, airline, and specific gate. This tailored approach makes all our partners look good. Ultimately, our solution to the airport is enhanced air traveler experience, ground crew safety, and efficient operations. It also doesn’t hurt that we have decades of experience developing and manufacturing products for aviation customers. We understand the high standards of quality and support needed to become a trusted partner in the industry. 

4 PCA ducting is somewhat of an overlooked item within the ground support community. What makes your product stand out?

Jennifer Kussmaul: It’s interesting that you say that. PCA ducting is literally and figuratively the connection between airport facilities, PBB / HVAC manufacturers, and the air-traveling public. If the PCA duct does not work properly, air passenger experience and ground crew operations suffer. This negative experience reflects on airport operations, the airline, and their partners. Our products must work for stakeholders’ promises to air passengers and airports to be fully met. Our products stand out when passengers and ground crews don’t even think about us because our products are working as designed and promised. 

5 What new products can we expect from ABC Industries?

Jennifer Kussmaul: We are always looking to enhance our aviation product offering. We continually do this by collaborating with our partners in the community. Ultimately, our new products are developed based on what we think the industry needs based on their feedback. So, if anyone has a PCA ducting need that isn’t currently met, please let us know! Feel free to reach out to our National Account Manager for Aviation and Military, Justin Manna, at jmanna@abc-industries.net.