The manufacturer of quality-engineered plumbing and drainage products for the nonresidential construction market turns 75.
Jay L. Smith, a New York salesman for the National Lead Co., began his fledgling corporation in 1926. Having seen a growing need for brass and bronze specialties, he arranged to have his products manufactured by other foundries.
In the 1930's, an expansion into marine products precipitated a move to Newark, N.J. Growth and expansion after World War II resulted in relocation to a new and larger facility in Union, N.J. In 1962 the company moved to Piscataway, N.J. Jay L. Smith II, the third generation of the Smith family, joined the team.