As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, it is an opportunity to reflect on the innovations that have shaped modern infrastructure, public health, and quality of life. Few industries have contributed more directly to those advancements than plumbing. From improving sanitation standards to advancing water conservation, plumbing technologies have helped communities grow while supporting healthier, more sustainable buildings.
For more than 35 years, Flushmate has been part of that tradition of innovation. From its facility in Michigan, Flushmate designs, manufactures, tests, and supports pressure-assist systems that deliver reliable performance in commercial and residential applications.
To learn more about the role domestic manufacturing plays in product quality, innovation, and customer support, we spoke with Flushmate’s Production Manager, Kelly Knight, and Manufacturing Engineering & Facility Manager, Tim Simpson.
As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, how does Flushmate's commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing and product assembly reflect the legacy of American innovation?
Kelly Knight: Innovation has always been at the heart of American manufacturing, and the plumbing industry is no exception. Over the past 250 years, advances in plumbing technology have improved public health, increased water efficiency, and enhanced overall quality of life for communities across the country. Flushmate's pressure-assist technology builds on that legacy by delivering powerful flushing performance while helping reduce water consumption.
For Flushmate, U.S.-based manufacturing is about more than where products are assembled. By bringing engineering, manufacturing, testing, quality, and customer support together in one Michigan facility, we're able to develop products specifically for U.S. regulations, water conditions, and installation practices. That close collaboration allows us to respond quickly to customer feedback, accelerate product improvements, and maintain the consistent quality and reliability customers expect.
Why should specifiers, building owners, and facility managers consider U.S.-based manufacturing when evaluating long-term project success?
Tim Simpson: When evaluating plumbing products, it is important to look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the total cost of ownership. Product quality, performance consistency, compliance, serviceability, and long-term support all contribute to the overall value a system provides throughout its lifecycle.
Domestic manufacturing provides greater visibility and responsiveness throughout the product lifecycle. When customer needs evolve or regulations change, teams can collaborate directly to evaluate improvements, validate performance, and bring enhancements to market more efficiently. For specifiers and facility owners, that means confidence that the products they select are designed to perform within the realities of U.S. buildings and plumbing systems.
An equally important consideration is the support team behind the product. Flushmate's U.S. based customer service team provides direct access to specifiers, contractors, business owners, and end-users to answer questions related to our technology. Rather than navigating multiple layers of automated systems, customers have access to knowledgeable professionals who understand the product and can provide direct assistance when needed.
What are some of the key steps that help ensure every Flushmate system meets quality standards before leaving the facility?
Knight: Quality is built into every stage of our manufacturing and assembly process. Flushmate operates in an ISO 9001-certified facility, and our testing laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited, reflecting our commitment to consistent quality and performance validation. Throughout production, defined procedures and inspection checkpoints help verify workmanship, consistency, and compliance with internal standards.
One of the most important aspects of our quality process is that every Flushmate system is tested before it leaves the facility. That allows us to verify performance on every unit, not just representative samples, giving customers added confidence in the reliability of the products they receive.
Why does investing in U.S.-based manufacturing matter for the future of innovation and infrastructure?
Simpson: For Flushmate, maintaining a U.S.-based manufacturing operation supports close collaboration between engineering, production, quality, and customer support teams. That collaboration results in faster product development, stronger supply chain visibility, and a continued focus on delivering reliable, high-performance solutions for customers.
Just as important, domestic manufacturing supports local communities and skilled careers. While global manufacturing options exist, companies that continue investing in local operations help preserve valuable expertise and contribute to economic growth beyond the products themselves. For customers, that investment translates into confidence that the products they install are backed by a team committed to quality, innovation, and long-term support.
In short, investing in American manufacturing isn't just about building products. It's about building expertise, innovation, and infrastructure that will support the next generation of growth and progress.