A.O. Smith
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A.O. Smith layoffs: 195 workers · WARN in SC · May 26, 2023
Latest WARN names 195 workers in SC.
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Latest WARN notice: South Carolina, 195 workers, notice Sep 30, 2026.
South Carolina unemployment is listed at up to $326 a week for 20 weeks. A waiting week applies.
File in South CarolinaBenefit amounts are published estimates. Confirm the current rule with the state.
15.0K
$64.57
▼ 3.01%
None(1.6%)
announced May 26, 2023
6
filed Sep 30, 2026 · SC · 195 affected
Medium
AI Layoff Impact Summary
AI-poweredA.O. Smith announced layoffs on May 26, 2023, affecting 246 employees (1.6% of workforce). WARN filings indicate 6 active notices. Moderate risk — continued restructuring possible.
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Travel budget slashed, should I be worried?
Our group got an email this morning saying all non-essential travel is suspended effective immediately until further notice. I know the macro environment for industrial manufacturing is cooling down, but this feels a bit more aggressive than the usual belt-tightening we see during a slow cycle. My manager was acting incredibly cagey during our 1:1 when I asked if this was related to a larger budget shortfall. They just gave the standard 'we’re being cautious with capital' response, which is corporate-speak for 'we don't have the cash flow we projected.' I’ve been with A.O. Smith for six years and I’ve never seen the travel freeze start this early in the fiscal calendar. Anyone else in field sales or engineering getting these same restrictions? Trying to figure out if it’s just my division or if the whole company is clamping down to prep for a headcount reduction.
Is the RTO mandate a precursor to RIFs?
Anyone else noticing the sudden push to get everyone back into the office full-time at the Milwaukee and Ashland hubs? We went from 'flexibility is a core value' to badge-swipe tracking in the span of a month. Usually, when leadership starts obsessing over office attendance like this, it’s not because they suddenly care about 'collaboration'—it’s because they’re trying to force attrition without having to pay severance packages. I’ve heard whispers that management is looking to trim the middle layer by Q1 to hit those margin targets, and this is just the first step to see who quits on their own. Has anyone heard anything about department-wide 'restructuring' talks? I’ve got a feeling a lot of us are going to get an invite to a 'check-in' meeting with HR before the holidays hit.
Hiring freeze or just standard slow season?
I’ve been tracking our internal job board for the last two months, and it’s basically a ghost town. Normally, we see a decent amount of churn and backfill activity this time of year, but everything is dead silent. I asked my manager about a headcount gap in our team, and they gave me the most non-answer about 'reassessing organizational priorities' for the upcoming fiscal year. That’s usually corporate speak for 'don't expect any new bodies anytime soon.' I’m concerned that this is a precursor to a wider reduction in force. Usually, when they stop backfilling roles, the next step is trimming the existing fat. I’ve worked through a few downturns before, and this pattern is feeling painfully familiar. Is anyone else seeing these 'reassessment' blockers in other departments, or is it just limited to Engineering? I’d rather know now if the ship is sinking so I can jump early. Any insights from people in HR or Finance would be huge, though I know you guys have to keep quiet. Just trying to figure out if I need to prioritize my exit strategy.
Anyone else getting weird vibes from the Q3 updates?
Is it just me, or has the atmosphere at AO Smith shifted lately? I’ve been with the team for a few years, and usually, the leadership communications have a pretty steady rhythm. Lately, though, things feel quiet—almost like they’re bracing for something. Management keeps harping on 'operational efficiency' and 'cost discipline' in every single internal town hall. We know the industry is cooling off, and with the recent drop in residential water heater demand, I’m starting to wonder if the corporate office is cooking up a restructuring plan behind closed doors. I’ve noticed a few project freezes that don't make much sense given our current roadmap. People are starting to whisper in the breakrooms, and the usual transparency seems to have hit a wall. Has anyone in the Milwaukee office or the plant locations heard anything concrete? It feels like we’re in that classic 'wait and see' limbo period before a round of cuts gets announced. I’m trying to decide if it’s time to dust off the resume or if I’m just being paranoid because of the general market sentiment right now. Would appreciate any insider intel if people are seeing headcount freezes in their specific departments.
Is a hiring freeze the precursor to cuts?
We’ve been under a total hiring freeze for what feels like an eternity now. Every time a position opens up, it just gets absorbed into another team rather than backfilled. We’re doing the work of two or three people, and the burn-out is becoming visible across the department. I’ve heard rumors that the Q3 numbers weren't as hot as the street expected, and now there's chatter about 'right-sizing' to keep margins where they need to be. It’s the classic playbook, right? First, they stop hiring, then they cut the 'redundant' roles, and finally, they hit the long-term staff. It feels like the company is pivoting toward a leaner model regardless of how it affects the actual output. I love this company, but I’ve got a family to support and I’m tired of playing the guessing game every time I walk into the office. Is anyone else seeing these same patterns, or am I just being paranoid because of the current market conditions?
