06/13/2026
Happy Founders Day, Elkhart Brass!
Today, we celebrate 124 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and commitment to the fire service.
What began in 1902 as a small brass foundry in Elkhart, Indiana, has grown into one of the most respected names in firefighting equipment.
As we look back through these photos, we're reminded that while our equipment has evolved, our foundation has not. The same spirit of hard work, ingenuity, and pride that fueled our company in 1902 still drives us today.
Photo 1 – Original Building (c. 1900s)
Our story began here. The original Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company building stood alongside the railroad that helped ship our earliest products across the country.
Photo 2 – New Building (c. 1925)
As demand for Elkhart Brass products grew, so did our footprint. This new facility marked a new chapter in the company's growth and manufacturing capabilities.
Photo 3 – Factory Shot (c. 1920s)
Long before automation and CNC machines, skilled craftsmen assembled products by hand. Every component reflected the attention to detail and workmanship that built the Elkhart Brass reputation.
Photo 4 – Factory Shop (c. 1930s)
Inside the machine shop, employees transformed raw castings into finished components.
Photo 5 – Foundry (2025)
More than a century later, molten brass still flows at Elkhart Brass. We are proud to operate one of Indiana's oldest active foundries, carrying forward a tradition that has been part of our identity since day one.
Photo 6 – Elkhart Brass Today
Our facilities may look different than they did 124 years ago, but our mission to design and manufacture innovative firefighting equipment that protects lives and property around the world remains unchanged.
Looking Ahead: 2027 will mark 125 years of Elkhart Brass.
Over the next year, we'll be preparing for a special anniversary celebration honoring the people, products, and innovations that have shaped our company since 1902. From historic photos and stories to the milestones that helped define our journey, we'll be reflecting on the legacy that brought us here while celebrating the future that lies ahead.
