Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. is celebrating 100 years of successful business in 2026. The company was founded in 1926 in New York City by Mr. Jay L. Smith, who named his company after his son, Jay R. Smith. Over the next several months we will look back at some key product lines that make Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. the unique company it is today.

First, we will be looking back at one of our classic product lines that remains a cornerstone: the floor drain. Smith Floor Drains are perhaps the most recognizable product the company sells, as anybody who’s been in a public restroom has seen a drain in the floor.

Floor Drains have been a part of the Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. product line since shortly after the company’s inception. The simplicity and reliability of the floor drain is why it has endured. “You install the drain, and it just works” is something we regularly hear from customers.

The recognizability and reliability of the floor drain has been a key part of Smith’s success. Whether it is constructed from traditional cast iron, enamel or the more modern stainless steel models, there are floor drains available with materials and special features to accommodate the unique needs of almost any building, flooring type or drainage need.