Liberty Pumps prioritizes the provision of high-quality, innovative products alongside the development and involvement of its team
Headquartered in Bergen, New York, Liberty Pumps is a leading US manufacturer of pumping products for ground water and wastewater removal in residential and commercial applications. A family and employee-owned company, Liberty is proudly producing over 90 percent of its products in the USA, utilizing US and globally sourced components. With a focus on innovative design and utilizing a vast network of plumbing wholesalers and pump distributors, Liberty’s products are relied on by hundreds of professional contractors each day.
“I believe what’s been foundational to our success is more nuanced than what can be captured by listing a handful of factors,” Robyn Brookhart, President and CEO begins. “That said, so much of it comes down to the people who have been, and continue to be, part of this company, and the culture we’ve built together over the years. Our members, which is how we refer to our employees, take tremendous pride in their work. They bring a strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit, and an ability to turn ideas into reality. There’s also a bit of good fortune in the mix, and when you put all of that together, you have the essential ingredients for enduring success.
“Sixty years really does make you pause and reflect on the path that’s brought us here. I’m third generation and essentially grew up in this company. I remember going to work with my dad as a kid, climbing around on dusty pallets of castings in a dim factory that maybe had 15 employees at the time. I can picture the drafting table where he and another engineer would hand-draw the designs for our new pumps. The steady rhythm of the dot-matrix printer, the typewriters used for every piece of correspondence, and the vending machine stocked with glass bottles of Coke are all etched in my memory.
“I’m sure few people back then could have imagined just how much our company would grow, evolve, and emerge as a top competitor in our industry by 2025. Every conversation, decision, and occasional pivot played a part. They still do. Sometimes you don’t fully recognize the impact in the moment; it becomes clear only when you take a moment like this to look back.
“We have deep gratitude for every person in our Liberty community, and that perspective guides a lot of our decision-making,” Robyn continues. “We want our members to feel cared for, not only in how we show up for one another day to day but also through the unique benefits we offer. We really enjoy celebrating together. When we hit our goals or set new sales records, it often means food truck rodeos and extra vacation days for everyone. Beyond that, there are so many ways our culture comes to life: chili cook-offs, pie-eating contests, wellness activities, and holiday events that bring people together. We’ve recently added a walking path and have a fitness room to support health and balance, and we have a corporate chaplain and a physical therapist available, so members have support for both their personal and physical well-being.
“Cross-functional team meetings and regular member meetings keep everyone connected and informed. Personal and professional development are also priorities, and we invest in opportunities for people to grow in their careers and as individuals,” she enthuses. “At the heart of it all is a wonderful work environment; one where respect is the norm and people feel valued for who they are and what they contribute. We’re proud of that, and we work hard to make sure it stays central to who we are.” 
“Talking about manufacturing typically leads to discussions about tools, equipment, robots, automation, controls, and processes – all the latest technology and gadgets,” Don Cunningham, Director of Manufacturing, adds. “However, we cannot emphasize enough the critical role played by the workforce and the consumer. The people – our team members and our customers – are truly the engine that drives our innovation and improvement. Our success is rooted in their contributions, and our gratitude lies with them.”
It’s been around a year since Manufacturing Today last spoke to Liberty. “Over the past year,” Don elaborates, “we’ve continued expanding into specialized market sectors with innovative new products, while also experiencing organic growth in our existing product lines. This has driven increased demand for production capacity, and our team has remained focused on adopting the latest technologies to boost throughput and enhance the work environment for our employees.
“Retrofitting existing assembly cells, exploring turnkey solutions, and incorporating robotics, automation, and semi-automated devices have become standard practices. More recently, our finishing operation has been a key area of focus, with new concepts aimed at handling higher part volumes through a more controlled and efficient system. In parallel, we are actively developing next generation assembly cells to replace aging infrastructure, as well as designing new production cells to support upcoming product launches,” he elaborates.
In terms of the integration of robotic CNC cells, initially, the greatest hurdle was overcoming reservations about cost and the anticipated return on investment. “However,” Don explains, “once the first robotic CNC cell was fully operational, its value became immediately apparent; prompting the addition of a second system. These robotic cells deliver consistent production, can operate unattended for extended periods, reduce reliance on manual labor, and enhance safety for our machine operators. Collectively, these benefits help delay the need to expand our facility footprint or invest in additional machines and personnel. A third system was implemented in 2024, and plans are currently under consideration for a fourth system, likely to be installed in 2026,” he shares.
“When the right applications are identified, robotics not only help meet production demand but also offer added benefits like improved process consistency and enhanced ergonomics or safety for team members. It is important to note that successful implementation depends on collaboration between our internal engineering team and skilled vendors and integrators, all working toward a shared vision. The result is typically reduced manual input, safer work environments, greater process consistency, and increased productivity. When all these factors come together, it’s truly a win-win for everyone involved.”
Looking to the future Robyn shares her vision for the business in the coming years. “I’m confident we’ll see significant growth with products that we’ve launched recently and products that are on the horizon. We’re tapping into new markets and expanding our offerings to existing markets. There’s a ton of potential and knowing that is a big part of what energizes our engineering and sales and marketing teams.
“I also foresee the expanded use of automation throughout our factory, with the continuous growth trajectory we’ve been on, the volume of pumps that we’re building and the steady increase in shipping. To help keep pace and alleviate potential ergonomic issues, strategically implementing automation has been and will continue to be crucial. I’m also thinking about the overall customer experience. Customer service is one of our strengths, as feedback from the field affirms. We have an amazing team, and I imagine that as great as we are now with prioritizing customer satisfaction, we’ll be even better in five years!” she concludes.