Member of Morris Group International
Fire Protection Since 1937
Our Beginning
Potter Roemer was founded in 1937 as a manufacturer’s representative agency by Glen K. Potter and Ray H. Roemer. Like many small companies, it was started with modest capital. Growth in the early years was slow, but steady.
Continued Growth
One of the manufacturers they represented had a small side line of hose rack and standpipe equipment. When the manufacturer decided to discontinue the line, the dies, tools, and patents were purchased by Potter Roemer.
The years surrounding World War II were challenging, but the steady growth continued. The post-war construction period of the late 1940s and early 1950s fueled continued growth. Robert Roemer joined the company in 1949, after completing college and his armed services obligation.
1955
The decision was made to expand to a full line of fire protection equipment and the manufacturer’s representative business was slowly phased out.
1970
Potter Roemer had expanded its representation and had become a major player in the fire protection industry. With the addition of representatives in the northeast, as well as the opening of an eastern distribution center, Potter Roemer became a critical element in maintaining the link between specifier, installer, and supplier.
1972
Potter Roemer was acquired by Jay R. Smith Mfg Co., and Robert Roemer was elected President. By this time, representation had been established across the entire country, and Potter Roemer became the dominant factor in the fire protection products industry—a position it continues to hold today.
1981 The corporate offices and western distribution center were relocated to expanded facilities in Cerritos, California. During that same year, a regional sales office and distribution center were established in Chicago, Illinois.
1983 A regional sales office was opened in Charlotte, North Carolina.
1985
Potter Roemer’s eastern regional office and distribution center moved to a new and larger building in Union, New Jersey.
1987
Corporate offices, manufacturing, and distribution were again relocated to larger facilities in Cerritos, California.
1988
A larger distribution center was opened in Chicago, Illinois.
1989
A regional sales office was opened in Florida; in 1994 it was relocated to an enlarged southeastern regional distribution center in Atlanta, Georgia.
1998 We again moved our corporate offices and manufacturing to an 110,000 sq.ft. facility in Santa Ana, California.
2000 Fire Pro was purchased.
2002
A partnership alliance was formed between Acorn Engineering Company and Jay R. Smith Mfg.Co., relocating Potter Roemer to City of Industry, California, near the headquarters of Acorn Engineering Company. Donald Morris became President and Jay L. Smith Chairman.
2005 Our new branch was opened in Miami, Florida, making this location the fifth Potter Roemer distribution center throughout the United States.
2006 We expanded our distribution center in Chicago, Illinois, to represent Acorn and Potter Roemer under one roof.
2012 Potter Roemer celebrates 75 years of innovation, quality, and service. Potter Roemer’s commitment to producing quality fire safety equipment is as steadfast as it has ever been. As a member of Morris Group International, Potter Roemer is well-equipped to face future changes and challenges with the same innovative spirit as our founders.
