It all began in New York City…
Jay L. Smith, a New York salesman for the National Lead Co., saw a growing need for brass and bronze specialties. Arranging to have his products manufactured by other foundries, Smith began his fledgling corporation in 1926. It was established on a solid foundation of fair dealing and customer service.
In the 1930s, an expansion into marine products precipitated a move to Newark, NJ. During a time of national economic distress, the values and commitment to customer satisfaction resulted in expansion and continued success. Additional employees were hired for the machining processes, and Smith was in the manufacturing business. Management shifted to the young Jay R. Smith. Growth and expansion after World War II resulted in a much needed move to a new and larger facility in Union, NJ.
In 1962, Smith's increasing success required yet another move to Piscataway, NJ. Now a third generation of the Smith family joined the team, that member being Jay L. Smith II.
Sixteen years later, in 1978, the Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. moved to its present location in Montgomery, AL. The plant is situated on a 33-acre site in the Gunter Industrial Park. The facility has more than 210,000 square feet of office, manufacturing and warehouse capacity.
From a New York basement to the introduction of plastic products in the JRS Product line in 2005, Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. continues its commitment to the plumbing industry and today's construction professionals.
Timeline
- 1926 - Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. was founded in New York City by Mr. Jay L. Smith.
1942 - Mr. Jay L. Smith, founder, dies at the age of 77.
Mr. Jay R. Smith assumes leadership of company.
1963 -Acquired cleanout and enamel floor drain line; becomes an industry leader in product range.
1968 - Charter Exhibitor at the American Society of Plumbing Engineers Convention and Engineered Plumbing Exhibition in Los Angeles, CA.
1969 - “The Best Catalog” in the industry is introduced in Chicago, IL-concept continues today as the “Smith Yellow Pages.”
1975 - Mr. Jay L. Smith (Jay R. Smith's son) becomes President of the company.
1993 - Introduces Enviro-Flo Trench Drains and signs a Strategic Alliance Agreement with ACO Polymer Products Inc. to distribute polymer concrete and fiberglass trench drains.
1994 - Custom Images drains are introduced.
1996 -The Remediator Grease Treatment System is introduced at ASPE in Indianapolis, IN.
1997 - The Flood-Gate Automatic Backwater Valve is acquired.
2000 - Launches the new interactive Virtual Yellow Pages Web site.
2001 - Introduces the fully re-engineered 4000 Series Cleanout line, the most extensive product change in the company's history.
2002 - The Labor Saver Fixture Support introduced.
2002 - Guardian Dual Check Hydrant introduced.
2003 - Mr. Jay R. Smith passes away at age 93.
2004 - JRS Products introduced - Non-spec products for light commercial and design-build projects.
2006 - Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. celebrates 80 years of commitment to our customers, representatives, vendors and employees for their faithfulness, support, and dedication to the “yellow product.”
For more information, visitwww.jrsmith.com.
