At A. O. Smith in McBee, South Carolina, innovation meets craftsmanship to create products that impact lives in remarkable ways. We talked with Director of Operations Dan Royston to find out what makes the company, its products, and its people special.
Here’s what he had to say:
We’re proud to manufacture two standout products in McBee that are revolutionizing their respective markets:
- iCOMM: A state-of-the-art connectivity tool for commercial water heaters. With iCOMM, maintenance managers can remotely monitor and manage water heaters using an app. This technology provides real-time insights into water heater performance, helping predict maintenance needs and reducing downtime. Imagine identifying potential issues or optimizing performance – all at the click of a button!
- HVC Water Heater: Compact yet powerful, this residential gas-fired water heater boasts one of the highest efficiency ratings on the market. Priced competitively, it features a built-in leak detection alarm, ensuring homeowners can address issues before they escalate.
Game-Changing Products
These products aren’t just about innovation – they’re about making life easier, safer, and more efficient for people everywhere.
Behind the Curtain: Cool Manufacturing Facts
Would you believe that every one of our water heaters starts as a flat sheet of steel? Our stamping department transforms these humble sheets into over 140 unique models, each with up to 7,000 potential configurations. From our tallest Cyclone water heater, which stands 6 feet tall and contains 40 feet of coiled steel inside, to our smallest unit at just 20 inches, the precision and variety in our production are extraordinary.
A Triumph of Teamwork: The Cyclone Story
Earlier this year, our flagship Cyclone water heater faced an unexpected challenge when Hurricane Helene impacted a key supplier. Our engineering, materials, and assembly teams sprang into action with only six weeks of inventory left. Through innovation and collaboration, they found a way to repurpose existing parts to keep production running smoothly. This effort ensured we met customer demand without compromising quality – a true testament to the power of teamwork.
Why Join Us? A Unique Culture of Innovation
Innovation and improvement aren’t just goals at our McBee facility – they’re part of our DNA. Employees are empowered to make a difference by contributing ideas or participating in problem-solving initiatives. This culture of collaboration and continuous improvement makes working here both exciting and fulfilling.
Opportunities for Growth and Learning
At A. O. Smith, we invest in our employees’ futures through our RISE initiative. This program provides specialized training, mentorship, and on-the-job experience to help employees grow into roles like welding, robotics, and maintenance.
We offer:
- Apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on training with classroom learning.
- Leadership development through supervisor training programs.
- Internships for future manufacturing engineers.
- Tuition reimbursement for further education.
At A.O. Smith, the sky’s the limit for those who dream big and are willing to work hard.
Shaping the Future of Manufacturing
Whether you’re passionate about STEM, eager to solve problems, or looking for hands-on career opportunities, A. O. Smith offers a path to success. Together, we’re building innovative products, shaping the manufacturing industry, and supporting the dreams of employees and customers alike.
Visit the A.O. Smith website to learn more.