Honoring its 120 years in business, NIBCO INC. opened the Rex Martin NIBCO Interactive Museum to promote the history of NIBCO and highlight the impacts the company has made on the plumbing industry and local communities. 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.
A Museum Built on Legacy
The Rex Martin NIBCO Interactive Museum opened its doors in November 2024, on NIBCO’s 120th anniversary. The unveiling of the museum and the ribbon-cutting ceremony stood as a celebration of the five generations of family leadership that have driven NIBCO to flourish as a leading manufacturer of flow control products. The museum is located in Elkhart, Indiana, in an 8,845-square-foot building that was completely renovated beginning in 2023. The museum portion of the space is 3,254 square feet, and additional space in the building is used as a training area for customers, distributors, and NIBCO associates.
An Engaging and Interactive Experience
Manufacturing displays with interactive features make the museum an enjoyable experience for guests of all ages. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about manufacturing processes and how plumbing and HVAC 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’ve created 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 NIBCO’s President and CEO Ashley Martin.
Artifacts, representing various aspects of the history of plumbing, as well as the history of NIBCO, are exhibited throughout the museum, such as early foundry tools and original product blueprints.
A Tribute to the Plumbing Industry
NIBCO’s influence on the plumbing industry has been immense and is reflected heavily throughout the museum.
Upon entering, 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” 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 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.”
From starting out as Northern Indiana Brass Foundry Works in 1904 as a company manufacturing parts for musical instruments, to now being a household name in valves, fittings and flow control products, the NIBCO brand has much to celebrate – today and as we look to the next 120 years. The Rex Martin NIBCO Interactive Museum provides the opportunity for everyone to share in this celebration.
Visit The Rex Martin NIBCO Interactive Museum to learn about the evolution of plumbing and how NIBCO fits into plumbing history!
For more information, visit www.nibco.com/museum. To schedule a visit or request a private tour, please contact the museum curator at museum@nibco.com.
