Since its inception in 1924 as a one-man sales rep operation, Nickerson has evolved from a small manufacturer’s representative to the industry-leading company it is today. Now a stalwart in the pump industry, Nickerson has grown over the past 100 years from a small office on West Temple in Salt Lake City into a major regional distributor of multiple lines of pumping equipment with extensive service, repair and field service capabilities.
Over the decades, three generations of Nickerson family managers have driven our company’s growth, advancing our capabilities with in-house machine and fabrication shops, a well service rig, a fleet of hydraulic cranes, a well video system, a training center and the best salespeople and skilled craftsmen in the business.
We celebrate the past 100 years with a look back at our history and a vision for an even brighter future.
A Brief History
A century ago, Nickerson solely served as a manufacturer’s representative, offering pumps, motors, compressors, and hoists from various brands to municipalities, state and federal governments, mining, and agricultural sectors. In the 1930s, we pivoted to specialize in pumping equipment – primarily Byron Jackson Pumps (now under Flowserve) – and changed our name to Nickerson Pump and Machinery to reflect the change. From this time through the 1990s, Nickerson Company actively sold Byron Jackson’s pioneering submersible deep well pumps across the Mountain West.
By the late 1940s, Robert Nickerson and a number of pump mechanics and field service personnel had joined our staff. Nickerson Company had officially outgrown the office on West Temple and our move to a new location at 158 W 400 S gave us room to expand into an office building, yard and repair shop.
The move proved prescient, and by the 1950s, Nickerson had evolved to specialize in pumps, pump motors, and related equipment, offering services like installation, repair, and maintenance. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed further expansion with additional sales and shop staff, new product lines like Aurora Pump, Gorman-Rupp Pumps, and Hydromatic Pumps, and venturing into new markets like commercial fire protection and HVAC.
The 1970s Nickerson era marked a significant step forward as we built a new state-of-the-art facility at 2301 W Indiana Ave, which featured an in-house machine shop. This facility allowed for unparalleled pump repair, parts manufacturing and custom fabrication of pump parts.
Our current president Richard Nickerson, who joined the company during the transformative period of the 1980s and 1990s, has steered us toward future growth and success. In addition to leading our foray into snowmaking pump sales and service, Richard has overseen equipment additions including a 50-ton well service rig and the first hydraulic truck-mounted crane – not to mention our growing team of outstanding pump salesmen and technicians.
Entering the 21st century, Nickerson Company’s commitment to innovation has not waned. In 2023, our facility expanded to cover 40,000 square feet, allowing us to house a fleet of hydraulic cranes capable of hoisting up to 70 tons. This expansion reinforces our commitment to enhanced capabilities and service standards across the Mountain West.
Nico Pumps: A Legacy of Solutions and Commitment to Service
For 100 years, we have been driven by an ethos of innovation and unwavering customer dedication. Our continual investment in advanced machinery, such as CNC lathes and mills, and the introduction of a 35-seat classroom for pump seminars in 2014, represent our dedication to both improving our service capacity and providing educational resources to our customers.
Our historical track record includes navigating through unique challenges, creating customized solutions, and executing them with unmatched precision thanks to our deep pool of talented and experienced pump salesmen and technicians. Our extensive collection of tools and equipment, coupled with our team’s expertise, has enabled us to consistently deliver on even the most complex projects, solidifying our reputation as a reliable and trusted partner in the pump industry.
Looking Ahead: Nickerson Company’s Vision for the Next Century
Nickerson Company approaches its centennial anniversary with a focus on maintaining its trajectory of growth and innovation, and this commitment extends to every aspect of our operations. Our unwavering dedication to reinvesting in the business is reflected in our plans to adopt new technologies, refine our product lines, and attract top talent in the industry, with a specific emphasis on advancing the quality and efficiency of our pump products.
Our culture, characterized by hard work, superior customer care, and proactive problem-solving, has been the cornerstone of our longevity and success, and we intend to embed these values into the continued development of our pump parts and services. We aim to build upon this solid foundation, ensuring that our pump products evolve with the times and consistently exceed our clients’ expectations.
Celebrating Our People: The Core of Nickerson Company
Nickerson Company employees are the backbone of our success, and as we reflect on our century-long history, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our team members. Recognizing the importance of their dedication and skill, we remain committed to cultivating an environment that attracts and nurtures top-tier talent, ensuring the continued prosperity of Nickerson Company.
Company Culture: The Key to Longevity and Success
The culture we’ve created at Nickerson Company has played a significant role in our success over the past century. Our straightforward ethos – hard work, taking care of customers, anticipating their needs and solving their problems swiftly – has fostered durable relationships with our clients and cemented our status as a trusted partner in the pump industry. We are dedicated to upholding these cultural values as we progress, ensuring that Nickerson Company continues to be synonymous with quality, reliability and unparalleled customer service.
As we enter Nickerson Company’s next century of pump sales and repair, our aspirations are clear: we will strive for continuous improvement, embrace innovation and remain committed to our core principles. With a legacy of growth, a dedication to innovation and an enduring commitment to customer service, we look ahead to a future where Nickerson Company persists as a pillar of excellence within the pump products industry.