Sloan Valve Co. turns 100 this year. In 1906, William E. Sloan, company founder and inventor of the Flushometer, introduced his first model of the Royal® Flushometer. However, when it debuted, plumbers were reluctant to forego their tank-type toilets and try the new technology. Sloan persevered with his idea. Today, the basic design remains essentially the same and, according to the company, the Royal is the most widely specified flush valve on the market, with millions of units sold and installed in facilities worldwide.

While the company developed sensor-operated fixtures before the 1980s, that's when the technology really began to take off. Sensor-operated faucets and Flushometers fit well with the water conservation movement. In recent years, Sloan has extended its water conservation push with the introduction of products such as its water-free urinals, 0.5 gpf urinal Flushometers and other low-consumption Flushometers, which can help facilities save money and achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design points.

Sloan Valve also invented pressure-assist toilet technology, an alternative to older gravity-fed toilets, which is now offered as part of the FLUSHMATE division and sold within toilets available from various manufacturers.

In commemoration of its centennial anniversary, Sloan has released a special addition to its manual Flushometer product line: the new Royal Classic™. This model is a replica of the Royal Flushometer from 1906, designed with the original Royal's bell-like top and white, porcelain handle, as well as all the modern-day technological updates.

“Sloan Valve Co. has enjoyed a long history of providing quality, innovative products to the plumbing industry - from the introduction of the first Flushometer in 1906 to today's full line of both manual and sensor-operated Flushometers and faucets and other water- and energy-conserving plumbing systems,” said Charles Allen, president of Sloan. “We plan to remain the market leader in offering the most reliable, technologically advanced plumbing systems available.”

In addition to the introduction of the Royal Classic, Sloan is planning celebrations to honor its anniversary, including an employee picnic and other private events.

Sloan, headquartered in Franklin Park Ill., is a family-owned company that manufactures plumbing products and accessories for commercial, industrial and institutional markets worldwide. For more information, visit the Web site (click on the link below).

Links

• Sloan Valve Co.