I’m no journalist, so bear with me. I’m just some dude who’s fortunate enough to be part of Saffron Supply Company - one of Salem, Oregon’s oldest businesses and the coolest plumbing supplier around. A few years back, we were your spot for a little bit of everything, but you know what they say: “Jack of all trades, master of none.” We couldn’t compete with everyone on everything, so we chose what we were truly good at: water. 

From our 50,000-plus-square-foot facility at 1450 Front St. NE, we’ve continually evolved and expanded how we’re able to serve our community. By applying focus and flair, we’ve helped contractors and homeowners save double-digit percentages across all jobs, ranging from a single bathroom remodel to multihundred-unit apartment complexes and housing subdivisions. That focus allowed us to develop the next step of Saffron: opening a decorative plumbing showroom.

Who the heck is Saffron Supply?

Our 116-year story starts with Isaac Saffron, who opened the People’s Junk Company in 1910 in Salem, Oregon. After his service in World War II, Morris Saffron joined the business and shaped the next several decades of Saffron Supply. 

“Businesses that survive know their community and adapt to its needs,” is a motto of Morris Saffron. In 1950, his brother-in-law, Daniel Gassner, joined the family business, followed by Daniel’s son, Rick Gassner in 1971. Rick Glassner worked for the company for nearly 50 years, keeping Saffron Supply’s standards high and its reputation intact. He’s also just a stellar person and comes to check on us every few weeks. 

The Gassner family sold the business to current co-owners, Adam Stout and Randy Snow in 2020. You remember 2020, right? Adam and Randy took the keys to the building about two weeks before the pandemic. Having to adapt to being new business owners while simultaneously not being able to open the doors was a trial-by-fire. Then, dumping a bucket of gasoline onto that bonfire, Saffron Supply was forced to relocate in 2021 from its historic 325 Commercial St. location.

Despite it all, Saffron Supply remains a cornerstone of our Salem, Oregon community. On June 26, 2026, we opened the next step for Saffron Supply: our decorative plumbing showroom, designed to make your dream kitchen and bathroom a reality. From the modern and sleek designs of digital controls and sharp faucets to the traditional farmhouse style remodels, we’re breathing life into all homes across the valley as the only locally owned plumbing showroom in town.  

What can Saffron do for you?

If it touches water, that’s our game. We partner with vendors that support their product and offer strong warranties at competitive prices. We negotiate deals that directly benefit both our customers and community by keeping all construction costs down. Saffron Supply was one of the first companies in the state of Oregon to offer a price decrease in materials in 2022 to curb the cost spike in new homes. We’ve been community-focused on housing and engage with every step of construction from Waterworks to fixtures with that goal in mind.

You might ask what sets us apart and what has kept our legacy going and growing for 116 years?  We offer all plumbing supplies from the meter to your faucet for both residential and commercial offerings. Now, with the opening of our decorative plumbing showroom, I even say, “Everything for your kitchen and bath, from apartment-grade, to ‘Oh dang that’s fancy’”! We are small, competitive and ready to handle your decorative project.

A fixture in fixtures

We’ve been in our community for more than a century by the grace of this wonderful town. We’re invested spiritually, financially, and ethically into making sure that when you’re doing business, it’s local and smart. The last century has taught us a lot, and for the next 100 years, it’s our goal to make Salem, Oregon a cost-affordable place to live where the feeling of needing to call a contractor doesn’t spark dread. 

When you’re doing any kind of work in the world of water, think of us – your local supply house that is growing and investing in our community. Remind your plumber and contractor that Saffron Supply is exactly what they need and using us directly benefits this city. 

There’s nothing more Salem than Saffron Supply. Visit www.saffronsupply.com. Come check us out!

Joe Repasky is the manager of Saffron Supply Co.