NIBCO INC. unveiled the Rex Martin NIBCO Interactive Museum on November 12, 2024, coinciding with NIBCO’s 120th anniversary. The museum offers a unique and enriching experience from a historical perspective, interactive learning, inspiration, community impact, and career opportunities. Not just a place to learn about the past, it’s a place to get excited about the future of plumbing and the opportunities it holds. NIBCO INC. is a major sponsor of MCAA25.
The museum is located in Elkhart, IN, where Casper Schweitzer founded Northern Indiana Brass Foundry Works in 1904. The 8,845-square-foot building was completely renovated beginning in 2023. The museum portion of the space is 3,254 square feet, and additional space in the building will be used as a training area for customers, distributors, and NIBCO associates.
A Tribute to NIBCO’s Contributions
Guests are welcomed into the museum by a 14”-copper-fitting water fountain that pumps 50 gallons through its reservoir, along with an interactive hologram feature. A “Plumbing Discovery House” uncovers the intricate systems behind the walls that keep homes running smoothly.
“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’s 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.”
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 entertaining games, and a theater area provides seating for visitors to learn more via video programs.
“By making the museum 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,” added Martin.
Celebrating 120 Years
Since 1904, five generations of family leadership have driven NIBCO to flourish as a leading manufacturer of flow control products. Even through the toughest times, NIBCO has survived and thrived, a testament to the fact that it consistently provides the best quality products and employs the very best people. In addition, NIBCO adheres to its core values: safety, integrity, teamwork, continuous improvement, and philanthropy. These values have helped shape and promote NIBCO’s culture to what it is today.
From starting out as a company manufacturing parts for musical instruments to becoming a household name in valves, fittings, and flow control products, the NIBCO brand has much to celebrate—today and looking forward to the next 120 years.
“This museum 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,” added Martin.
For more information, visit www.nibco.com/museum. To schedule a visit or request a private tour, please contact museum@nibco.com. MCAA thanks NIBCO INC. for being a major sponsor of MCAA25, sponsoring the 4th Annual Pickleball Tournament & Convention app.
