• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Frost & Sullivan Recognizes A. O. Smith for Its Technological Dominance and Customer-Centric Products in the Water Heaters Market

Posted on: Wednesday, 18 March 2009, 11:03 CDT

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the water heaters market, Frost & Sullivan presents A. O. Smith Corporation with the 2009 North American Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation of the Year Award for its distinctive commitment to delivering innovation in a mature water heaters market. The company's Cyclone(R) and Vertex(TM) water heaters exceed alternative products in energy and cost competitiveness while incorporating original design features. The company boasts strong business performance as a result of its commitment to product innovation and industry advancement.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)

Since its launch, the Cyclone has become an industry standard in high efficiency water heating by combining the benefits of large-capacity standard tank systems with unprecedented high efficiency performance. A. O. Smith's patented heat exchangers and unique manufacturing process have allowed the company to deliver high efficiency at competitive costs. In keeping with the market trend, the Cyclone has incorporated advanced features including new electronic control systems providing performance and service diagnostics attributes, easy-to-use interactive capabilities, and usage history.

Designed for the residential market, A. O. Smith's Vertex water heater was inspired by the need to provide higher-efficiency gas water heaters and constant hot water capabilities. Their continued R&D efforts behind the Vertex have enabled the company to offer customers 100,000 Btu's and 96 percent efficiency. The Vertex also boasts proprietary electronic controls similar to the commercial Cyclone water heater, leveraging intelligent controls to enhance performance, either for energy efficiency or occupant comfort.

"Our end-user survey on water heaters revealed A. O. Smith to be the only company to rank above average across different criteria," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Jorge Moreno. "The company scored highest on services, availability of spare parts, product range and features, and energy efficiency, which were classified as the most critical success factors for contractors and end-users alike. Also, the A. O. Smith brand is highly recognized, which tends to play an important part in the purchasing decisions of end-users and therefore the installers and contractors as well."

Furthermore, energy efficiency prerogatives and the enhancement of operational performance have fuelled green ratings and certification processes along with the number of projects being certified by rating systems such as ENERGY STAR(R). A. O. Smith successfully co-sponsored an ENERGY STAR program to bring higher efficiency products to the water heater industry and make the technology cost-effective for residential customers.

"In spite of the current challenges such as high capital costs, low awareness, and receding economic conditions with a sluggish construction market, A. O. Smith is anticipated to grow steadily by continuing to provide high-efficiency water heaters," notes Moreno. "Additionally, the alliance behind the ENERGY STAR program will help educate and influence consumers, retailers, architects, and contractors that the implementation of certified high-efficiency products will significantly reduce life-time operating costs, energy costs, and greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to improve comfort."

Overall, A. O. Smith's vision and sound understanding of the industry have enabled it to introduce new products that are more efficient, less costly to produce, and with original design features. In recognition of these factors the company is the deserving recipient of the 2009 Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation of the Year Award.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within its industry. The award lauds innovation shown by launching a broad line of emerging products and technologies.

Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About A. O. Smith

Headquartered in Ashland City, Tenn., A. O. Smith Water Products Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial water heaters and hydronic boilers. A. O. Smith offers contractors an additional competitive advantage in that the company designs, builds, distributes and field supports the world's broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single-source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by more than 70 years of research and innovation.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 31 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

Contact: Jake Wengroff 210.247.3806 jake.wengroff@frost.com

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category