Jay R. Smith

Customer Driven Since 1926

Since 1926, Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® has designed and manufactured products, services, and brands with the customer’s needs at the forefront. Yesterday, today, and always, Smith is Customer Driven. Our mission is to remain the company of choice in the specification plumbing and drainage industry.

Our Manufacturing Facility

Our manufacturing facility is made up of receiving, shipping, warehousing, a machine shop, fabricating facility, assembly, plating, polishing, enameling and painting. Millions of tons of finished cast iron, stainless steel, brass, nickel and steel products are shipped from the plant each month to a network of representatives, who warehouse these plumbing and drainage products for sale to local markets.

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Smith Products

Products in the Smith line include closet and lavatory supports, floor and roof drains, sanitary floor sinks, cleanouts and access covers, interceptors, hydrants, trench drains, water hammer arresters, trap primers, and backwater valves.

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History

It all began in New York City...

1926 –

Jay L. Smith, a New York salesman for the National Lead Company, 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

1930s –

The business grows, justifying the hire of the first full-time employee. Also, in the 1930s, an expansion into marine products precipitated a move to Newark, New Jersey. During national economic distress, the company’s values and commitment to customer satisfaction resulted in growth and continued success.

1940s –

Smith starts manufacturing products spurring another employee growth period when adding machinists to the ranks. During this time, the leadership of the company shifted to the young Jay R. Smith. Continuing growth after World War II brought about a much-needed move to a new and larger facility in Union, New Jersey. 

1960s –

Smith’s increasing success required more capacity, and a new and larger plant was brought online in Piscataway, New Jersey. Also, during this period, the company expanded into the Canadian market and welcomed a third generation of the Smith family, Jay L. Smith II.

1970s –

Smith purchases the Robinson Foundry in Alexander City, Alabama, and moves its corporate headquarters and manufacturing to Montgomery, AL. During the 70s, we also saw the company leadership pass from the hands of J. R. Smith to his son, J. L. Smith, II.

2010 –

On June 1, 2010, the Acorn Family of Companies and Smith Industries announced a new business alliance and a jointly owned company. Acorn Family of Companies later changed to Morris Group International (MGI) to better reflect the diversity of the product lines under its umbrella.

2011 –

A significant renovation begins at Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. A showroom was added to the building to provide a place for customers to enjoy a hands-on experience with Morris Group International products and our renowned southern hospitality. In addition, we renovated our office facilities and broke ground on a 53,000 square foot warehouse addition that was completed in 2012.

The new warehouse is home to the Montgomery Distribution Center, which facilitates the distribution of Morris Group International division and partnership’s products via Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.’s existing channels.

2016 –

90 years after Jay L. Smith started his company, his grandson and company president, Jay L. Smith II, passed away. Representing the third generation of Smith family leadership in the company, we celebrate his life and his guidance through a tremendous period of change and growth.

2017 –

In recognition of Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.’s commitment to the industry, Donald E. Morris, CEO of Smith, is showcased in the December 2017 edition of The Wholesaler as Person of the Year.

2017 –

Smith expands product offerings into ‘stainless steel’ drains, trench drains, and interceptors. Like the products that came before them, these new offerings are engineered with precision, set the standard for durability, and are contractor-friendly.  

2018 –

The trench drains product line flourishes to include Zip-Trench®, a 6” and 12’ wide polypropylene trench drain. True to form, the Zip-Trench line quickly becomes a contractor favorite due to the ease of installation and its durability.

2019 –

Contractor Value Added products and services are introduced. From prefabrication to installation, these products help save time and money at every stage of the project.

2020 –

The year 2020 needs no introduction. While the world adjusted to a pandemic, Smith sought a way to stay connected to their reps across North America and provide the support they have come to expect from an industry leader. So the company moved quickly and hosted our first-ever virtual event for representatives, including a 360° video tour and new website experience. This event delivered the same hospitality they expected at Smith, but in a digital format.

2020 –

A complete product offering of trap primers, distribution units, trap primer adapters, air gap fittings, dielectric fittings, water hammer arresters, and access doors is launched under the brand name Smith Fluid Controls^®.

2021 –

At 95 years strong, Smith continues to expand the square footage of the manufacturing facility to produce several new products, and the warehouse space is enlarged to serve customers better.

The strength of Morris Group International and a nationwide network of committed sales representatives and service centers will continue to enable Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. to meet the demanding requirements of wholesalers, engineers, and contractors.

From a New York basement to the new business alliance with the Morris Group International, Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. continues its commitment to the plumbing industry and today’s construction professionals.

Products

• Water Closet Supports
• Smith Fluid Controls
• Lavatory and Sink Supports
• Roof Drains
• Floor Drains
• Sanitary Drains
• Cleanouts, Access Doors
• Water Hammer Arresters
• Hydrants
• Special Purpose Drains, Fittings
• Backwater Valves and Traps
• Interceptors - Steel, Stainless Steel
• Specialty
• Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel
• Rainwater Harvesting
• Smith Trench Drain Systems
• Smith Light Commercial