As an American Supply Association (ASA) Platinum Supplier Partner, NIBCO is honored to connect with fellow members to work together to adapt, grow and succeed in the industry.

The PHCP/PVF industry is changing rapidly. Digital-native customers expect more transparency, enhanced communication, and digital experiences. Persistent supply chain disruptions have necessitated evolving business practices and processes. Advancements in technology, including automation, data analytics, artificial Intelligence (AI) and cobots/robotics, have become a focus for both manufacturers and distributors in order to address labor shortages, demonstrate relevance, and remain competitive.

These factors are reshaping the way wholesalers and manufacturers operate. By acknowledging these changes and embracing a collaborative spirit, we can learn from each other and share best practices and partner to advance the industry.

Numerous initiatives are underway, including ASA’s Embracing the Future Strategic Council, formed to collaboratively support members’ ability to succeed by providing data, insights and best practices to address disruption and innovation. Recognizing and resonating with the significance of this mission, NIBCO representatives are actively involved.

While the importance of talent shortages, disruption and innovative technology are top of mind, security also remains of concern, with the need for robust practices and systems to protect our data, assets, and business operations.

Continuous improvements in this area are essential to manage business risk in today’s market. As we continue to integrate innovations, we must purposefully celebrate our successes, harvest insights from our challenges, and demonstrate continual commitment to upskilling our people, modernizing our systems, and securing information assets.

Keeping members well informed of the latest industry technologies by providing relevant information to our customer base, both distributors and end customers, NIBCO provides multiple opportunities, both in person as well as digital on-demand videos, that allow for transferring important information about products and technologies.

In fostering trusted relationships, we collectively advance our industry’s interests. Take, for instance, the upcoming ASA’s inaugural Innovation Summit later this month in suburban Chicago, which will gather distribution industry thought-leaders, visionaries and futurists with a focus on digital, cybersecurity, and adapting to address disruption, business growth and renewal. NIBCO is excited to participate in the cybersecurity panel discussion at the Innovation Summit, sharing insights on the growing challenges and evolving practices.

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NIBCO also highlights and celebrates the growing achievements of women’s contributions in the industry. NIBCO’s President and COO Ashley Martin (and fifth-generation family member leading the company) cofounded ASA’s Women in Industry division more than 10 years ago, providing women in our industry the connections and opportunities to meet and exchange ideas to advance their knowledge and careers. This strategy to empower women and recognize the important role they play in our industry also translates to NIBCO, where Martin is a strong advocate of bringing women into the company to launch and develop their careers.

Developing strong relationships through network building and education is foundational to the industry’s future. NIBCO continues to invest in, develop and support its employees, understanding their significance and relevance to the future of the industry. Additionally, Martin continues NIBCO’s legacy of supporting apprenticeship programs and trade schools, realizing that investing in our youth is constructing the foundation for our future.

With labor shortages facing our industry, NIBCO’s unique trainee program is aimed at bringing young people into the industry through our college recruitment efforts, and this fall, is piloting a mobile STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) program to create awareness in students from grades K-6.

NIBCO, with its long history of growth — 120 years this year — is incredibly prideful of its rich legacy in this industry. With decades of success and innovation in the plumbing industry, NIBCO is focused on bringing products and technologies to market that make installations easier and more efficient. More than 90% of NIBCO’s valves, fittings and flow-control products are proudly manufactured in 11 U.S. manufacturing plants strategically located from the East Coast to the West Coast.

NIBCO is proud of its strategic partnership with ASA, and it encourages everyone, companies and individuals, to get involved and do their part in coming together to adapt, grow and succeed in the industry.