Quiet whispers in the Milwaukee halls
Has anyone else noticed the sudden uptick in 'optimization' meetings lately? I’ve been with AOS for a few years, and usually, the vibe is pretty steady, but there’s a weird tension in the air right now. Management keeps talking about 'operational efficiency' and 'streamlining workflows' in every town hall, which usually precedes something unpleasant. A few of my colleagues in mid-level management have been looking a lot more stressed than usual, and we haven't seen a new headcount approval in months. I’m just trying to figure out if I’m reading too much into the corporate speak or if there’s a genuine shift coming. If anyone has intel on whether we should be worried about the upcoming quarterly review or if this is just the typical corporate posturing, I’d appreciate a heads-up. Honestly just want to know if I should polish up the resume this weekend or keep my head down and hope it blows over.
A.O. Smith: Is the grass actually greener elsewhere?
I’ve been with the company for a few years now, and the morale since the mid-year cuts is hitting rock bottom. It feels like every quarter we’re holding our breath to see which site is next on the chopping block. The work environment has become incredibly transactional. I used to feel like I was building a career here, but now I’m just waiting for the next restructuring announcement. For those who left during the August layoffs, how did the transition go? Are you finding better stability elsewhere in the industrials sector? I’m seriously considering jumping ship before the next round of 'strategic realignment' hits my department. This constant uncertainty is eating me alive and I’m tired of being told to 'do more with less' while our colleagues are being shown the door.
Anyone else still reeling from the Deep River fallout?
It’s been a while since the August 4th date, but the silence from leadership is deafening. I was one of the ones caught in the Deep River closure, and honestly, the way it was handled felt like an afterthought. They act like this was just a simple operational pivot, but for 246 of us, it was our entire livelihood being scrapped in a WARN notice. I’ve been checking my email for updates on benefits extensions and the final payout logistics, but it’s just crickets. Has anyone heard anything concrete about the final severance reconciliation? The lack of communication is honestly disrespectful. If you’re still at the other plants, keep your head on a swivel. If they can drop the axe this cleanly in CT, nobody is safe regardless of tenure.
Culture shift since the latest restructuring
Has anyone else noticed the vibe at the corporate offices completely tanking since the August cuts? It feels like we’re all just waiting for the next round to drop. You walk into meetings now and half the team is just looking at their phones or talking about exit strategies instead of project roadmaps. Management keeps preaching about 'operational efficiency' and 'streamlining,' but we all know that's just code for 'do more with fewer people until we inevitably cut the next department.' The lack of transparency regarding future headcount reduction is honestly the worst part. I’ve been here for years, but the atmosphere has become so transactional and cold. It’s hard to stay motivated when you’re constantly looking over your shoulder wondering if you’re next on the spreadsheet. Is it just me, or is the talent drain getting worse by the week?
Deep River site closure: Anyone getting updates on severance?
Is anyone from the Deep River facility actually getting clear answers from HR? The WARN notice was back in May, but now that we’ve crossed the August 4th deadline, the silence is deafening. I’ve reached out twice and all I get is a canned response about 'coordinating with local leadership.' It feels like they just want us to sign the papers and disappear so they don’t have to deal with the optics of the transition. Anyone else getting weird runarounds about the benefit payouts or the outplacement services they promised? I’m starting to think the package isn't as solid as they made it sound during the initial town hall. If anyone has managed to actually talk to a human about their COBRA or accrued PTO payout, let us know how you did it. Good luck to everyone currently scrambling to find something new in this market.
A.O. Smith's Q3 Call - What did you hear beyond the numbers?
Just finished listening to the Q3 earnings call for A.O. Smith. The numbers themselves were okay, nothing spectacular, but not a disaster either. However, I'm always looking for the subtext, the things that aren't explicitly stated but are hinted at. Did anyone else pick up on anything during the call that suggested potential headwinds or a shift in strategy that might impact staffing down the line? There were a few pauses and vague answers around future investment and market outlook that felt a little... cautious. Curious if anyone else with a deeper understanding of the business side of things felt the same way. It's probably nothing, but in this environment, you can't be too careful. Let's discuss.
Considering the current economic climate, what's the general sentiment on job security at A.O. Smith?
Hey everyone, just wanted to open up a discussion. Been with AOS for a few years now, and while things seem stable on the surface, I can't help but feel a bit antsy with all the economic news out there. No official word on anything, of course, but I'm curious what the general vibe is. Are people actively looking elsewhere, or is the general consensus that we're relatively safe? Trying to gauge if my personal unease is a widespread feeling or just me overthinking things. Any insights on how leadership is communicating or any subtle shifts in priorities would be helpful. Just trying to stay informed and prepared, whatever that may mean. Appreciate any honest perspectives.
