Company that Invented the Vitreous China Tank Turns 100

Eljer Marks Centennial Anniversary

DALLAS, TX – April 1, 2004 – A century ago the St. Louis World's Fair opened to the public, Peter Pan made its first stage appearance, Louis Cartier invented the wristwatch, and only 14 percent of U.S. homes had a bathtub.  Also in 1904, Raymond Elmer Crane and his cousin, Oscar Jerome Backus, founded Eljer Plumbingware, Inc. 

Originally manufacturing flush valves in Oakland, California, Eljer – a name coined from a combination of the founder's middle names – soon found its footing with the invention of a product that would revolutionize the plumbing industry. 

Invented in 1907 by co-founder Raymond Crane (not related to original Crane Plumbing family), the first vitreous china water closet cistern (toilet tank) replaced the wall-hung wooden or copper-lined wooden cisterns that were used to flush a water closet.  The product has stood the test of time so well that it’s still the industry mainstay today.

"Eljer has a rich, proud history of accomplishment and industry innovation," said Jim Harris, Eljer's President.  "In this centennial year, we plan on introducing revolutionary new products that harken to our glorious past and remind people of our history of innovation." 

Eljer remained under the ownership and management of the Crane family until founder Raymond Crane died in 1953.  The company was then acquired by Murray Corporation of America (later to become Wallace-Murray, a Fortune 500 company that manufactured truck engine parts, metal-cutting tools and plumbing fixtures).  Today, Eljer is part of Jacuzzi Brands, Inc., one of the leading global manufacturer and distributor of branded bath and plumbing products for the residential, commercial and institutional markets.

During World War II, Eljer was one of the first plumbing manufacturers to convert to war production. The company's Ford City, Pennsylvania, plant made vitreous china fixtures for some of the largest munitions plants in the country, as well as residential housing for the armed forces, hospitals, Army and Navy air bases, troop ships and trains. Eljer's Salem, Ohio, plant also went into war production, making castings for diesel engines, plumbing fixtures for war housing, fabricating heavy machinery for war use, producing tool castings and fabricating 1,000 lb. G.P. aerial bombs, which were dubbed "Bathtubs for Hitler."

Besides inventing the vitreous china tank, Eljer is responsible for bringing the low flow toilet to America.  In 1984, 10 years before government regulations, Eljer introduced the "Ultra 1-G" toilet, one of the nation's first low-consumption, 1-gallon toilets

Cast iron has played a major role in Eljer's long history, starting with Raymond Crane's decision to manufacture enameled cast iron ware to the company's current broad offering of high quality, durable cast iron products.  Currently, Eljer is one of the leaders in the cast iron market, providing cast lavatories, kitchen sinks, service sinks and wash sinks.

"Cast iron is a vital part of the success of Eljer," said Harris. "It’s a part of our history, and it will continue to be part of our future."

Eljer has received letters congratulating the company on reaching this milestone from such dignitaries as Rick Perry, the Governor of Texas, and Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas, as well as the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association.  Below is an excerpt from Rep. Session's letter:

"Our nation was built on companies like yours, with a solid foundation of hard work and ethics.  Its success however, extends far beyond its profits.  It has grown to employ over 1,000 people in several states, and has brought growth and stability to many communities."

Currently Eljer is one of the most prominent brand names in the plumbing fixtures industry. In addition to vitreous china and enameled cast iron, Eljer offers a complete line of quality plumbing fixtures made of steel, and acrylic and a complete line of brass fittings for those fixtures.

"Today, Eljer is posed on the brink of a precipice, where we can look both behind us and in front of us," said Harris.  "Let me tell you, the view from here is spectacular."

            Eljer Plumbingware, Inc., a leading manufacturer of plumbing products for the residential and commercial construction, remodeling and repair markets since 1904.  Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Eljer is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year.  For more information about Eljer products, call 800-423-5537or visit www.eljer.com.

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