A.O. Smith: Over 150 Years of Global Leadership in Water Heating & Water Technology Since 1874
Founded in 1874 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Charles Jeremiah Smith and named after his son Arthur O. Smith, A.O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential, commercial, and industrial water heating and water treatment equipment with more than 150 years of heritage and approximately 18,000 employees worldwide. Its European and Middle Eastern operations are headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands (A.O. Smith Water Products Company B.V.), established in 1972.
From Steel Engineering Pioneer to Global Water Technology Leader
Starting as a Milwaukee machine shop in 1874, A.O. Smith developed the world’s first pressed steel automobile frame in 1899 and the first fully automated frame assembly plant in 1921. In 1933 and 1936, A.O. Smith patented the process of fusing glass to steel for large tanks and glass-lined water heaters — an innovation that quickly became the global industry standard.
After introducing the first glass-lined commercial water heater (Burkay B-65) in 1954 and celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, A.O. Smith continues to thrive on its founding values of Integrity, Innovation, and Customer Satisfaction.
Veldhoven (Netherlands) Manufacturing Plant & Slush-Coating Technology
Manufacturing boilers and water heaters for the European market at its Veldhoven facility since the 1970s, A.O. Smith converts sheet steel into precision-welded tanks in its own tank plant. Every tank is lined with an internal enamel layer using A.O. Smith’s patented “slush-coating” method for superior protection against corrosion and scale.
Engineered for demanding commercial and industrial environments, A.O. Smith systems offer trouble-free operation for many years with their high-quality products.
Comprehensive Portfolio for Commercial & Industrial Applications
Delivering “a lot of hot water in a short time” for hotels, hospitals, sports complexes, industrial plants, and multi-family buildings, A.O. Smith pioneered condensing gas-fired water heaters in Europe over 25 years ago, achieving thermal efficiencies of up to 109%.
Available through 3D Enerji, our A.O. Smith portfolio includes high-efficiency BFC Cyclone condensing gas-fired water heaters, IT (300–3000 L) and ITS (300–1000 L) indirect water heaters, ST (300–3000 L) storage tanks, and heavy-duty DRE, EES, and STE (1000–3000 L) commercial electric water heaters.
Advanced Water Research Centers, Innovation & 3D Enerji Support
Listed on the S&P 500 Index and strengthened by strategic acquisitions including Lochinvar (2011), Aquasana (2016), and Hague (2017), A.O. Smith drives continuous innovation through its labs at the Global Water Center (2013) and the state-of-the-art L. R. Smith Corporate Technology Center (2018), integrating solar thermal and heat pump technologies for climate-friendly buildings.
At 3D Enerji, we provide complete project design, capacity sizing, product selection, and engineering support across the A.O. Smith commercial and industrial hot water range.
To explore A.O. Smith BFC condensing water heaters, IT/ITS indirect calorifiers, ST storage tanks, and DRE/EES/STE commercial electric water heaters, visit our A.O. Smith Product Catalog.