American Water Heater (jobs, health care, home)

[soldn2slavery]

If anyone has any information about working for this company, would you mind pinging me privately? Or post publicly, if you're comfortable with that.

I know that it was acquired by A.O. Smith last year.

Thanks.

[soldn2slavery]

I'm not sure why no one has responded, but if it helps, the reason I'm asking is because I'm considering a position with the company and would like to get a feel for what it's like to work for them, particularly after the acquisition.

Thanks, again.

[mbmouse]

Hello, I would guess that no one has answered because no one here on the forum works there. My husband worked there for 11 years as head of P & D but he left long before the merger. Haven't heard a thing about them since then. Maybe it is a 'no news is good news" kinda thing? They have always been one of the largest employers in JC. Sorry, wish I had more to offer.

[soldn2slavery]

Thanks, mbmouse.

I had hoped that because they are a large employer there would be good chance that someone on this forum would know something about working for them post-merger.

The merger makes me kind of nervous, having gone through something similar, plus the fact that A.O. Smith has moved some manufacturing over to China.

Thanks again for the kind reply.

[Ridgerunner]

Hello, Soldn2slavery. I know some people who work at A.W.H. They say that A. O. Smith has made changes in the health care coverage that is detrimental to the workers (more cost for less coverage). And that most new employees are hired through a temp agency. But that the promise of a permanent job after 90 days is often not honored, including some cases where the new worker's performance is squeaky clean. The company does a lifetime employment check on potential hirees, which in my opinion is ridiculous for $12-an-hour jobs. The United Steel Workers is present but has little clout since only about half of the workers are members. A strong rumor persists that the company may regain a large chunk of Home Depot business that was lost in the pre-Smith era.

[soldn2slavery]

Thank you, Ridgerunner. This information is very helpful.

Having been through being acquired by a larger company, I was concerned when I found out that A.O. Smith had acquired A.W.H.

This is disappointing, but I'd rather be disappointed now before moving, than after moving there.

Oh well, at least my kids will be happy. :-)

[custompersonnel]

American Water Heater does not have a good reputation. Unfort. they work there people really hard. They use a lot of temps which they usually keep for about 90 days before they lay them off. Some of the factory is not so bad but a lot of it is hot and dirty. I have had several employee from there and each has had the same story. Bad place to work. On a good note their are several other factories in the area that pay as well with better working conditions.

[soldn2slavery]

Thanks. This position is not in the factory, but more of an office position. Still, I'm concerned that the company was recently acquired by A.O. Smith and that they have factories in China. Those facts plus what I've read here have given reasons to re-consider.

[EagleI]

I know three people who work in the office, not plant, who were hired after temping there between 3 & 6 months. Seems like a good place to work, and they're happy with their healthcare.