A.O. Smith Opens New Research and Development Center
RIBBON-CUTTING: A.O. Smith Corp. president and COO Steve Shafer, with scissors, at the recent ribbon-cutting for the company's new Product Development Center in Lebanon, Tennessee. More than 120 people are expected to be eventually employed at the 60,000-square-foot facility. (Courtesy of A.O. Smith Corp.)
LEBANON, Tenn. — Water heater manufacturer A.O. Smith Corp. recently opened a new Product Development Center (PDC), a 60,000-square-foot research and development facility, on the campus of Smith’s Lochinvar brand in Lebanon, Tennessee.
The estimated $33 million project brings together the company’s North American water-heating division's commercial engineering and platform electronics functions with Lochinvar engineering to support commercial product development, including heat-pump water heaters, an A.O. Smith press release said. The PDC is expected to eventually be the workplace for more than 120 employees.
“This new facility enables us to advance one of our top strategic priorities — investing in innovation and expanding our product portfolio to ensure the company’s continued growth and success,” said Kevin Wheeler, chairman and CEO. “A. O. Smith remains committed to driving meaningful progress, and the work conducted at this facility will play a pivotal role in future product requirements and sustainability efforts.”
The demand for sustainable, energy-efficient products, including heat-pump water heaters, is expected to continue increasing, and company officials want to ensure A.O. Smith has the tools, talent, and capabilities to provide customers with the solutions they need, the press release said.
“The PDC is a future-focused innovation hub that enables us to design heat-pump water heaters and other sustainable products that are not only in demand now but will continue to be a major emphasis for us in the coming years,” said Bob Heideman, chief technology officer at A.O. Smith. “We’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, and we know from experience that a facility like this gives innovation a space to thrive.”
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