Nibco Opens Interactive Museum in Indiana
RIBBON-CUTTING: Nibco Inc. opened the Rex Martin Nibco Interactive Museum in the company's hometown of Elkhart, Indiana, on November 12. Taking part in the ribbon-cutting are, from left, Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson, Nibco president and CEO Ashley Martin, chairman emeritus Rex Martin, board member Alexis Martin-Klose, and executive chairman Steve Malm. (Courtesy of Nibco inc.)
ELKHART, Ind. — Nibco Inc. recently opened the Rex Martin Nibco Interactive Museum, which honors the company’s 120 years in the business of providing flow-control products.
The museum offers an enriching experience from a historical perspective, plus interactive learning and a look at career opportunities and the impact Nibco has had on the community, the company said in a press release.
The museum is 3,254 square feet, and additional space in the 8,844-square-foot building will be used as a training area for customers, distributors, and Nibco associates.
Guests are welcomed into the museum by a 14-inch copper-fitting water fountain that pumps 50 gallons through its reservoir, along with an interactive hologram feature. A “Plumbing Discovery House” displays the intricate systems behind the walls that keep home plumbing running smoothly.
Manufacturing displays with interactive features allow visitors to learn more about manufacturing processes and how products operate. An interactive educational kiosk features Nibco locations, puzzles, and games, and a theater area provides seating for visitors to learn more via video programs.
Artifacts, representing various aspects of the history of plumbing, as well as the history of Nibco, are exhibited throughout the museum, including early foundry tools, original early fittings and early valves, original product blueprints from the 1930s, and collectibles.
“Our decision to build the Nibco Interactive Museum and name it after my father is a tribute to his remarkable contributions to the plumbing industry and a continuation of a legacy that began with my great-great-grandfather in 1904,” said Nibco president and CEO Ashley Martin. “This ambitious project was something I wanted to complete and dedicate on Nibco’s 120th anniversary to make it extra special. The museum is not just about preserving our history; it’s about showcasing the profound impact we’ve had on the evolution of plumbing and our philanthropic efforts within the community.”
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To unveil the museum, a ribbon-cutting was held on November 12, which was Nibco’s 120th anniversary. Shareholders, associates, customers, media, local dignitaries, and partners attended the ceremony.
“By making it interactive, we aim to create an engaging, hands-on experience that appeals to all ages, especially students. We want to make learning about plumbing, its importance, and the career opportunities it offers both fun and inspiring,” said Martin.
“This space honors Nibco’s five generations of family-owned leadership dedicated to one of humanity’s most essential innovations — plumbing and the ingenuity, resilience, and creativity that has brought clean water and sanitation throughout the world.”
Nibco is privately held by the Martin family and Nibco associates, and has been headquartered in Elkhart since its founding. Five generations of family leadership have developed Nibco into a leading manufacturer and distributor of flow-control products and systems for the residential, commercial, industrial, marine, irrigation, and waterworks markets, the company said. Nibco has 15 manufacturing plants and 13 distribution centers and employs about 2,300 people worldwide.
For more information, visit www.nibco.com.
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