Sunroc, founded in 1922 as Sunroc Spring Water Co., initially bottled and sold natural artesian spring water. Since 1935 the company has manufactured its own line of water coolers. Today, Sunroc is an international supplier of bottled water coolers, pressure water coolers and drinking fountains for commercial and domestic use. The corporation's Maid-O'-Mist Division of Chicago, Ill., manufactures plumbing and heating specialty products for distribution primarily in the United States.
Cordley/Temprite manufactures, distributes and sells bottled water coolers, point-of-use coolers and related accessories. After Elkay fulfills its manufacturing obligations on behalf of Sunroc, it will close its Lanark, Ill., facility. Over the next several months, the Cordley/Temprite business will be relocated to Sunroc's modern 250,000-sq. ft. corporate and manufacturing headquarters in Dover, Del. Sunroc plans to extend offers of employment to some Cordley/Temprite employees.
Elkay will continue to service the retail bottled water cooler business in the United States and elsewhere, and the commercial bottled water cooler markets in Asia and Australia through its Far East manufacturing relationships. Elkay's pressure water cooler and drinking fountain manufacturing operation in Savanna, Ill., is not affected by this transaction.
Earlier this year, Sunroc completed work on a manufacturing facility in Marden, England, to better serve its European customers. Plans are already being finalized for a manufacturing expansion at the Dover facility.