Then, Now, and Next: 120 Years of Sloan Innovation

As Sloan celebrates its 120th anniversary and America marks its 250th year, it's an opportunity to reflect on how innovation, manufacturing, and infrastructure have evolved together over time. Since introducing the Royal^® Flushometer in 1906, Sloan has helped shape the commercial plumbing industry through advancements in water efficiency, hygiene, sustainability, and smart technology.

We spoke with Rolando Zambrano, Product Line Manager – Flushometers and Fixtures and Emerson Vogel, Product Line Manager – Sinks and Hand Dryers about Sloan's legacy, the company's commitment to American manufacturing, and what the future holds for commercial restrooms and water management.

Sloan is celebrating 120 years of operation alongside America celebrating its 250th anniversary. From your perspective, how has Sloan's growth mirrored the evolution of the country's-built environment?

Rolando Zambrano: I've always felt humbled by Sloan's journey over the past 120 years. One of the things that stands out is how consistently we've introduced products ahead of market demand. Take sensor technology as an example. Sloan was developing and refining touch-free solutions long before hands-free hygiene became an expectation. We weren't simply responding to demand; we were helping shape it.

As America's commercial landscape continued to grow, Sloan grew alongside it.

Emerson Vogel: When you look back at America in the early 1900s, cities were rapidly urbanizing and public infrastructure was expanding at an unprecedented pace. Sloan was born into that moment. The introduction of the flushometer helped solve important sanitation and plumbing challenges as hospitals, schools, office buildings, and other public facilities began to scale.

What's interesting is that Sloan has continued to evolve alongside many of the same trends that have shaped America itself, from industrialization and manufacturing growth to sustainability initiatives and today's connected buildings. As the built environment has evolved, Sloan has been there helping drive that progress forward. 

Looking back, what are a few defining innovations or moments that best represent Sloan's impact on commercial plumbing and water management?

Rolando Zambrano: Several innovations immediately come to mind. Decades ago, Sloan helped drive water conservation by introducing products that used significantly less water than the large cistern systems common at the time. Then, as federal water-efficiency mandates emerged in the 1990s, Sloan was already positioned with solutions that aligned with the industry's changing needs.

We've continued that leadership ever since, from low-consumption flushometers to high-efficiency and ultra-high-efficiency systems that help facilities reduce water use without sacrificing performance. Today, products like our 1.1 gpf and 0.75 gpf solutions demonstrate how far water efficiency has come.

Emerson Vogel: Sensor technology was another major milestone. Sloan helped pioneer touch-free restroom solutions long before they became the industry standard.

More recently, innovations such as AER-DEC^® Integrated Sink Systems and SC Argus^® Pro have helped move the industry toward fully connected, touch-free experiences. These solutions reflect where the market is heading, combining hygiene, sustainability, operational efficiency, and data-driven facility management.

Sloan has a long legacy of U.S.-based manufacturing. Why has that commitment remained so important to the company, and how does it influence the way products are designed and delivered today?

Emerson Vogel: For Sloan, U.S.-based manufacturing is deeply rooted in our culture and values. While many companies have moved production overseas over the years, Sloan has remained committed to investing in American workers, their families, and their communities. From a product standpoint, manufacturing close to where products are designed allows us to move faster, maintain tighter quality control, and respond quickly to customer needs. That commitment to quality is one reason why products engineered generations ago are still supported today.

Rolando Zambrano: One of the biggest advantages is the level of control we maintain throughout the process. From engineering and tooling to manufacturing and product management, those functions work closely together under the Sloan umbrella.

That flexibility allows us to adapt quickly when market conditions change. We saw the value of that approach during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply chains across many industries were disrupted. Because so much of our operation is managed internally, we can remain agile while continuing to deliver the quality and reliability our customers expect.

Throughout its history, Sloan has adapted to major societal shifts—from public health and sanitation to sustainability and smart buildings. How does that ability to evolve shape your approach to product development today?

Emerson Vogel: Sloan's history really reflects society's evolving relationship with water. In the early years, the focus was sanitation and reliability. Over time, that evolved into efficiency, sustainability, and now connectivity and data-driven management.

What we've learned is that anticipating change is more important than reacting to it. As product managers, we're constantly looking ahead, whether that's at water scarcity, net-zero building initiatives, evolving wellness standards, or emerging technologies. We want to understand what's coming years down the road and develop solutions that help customers prepare for it.

Rolando Zambrano: That's always been part of Sloan's philosophy. We're not simply optimizing what's already available; we're proactively looking for ways to solve future challenges before they become widespread problems. That forward-thinking mindset is what has allowed Sloan to remain a leader for 120 years, and it's the same approach that continues to guide product development today.

Customers today expect more from commercial restroom systems—efficiency, hygiene, connectivity, and design. How is Sloan building on its legacy to meet these modern expectations?

Rolando Zambrano: Customers are looking for complete solutions, not just individual products. As we develop new offerings, we're focused on creating product ecosystems that simplify specification, installation, maintenance, and ownership. The goal is to make product selection easier while also delivering an exceptional end-user experience. Reliability remains foundational, but customers also want seamless integration, advanced technology, and solutions that work together across the restroom environment.

Emerson Vogel: The commercial restroom has changed significantly over the past decade. Today, it's expected to support a much broader range of user needs. We're being asked to think about convenience, comfort, accessibility, wellness, and design in ways that weren't common years ago. Whether it's integrated sink systems, touch-free technologies, connected products, or amenities that improve the overall user experience, Sloan is helping facilities create spaces that are more welcoming, efficient, and intuitive for occupants.

As Sloan looks ahead, what excites you most about the future of water management and the role Sloan will play in shaping it?

Rolando Zambrano: What excites me most is the opportunity to continue expanding the overall customer experience. Rather than just individual products, the future is about delivering complete, connected solutions that are easy to specify, install, maintain, and use. As customer expectations continue to evolve, Sloan will continue developing technologies and product portfolios that simplify those experiences while maintaining the reliability our brand is known for.

Emerson Vogel: For me, it's the opportunity to help shape what's next. Restrooms are becoming smarter, more connected, and more occupant-focused than ever before. Building owners increasingly want visibility into water usage, maintenance needs, and operational performance, while occupants expect hygienic, touch-free experiences that help them feel comfortable and confident. Sloan has spent the past 120 years adapting to change and helping drive innovation in the built environment. That history gives me a lot of confidence that we're well positioned for whatever comes next.