S.J. Smith Clinton location

The ‘80s and early ‘90s expansion would establish S.J. Smith Company, Inc. as a multi-state, multi-store, regional distributorship. Over the next 10-15 years, the company would move further into Iowa and Illinois.

In 1980, S.J. Smith opened in Clinton, Iowa, followed by Rock Falls, IL, in 1982, and Cedar Rapids, IA, in 1984. In 1985, the company moved into the Peoria area. After researching the market, the company moved into a previous Air Liquide building, and signed a lease for $1/month for three years, agreeing to distribute acetylene. The lease moved from Air Liquide to MG Industries over the three-year timeline.

In 1987, the company bought distributorship in Keokuk, IA, formerly Tri-State Welding Supply. The company had previously been a customer for S.J. Smith’s Peoria location. Two years later, S.J. Smith bought DNR Welding locations in Decatur, IL, Streator, IL and Bondville, near Champaign, IL. In 1991, the Peoria location relocated to 2430 N. Main St. in East Peoria. In 2012, the store relocated again to Pekin, IL.

S.J. Smith installed a liquid helium transfill at the Decatur location in 1993, which was unique in the industry at the time. Then the company hired one of the top gas technicians from Air Liquide to come work at the Decatur location to operate the system.

Expansion continued in various ways. In 1994, Cedar Rapids moved to a new location, and Christopher Smith, first of the second generation of the Smith family, joined the company. A second floor was added to the original Davenport location. As the roof was sloped, boards had to be shaved down to achieve a flat surface on which to build. The building expansion included offices, a breakroom, three conference rooms and a lobby/entrance area. 

What started off as a small welding supply company in 1950, has become a dynamic, problem-solving organization that focuses on providing top-notch service to all our customers, large and small. S.J. Smith uses the latest technology, training and experience to serve customers with the best solutions, whether that is in engineered laser gas installations, mobile app cylinder tracking capabilities, micro-bulk technology, weld training specific to your needs or certified equipment repair and more.

Our philosophy is to treat our customers and vendors with professionalism, responsiveness, and honesty. Our goal is to add value to business partner organizations, with our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and mutual satisfaction, prompt responses and sound problem-solving advice. We work and live by our values of honesty and integrity, safety and customer-driven excellence, and our mission is to make our customers successful by providing cutting-edge solutions and quality products.

Over the past 75 years, the company has spanned three generations of the Smith family, and a few generations of employee families as well. In 2025-2026, we celebrate our past, and look forward to a bright future. Follow us on social media and check for updates at sjsmith.com to learn more.