A. O. Smith Receives Highest Security Status For Importing Companies

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Tier III status is given to a limited number of companies that have comprehensive programs in place to secure their facilities and supply chain from terrorists, smuggling and narcotics.

The U. S. Customs and Border Protection has given A. O. Smith Corp. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Tier III status, the highest status offered to an importing company. It is given to a limited number of companies that have comprehensive programs in place to secure their facilities and supply chain from terrorists, smuggling and narcotics. A company must pass a thorough inspection by Customs and Border Protection and be recommended to C-TPAT Director

Bradd Skinnerto achieve Tier III status.

Tier III status will result in significantly fewer external agency inspections for A. O. Smith shipments crossing the border between Mexico and the United States, as well as fewer external agency inspections of overseas shipments.

A. O. Smith’s U. S. and Mexican facilities were C-TPAT validated in May, July and December 2007, an action that led the way to the company earning Tier III status. During the validation process, customs officials identified 36 best practices at the company.

The Customs and Border Protection granted Tier III status to 17 companies in 2007. There are approximately 6,000 importing companies in the United States.