A. O. Smith Corporation announced the grand opening of its new Product Development Center (PDC) in Lebanon, Tennessee, a 60,000-square-foot state-of-the-art research and development facility on the Lochinvar campus. The new center brings together the company’s North America Water Heating commercial engineering and platform electronics functions with Lochinvar engineering to support commercial product development, including heat pump water heaters. The estimated $33-million-project, which kicked off in 2023, combines a mix of new construction and existing facility renovation to create an environment of innovation and collaboration. 

A grand opening celebration will be held for employees and key partners Tuesday, April 15 at the new facility, located at 300 Maddox Simpson Parkway in Lebanon. The morning event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting, followed by executive speeches and self-guided tours. Attendees will see the facility’s environmental chambers, product engineering development lab, electronics lab and other new spaces that will house more than 120 new and existing employees with room for future growth.

“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 program will feature President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Shafer, Chief Technology Officer Bob Heideman, North America Water Heating President and General Manager Steve O’Brien and Lochinvar President Darrell Schuh. 

The demand for sustainable, energy-efficient products, including heat pump water heaters, will continue to increase, and A. O. Smith wants to ensure that they have the tools, talent and capabilities to provide customers with the solutions they need when they need them.

“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 Heideman. “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.”