120+ Years of Innovative Water Solutions, Growth and Responsibility

Since 1900, we’ve been innovators in protecting health, human safety, and the environment through our sustainable water solutions.  At the turn of the twentieth century, John A. Zurn purchased Erie City Iron Works’ backwater valve patterns and set up shop manufacturing valves and other plumbing products that addressed building owner and end-user challenges. 

Since then, we’ve continued to expand and grow, bringing together leading brands like Wilkins Regulator, World Dryer, Hadrian, Just Manufacturing, and, most recently, Elkay 

2020s
Zurn and Elkay: The Next Wave

Zurn acquires Hadrian, enabling Zurn to provide complete washroom solutions. Rexnord brand is spun-off, while Zurn becomes a pure-play water business. Zurn and Elkay agree to combine, creating a leader in sustainable water solutions that unites our wide array of leadership brands and sustainable business practices.

2010s
Delivering Acquisitions and Growth

Zurn acquires Green Turtle and World Dryer and increases the urgency of its focus on improving water quality, efficiency and conservation for the good of business and the planet. Elkay introduces its award-winning ezH20 water bottle filling-station, which reduces plastic bottle waste headed to landfills.

2000s
Zurn is Acquired by Rexnord

Zurn is acquired by Rexnord, bringing further investment and growth in strategic water management solutions. Elkay acquires SSP, Inc., adding new capabilities to support commercial and foodservice customers.

1990s
Elkay Acquires Halsey Taylor

Elkay acquires Halsey Taylor, which rounds out its water cooler business. Green Turtle Technologies, which will become a leading provider of patented interceptor systems, is founded.

1980s
Investing for Growth

Zurn adds flush valves to its portfolio. Elkay expands into the retail market. Hadrian is created when its founders purchase the toilet partition business of Westeel Corporation. In 1988, in need of investment to continue its growth, Zurn is bought by Jacuzzi.

1970s
Building on Opportunities

Zurn acquires Wilkins Regulator Company, another homegrown business known for quality and pioneering products. Elkay’s three-compartment design escalates the popularity of stainless steel sinks.

1960s
Evolving and Expanding

Zurn keeps growing despite the tragic death of John Henry Zurn, grandson of the founder, who was intended to lead the company. Elkay continues to grow, introducing its own line of water coolers.

1950s
Focusing on Innovation and Automation

Zurn, Elkay and Just Manufacturing continue to grow and invest in innovation and automation. World Dryer is founded just a few years after the first hand dryer is invented.

1940s
Supporting the War Effort

Zurn, Elkay and other businesses turn their efforts to supporting the U.S. war effort. Zurn is ultimately awarded the “E” Award for excellence in producing wartime materials – an honor given to only five percent of the nation’s manufacturers. In 1946, Zurn launches drains, which will become a staple of our advanced water solutions.

1930s
Growing Despite the Depression

Despite the Great Depression, Zurn recognizes that as urban development continues, wastewater treatment and plumbing will become even more important. The company turns its focus to water safety and control. Just Manufacturing, begins producing stainless steel sinks and related products.

1920s
Elkay Manufacturing is Founded

Elkay Manufacturing is founded on Chicago’s Near North Side with a vision of manufacturing the highest quality sinks and providing exceptional service to its customers.

1910s

John A. Zurn broadens his growing business. With a partner, he invests in a bronze pattern and tooling company and then adds Lake Erie Foundry for its resources and castings. They officially name the business J.A. Zurn Manufacturing company. Halsey W. Taylor develops and begins producing sanitary drinking fountains.

We're the product of our history and excited about our future.