Liberty Pumps, a family and employee-owned manufacturer of sump, effluent and sewage pumps and systems for residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial applications, hosted an open house at its headquarters in Bergen, NY, on April 27. The event brought together more than 700 guests, including customers, team members, family and friends, and dignitaries, to celebrate the company’s expanded footprint.

The open house showcased the company’s prior expansions and the opening of its 110,000 sq. ft. Materials Center and connecting Link building, bringing the facility’s total campus size to more than 350,000 sq. ft.

The original building, constructed in 2000, underwent expansions in 2008, 2016, and again in 2021, with completion earlier this year. Liberty Pumps’ president and CEO, Robyn Brookhart, explains the need for continued expansion: “This is our third expansion. The last one in 2016 felt like we literally had a sea of space that was going to meet our needs for a very long time. However, with new product introductions and the expansion of existing lines, we experienced steady and solid growth. 

“Our building became cramped. So, we assembled a building expansion team, and after 18 months of planning, we find ourselves in this beautiful and seemingly enormous new space,”

During the open house, guests explored the extensive campus facility aided by an interactive floor plan, walking guests through the company’s buildings and its investment in product innovation and customer care.

Just beyond the reception area, visitors discovered a space dedicated to the Continuous Improvement Department. This team ensures that Liberty Pumps’ products and services consistently meet customer needs and expectations. As one continues through the facility, guests soon come to view a wide range of Liberty Pump products in a walk-through Product Display Room adjacent to the company’s dedicated Training Center, which includes hands-on training.

Guests had the chance to walk through the production facility and witness product demonstrations, fostering meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of Liberty Pump’s offerings. Guests also could view the Engineering Lab, which became a CSA SMTC accredited facility in 2016, enabling the performance of various certification tests required for industry standards.

The Link Building, a new addition measuring 30,000 sq. ft., connects the main building and the newly constructed Materials Center. The Link building also provides space for expanding the production of the company’s larger tank assemblies. It also incorporates an integrated structure designed to support an overhead crane system for handling larger products.

The Materials Center, including a Quality Inspection Lab measuring an impressive 80,000 sq. ft., features pallet racking to facilitate the storage of components and parts. It doubles the number of pallet locations, accommodating the company’s growth of its wide range of pump styles, including sump pumps, sewage pumps, effluent pumps, drain pumps, grinder pumps, complete pre-assembled sewage packages, and pump accessories.

During the Open House, the Link Building was set up with a large stage for a presentation and dedication of the new facility by Chairman Charlie Cook. After welcoming the guests, Cook debuted the company’s corporate video, showcasing its history, expansion, and culture formed under the direction of his uncle, Fred Cook, a former farmer and salesman who took a chance and purchased the company in 1965. 

Along the way, Fred Cook convinced his nephew, Charlie, to join the company in 1972 and eventually lead it as its president until 2019 when (Charlie’s daughter) Brookhart, who has worked within the company for more than 20 years, took the helm as president.

During the Open House, team members sported t-shirts celebrating ‘58 Years and Still Growing.’ Charlie Cook acknowledged the instrumental role played by all those involved in building the company, including the board of directors, executive team, advisors, and leadership team. Looking towards the future, in the company video, Brookhart stated, ‘When I think back over the years and how successful we’ve become, I really feel we’ve laid the groundwork to continue that success. We have a bright and talented workforce and an amazing facility. There’s a synergy that continues to propel us and helps us accomplish great things!”