In 1900, John A. Zurn purchased a patent and casts for a backwater valve and set up shop in a barn in Erie, Pennsylvania. We’ve been innovating, expanding and growing ever since.
One hundred and twenty-five years later, we’re a trusted, global leader, continuing to uphold John’s entrepreneurial spirit while bringing our Sustainably Inspired expertise to the industry’s widest range of clean water solutions.
We’ve expanded and grown, bringing together leading brands like Wilkins, World Dryer, Hadrian, Just Manufacturing, Wade Drains and, most recently, Elkay. But our guiding principle – Simply Do the Right Thing – continues to guide us in everything we do.
Few companies thrive for 125 years. The fact that we have is a testament to our talented associates and valued customers. We celebrate this momentous milestone with tremendous gratitude to them and excitement for the future.
Today, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions is a global leader, uniting trusted brands with a shared core mission – providing sustainable, cost-effective and convenient water solutions. Our roots have guided us for 125 years and continue to inspire us as we keep building an exciting future together.
Watch Video >Zurn got its start 125 years ago, when John A. Zurn purchased Erie City Iron Works’ backwater valve patterns. They set up shop manufacturing valves and other plumbing products that address building owner and end-user challenges.
With partner Milton Rowley, Zurn invested in a bronze pattern and tooling company and then added Lake Erie Foundry for its resources and castings. They officially named the business J.A. Zurn Manufacturing company.
European immigrant Leopold Katz, alongside his son Louis Katz and business partner Ellef Robarth, founded Elkay Manufacturing Company. Operating from a tiny, rented space on the North side of Chicago, the trio specialized in sink and cabinet manufacturing. Paul Sternberg Sr. helped finance the business.
Zurn, Elkay and other businesses turned their focus to supporting the U.S. war effort. Zurn and Elkay were both ultimately awarded the “E” Award for excellence in producing wartime materials – an honor given to only five percent of the nation’s manufacturers.
Sternberg’s 7-year-old niece Arlene Albrecht came down with polio. True to character, Sternberg lead the charge as Elkay built a portfolio of products designed to help care for polio patients. He also steered Elkay’s efforts to aid wounded World War 2 soldiers. Today, the Zurn Elkay Sternberg Award honors associates that embody his philanthropic spirit. Arlene made a full recovery.
Zurn launched point drains right after the war, which quickly became a staple of its advanced water solutions. Instead of simply solving for end use, Zurn engineered a product line that made installation easier for contractors.
World Dryer introduces the Model A hand dryer in the U.S., setting the industry standard with its iconic look and establishing a foundation for continuous advances in technology and aesthetics. In the 1960s, it expands to worldwide distribution.
On Friday, October 9, 1953, Chain Belt Company president L.B. McKnight established the Chain Belt Foundation Inc., later renamed the Zurn Foundation, to formalize the company's philanthropic efforts. Today, the Zurn Foundation provides financial support to organizations working at the ground level to foster sustainability in our communities, built on the three pillars of Basic Needs, Education and Environment.
Zurn formed Zurn Canada as demand increased, spreading its mission of providing clean water solutions beyond the United States. Today, we have five Canadian locations and over 250 Canadian associates.
Elkay president Louis Katz Jr., a founder’s son, suddenly passed of a heart attack at age 38 in 1957. Despite overwhelming grief and discussion of selling the company, Elkay continued as Ron Katz, Louis Jr.’s brother, joined the family business. Just two years later in 1959, John Henry Zurn, the intended future leader of the company and grandson of its founder, tragically passed away in a plane crash at the age of 34. The family was devastated at his loss and Zurn’s future became uncertain.
Zurn persevered despite John Henry Zurn’s passing. The family decided to take the newly renamed Zurn Industries public in 1961, trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Elkay spent 18 months researching and developing a fresh line of water coolers uniquely available in 18 colors. The Cascade water coolers seized a stronger-than-planned position in the market in just six months, solidifying Elkay’s presence in the industry.
Another homegrown business known for quality and pioneering products joins the family with Zurn’s acquisition of the 66-year-old Wilkins Regulator Company. Today, our Wilkins product line covers fire protection, connected products and every valve and backflow preventer in between.
Elkay continued to develop water coolers and drinking fountains in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. The company acquired the Cordley and Temprite brand divisions of the Eaton Corporation, enabling Elkay to centralize water cooler manufacturing at a larger facility.
Zurn added flush valves to its product portfolio, laying the groundwork for decades of further innovation. Today, our company continues to reimagine the restroom space with behind-the-wall plumbing systems, front-of-wall fixtures, and its line of connected plumbing products.
Tom Warren and Keith McAlpine purchase the toilet partition division of Westeel Corporation. Inspired by the architectural marvel of Hadrian’s Wall, they brand the new company Hadrian Manufacturing Inc.
Fifteen years after launching its breakout Cascade line, Elkay produced its one millionth water cooler.
Elkay acquired Halsey Taylor, moving its operations to Savanna. The acquisition instantly made Elkay the largest manufacturer in the water cooler industry.
Elkay acquired EB Técnica Mexicana, the largest sink producer in Mexico. The move was a major strategic step in building Elkay’s sink production and manufacturing worldwide.
Zurn is acquired by Rexnord Corporation, previously known as Chain Belt Company, bringing further investment and growth in strategic water management solutions. After the acquisition Rexnord corporation consisted of two main divisions: Process and Motion Control and Water Management.
Todd A. Adams appointed to Chief Executive Officer, after he spearheaded the acquisition of Zurn Industries and the creation of the company’s Water Management Platform, which nearly doubled the size of the business and laid the groundwork for the company’s 2021 transformation into Zurn Water Solutions, a pure-play water business. Todd was later elected chair of the board in 2020 and leads the company today.
Elkay introduced the ezH2O bottle filling station and, with the help of a guerrilla marketing campaign powered by passionate college students, revolutionized point-of-use filtration.
Zurn, as a part of Rexnord Corp., acquired Green Turtle for its patented grease interceptor systems, taking plumbing from inside the building to outside the walls and behind the scenes. Today, our behind the scenes plumbing offerings make up a large portion of our product portfolio.
Zurn, as a part of Rexnord Corp., moved headquarters to Freshwater Way in Milwaukee’s Water Technology District, directly across the street from the Milwaukee River. With Lake Michigan in its backyard, Zurn found inspiration to further improve water safety and quality for all.
Located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, Zurn’s first global showroom was designed to optimize rapid order fulfillment and inventory replenishment for on-time customer delivery. Its opening marked a major milestone in Zurn’s ability to serve customers in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Zurn acquired World Dryer, the leader in the commercial electric hand dryer market. The acquisition expanded Zurn’s washroom portfolio, adding a broad array of industry leading products that support hygiene and environmental savings.
Zurn acquired Just Manufacturing, a leader in quality plumbing products and fixtures since 1933. With the acquisition, Zurn entered the highly specified stainless steel market for high-performance hygienic sinks.
With Hadrian, a leading manufacturer of washroom partitions and lockers, Zurn accelerated its expansion into full washroom solutions and became a leading provider in the washroom accessory market. Zurn also acquired industry leaders ATS Greasewatch and Wade Drains in 2021.
Zurn became Zurn Water Solutions with the spinoff of its process motion control business and separation from Rexnord Corp.. With a newfound independence, Zurn Water Solutions focused on delivering innovative and sustainable clean water solutions.
Two titans of innovation came together with their shared mission and values to form Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, a leader in sustainable water solutions that unites our wide array of leadership brands and sustainable business practices.