NIBCO Inc. to expand its manufacturing operation of wrought copper fittings in Shenandoah Valley

Governor Ralph Northam announced Aug. 8 that NIBCO INC., a manufacturer of copper fittings for the flow control industry, will invest $14 million to expand its operation in Augusta County in the Shenandoah Valley.

The company plans to invest in its infrastructure, adding new equipment and updating technology, training programs, and new product development. The project will create 30 new jobs, and 117 current employees will be retrained on the new technology, the governor’s news release said.

“It is a priority for us to retain and facilitate the growth of Virginia’s existing businesses, like NIBCO, that are creating 21st-century jobs and providing critical skills retraining,” Governor Northam was quoted as saying in the announcement. “Augusta County and Virginia have a strong track record when it comes to providing a talented manufacturing workforce, and the region’s close proximity to major interstates and the Port of Virginia are assets that have undoubtedly contributed to NIBCO’s long-term success in the Commonwealth.”

NIBCO is a recognized leading provider of valves, fittings, and flow control products for commercial, industrial, and institutional construction, as well as residential and irrigation markets, the news release said.

Founded in Northern Indiana, NIBCO has a manufacturing history that spans 115 years, The company has operated under five generations of family leadership and employee ownership. NIBCO expanded its copper fitting manufacturing to Stuarts Draft, VA, in 1969 after the purchase of HK Porter Company.

NIBCO markets are around the globe. It operates 11 manufacturing plants throughout the United States, Mexico, and Poland. NIBCO products are manufactured under a Quality Management System conforming to the current revision of ISO-9001 International Standards, the news release stated.

“NIBCO’s history in Augusta County spans nearly 50 years, and it is a powerful testament to the Shenandoah Valley’s business climate for this leading manufacturer to continue to reinvest in the region,” Brian Ball, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, was quoted as saying in the news release.  Ball was further quoted as saying, “Home to over 250 advanced materials companies that employ more than 22,000 Virginians, the Commonwealth is a prime location for global manufacturers with its pipeline of skilled talent, competitive operating costsand access to the interstate highway system.”

“Our metal fittings business is growing rapidly and our capital investment in infrastructure and people will enable us to increase capacity in Virginia for existing products and expand new product offerings,” Steven Main, NIBCO President and CEO, was quoted as saying in the press release. 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support NIBCO and its new job creation and retraining efforts through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP).