Five Water Heater Brands Owned by A.O. Smith
A.O. Smith dominates the water heating market through strategic acquisitions of diverse regional brands.
1Corporate Consolidation Strategy
A.O. Smith has built a dominant position in the water heating industry through decades of strategic acquisitions. While the company operates its own namesake brand, much of its market presence comes from brands like State, American, Reliance, Lochinvar, and Giant. These entities maintain distinct identities while benefiting from the parent company's resources.
2State Water Heaters Portfolio
Founded in 1946 in Tennessee, State Water Heaters offers over 500 products including gas, electric, and heat pump models. Acquired by A.O. Smith in 2001, the brand continues to operate from Ashland City. It serves both residential and commercial sectors, utilizing professional distributors to supply its high-efficiency ProLine XE product range.
3American Water Heaters Operations
Based in Johnson City, Tennessee, American Water Heaters is a major manufacturer within the A.O. Smith group. The brand provides gas tankless units, electric models, and hybrid heat pumps. Products are sold exclusively through official distributors rather than retail shelves, requiring consumers to coordinate with local installers for quotes and professional setup.
4Reliance Retail Focus
Reliance Water Heaters maintains a specific focus on hardware and building supply stores, catering to both DIY consumers and professional contractors. Originally part of State Industries, it was acquired by A.O. Smith in 2001. The brand offers a comprehensive catalog that includes parts, accessories, and gas tankless systems launched in 2010.
5Lochinvar High-Efficiency Boilers
A.O. Smith acquired Lochinvar in 2011 for approximately $418 million to expand its high-efficiency heating capabilities. Unlike standard residential brands, Lochinvar specializes in boilers for commercial buildings and dedicated pool heaters. This acquisition provided the parent company with advanced performance technology, notably the Power-Fin system developed during the 1980s energy crisis.
6Giant and Canadian Expansion
Giant represents A.O. Smith's most recent acquisition, purchased in 2021 for $192 million to strengthen its Canadian market share. Based in Montreal, the brand emphasizes electric water heaters, aligning with Canada's hydroelectric grid. This move helps A.O. Smith increase its portfolio of products running on renewable energy to reduce overall emissions.
7Evolution of Manufacturing Roots
A.O. Smith originated in 1874 as a Milwaukee workshop producing baby carriage and bicycle parts. The company pivoted to water heating after patenting a glass lining for tanks in 1936. This technical innovation shifted the firm's trajectory, eventually leading to its current dual focus on water heating and water treatment solutions.
8Market Impact and Outlook
The integration of these five brands allows A.O. Smith to address diverse consumer needs, from retail hardware store shoppers to commercial boiler clients. By maintaining regional manufacturing hubs in Tennessee and Montreal, the company balances local expertise with centralized corporate strategy, ensuring a broad reach across the North American residential and commercial markets.
Original article: SlashGear — Five Water Heater Brands Owned by A.O. Smith