A. O. Smith Corporation welcomed students from five area high schools to its McBee, South Carolina, manufacturing facility on Friday, Oct. 2, as part of Manufacturing Day, providing a firsthand look at modern manufacturing careers and the technologies shaping the industry.

More than 150 students from McBee High School, Darlington High School, Chesterfield High School, Cheraw High School and the Academy for Careers and Technology participated in the event, which highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in advanced manufacturing.

Throughout the day, students participated in interactive sessions focused on robotics, maintenance, welding, innovation through 3D printing, continuous improvement and smart factory technologies. The program also included a guided tour of the facility’s assembly and tank fabrication operations, allowing students to see advanced manufacturing processes in action.

The McBee facility is A. O. Smith’s largest commercial water heater manufacturing plant in North America and produces commercial water heaters and boilers. The plant utilizes advanced technologies, including steel stamping, robotics, automated welding and assembly systems to manufacture high-efficiency gas and electric water heating products.

“We are proud to invest in workforce development by opening our doors to local students, showcasing the advanced technologies used in our operations and introducing them to the talented team members who make our success possible," said Anny Gauthier, human resources supervisor at A. O. Smith’s McBee facility.

Students also had the opportunity to engage directly with A. O. Smith employees, who shared insights about their careers, educational pathways and the skills needed to succeed in manufacturing and technical professions.

“Opportunities like this help students connect what they learn in the classroom with realworld careers,” said Terri Rhoad, career specialist at Chesterfield County School District. “Touring a manufacturing facility and interacting with employees gives students a firsthand look at the technology, teamwork and skills that drive modern manufacturing while helping them explore future career possibilities close to home.”

Manufacturing Day, celebrated annually in October, provides an opportunity for companies across the nation to highlight the impact of manufacturing on local economies while encouraging students to explore careers in the field.