NIBCO held a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 9 to mark the official completion of its iron valve plant expansion and grand opening of its distribution center in Blytheville, Ark. Customers, city and state officials, local business leaders and NIBCO executives attended the ceremony and open house.
NIBCO broke ground on its 50,225-sq.-ft. expansion in March 2010, allowing the company to maximize its manufacturing processes while freeing up 100,000 square feet to accommodate its new distribution center. The facility manufactures ductile and cast iron gate, globe, check and butterfly valves for the commercial, industrial and fire protection markets.
NIBCO Chairman and CEO Rex Martin said the project marked the halfway point of a six-year investment plan in the Blytheville facility. The plant expansion and distribution center represent $7.5 million of the total $14 million investment, he said.
“The NIBCO brand stands for quality products, pride in workmanship and service excellence,” Martin said during the ceremony. “Due to the growing demand for NIBCO valves in the international and domestic markets, this facility reflects our strategic commitment to keep manufacturing and distribution in Blytheville while increasing our production capacity to meet our customers’ needs.
“The new distribution center right here at the point of manufacture allows for even faster customer service.”
Along with Martin, other NIBCO executives who welcomed guests were: Alice A. Martin, vice chairman and chief people officer; Steve Malm, president and chief operating officer; David Goodling, vice president of supply Chain; Jim Hilfinger, vice president of wholesale sales; and Danny Quick, plant manager.
Attendees toured the 281,500-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility and distribution center to learn more about NIBCO’s best practices including lean manufacturing, and its commitment to safety, quality and service. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests enjoyed a barbecue lunch prepared by NIBCO associates.