Pre-emptively asking about performance reviews and impact
With the end of the year approaching, I'm starting to think about performance reviews. Given the general economic climate and some of the subtle shifts I've observed around the office (less spontaneous team lunches, some projects being scrutinized more heavily), I'm wondering how performance is being viewed this cycle. Specifically, has anyone heard any chatter about how reviews might be weighted this year, or if there's an increased focus on certain metrics that could signal potential headcount adjustments down the line? Trying to understand the landscape so I can brace myself, if necessary. Not looking for rumors, but more for objective observations or shared concerns about how things are being handled from a management perspective. Any insights would be appreciated.
Anyone else feeling the chill at AOS? Hearing whispers...
Hey everyone, long-time lurker here. Been at AOS for a few years now, and things have felt... different lately. Usually, there's a pretty consistent buzz, but it's been unusually quiet on the team/project front for the last month or so. Meetings are getting shorter, and some planned initiatives seem to have been put on hold indefinitely. I've also noticed a few more 'opportunities' being posted externally than usual, which always makes me a bit nervous. Just trying to gauge if this is a company-wide thing or if it's just my department/location. Anyone else picking up on similar vibes or have any inside info they can share (without being too specific, obviously)? Trying not to jump to conclusions, but the silence is pretty deafening. Curious to hear what others are seeing/hearing. Stay safe out there.
Morale and budget talk - what's the real story?
Been with AOS for a while, and honestly, the general vibe feels a bit off recently. It's not just one thing, but a collection of small observations. We had a town hall last month, and while leadership painted a rosy picture, the Q&A felt a little... managed. A lot of questions about resource allocation and future hiring were met with fairly generic answers about "strategic priorities" and "optimizing operations." Beyond that, I've noticed a definite slowdown in new project approvals, and some ongoing ones seem to be under increased scrutiny regarding budget. A few colleagues have mentioned difficulty getting approval for training or even minor equipment upgrades that used to be standard. It makes you wonder if there's an unofficial hiring freeze or if we're heading towards a more significant restructuring. I'm not looking for alarmist talk, but if there's something brewing, it's better to be aware. Anyone have direct knowledge or experience with budget cuts or hiring freezes in their divisions? Trying to separate the usual corporate speak from reality here.
Quiet period at A.O. Smith... anyone else notice?
Hey everyone, Been working at AOS for a few years now, primarily in the engineering side. Lately, things have felt... quieter than usual. Usually, there's always some buzz about projects, new initiatives, or even just internal reshuffling. But for the past few months, it's been pretty low-key. Recruiters seem to have slowed down their outreach for roles within the company, and internal job postings are sparse. I've heard whispers through the grapevine about some departments being asked to hold off on non-essential spending. Not official announcements, mind you, just that "belt-tightening" vibe. It's making me a bit antsy, especially seeing what's happening at some other industrial companies lately. Has anyone else picked up on this? Any insights from other departments or business units? Just trying to get a pulse on the situation and figure out if this is just a normal cyclical slowdown or something more. Curious to hear if others are experiencing the same quiet or if it's just my team/location.
Any word on potential reorganizations or headcount adjustments?
Throwaway account here. Been with AOS for a few years now, and lately, there's been a lot of talk in the hallways, mostly quiet conversations, about potential reorganizations. Nothing concrete has been announced, but there's a definite undercurrent of 'what if.' Some teams seem to be consolidating responsibilities, and I've heard a few managers having prolonged, closed-door meetings. Is this just normal business flux, or is anyone else hearing anything more substantial about potential headcount adjustments down the line? Trying to gauge the general sentiment and see if the unease is widespread or just localized to my corner of the company.
Anyone else feeling the pinch at AOS? Budget cuts ahead?
Hey everyone, just wanted to see if anyone else is noticing a slowdown or hearing any whispers about potential budget tightening at A.O. Smith. Lately, it feels like some of the Q4 projects we were gearing up for have either stalled or been scaled back significantly. Managers seem a bit tight-lipped when asked about future plans, which is making me a little uneasy. Is this just a seasonal thing, or is anyone else picking up on a vibe that suggests we might be heading into a tougher period? Curious to hear if others are experiencing similar situations across different departments or locations. Trying not to jump to conclusions, but the silence is a bit deafening.
Q4 Projects Seem to be Drying Up - Anyone Else?
Just wanted to check in with others in the industrial side of things at AOS. My team's Q4 project pipeline looks significantly lighter than it did even a month ago. Several initiatives that seemed like a sure thing are suddenly 'on hold' or being re-evaluated. Is this a company-wide thing, or is my department just getting hit hard? We've always had pretty steady work, especially leading into year-end. It's not just about new hires slowing down (which is definitely happening), it feels like existing work is also being scaled back. Anyone else experiencing this shift? Makes you wonder what the priorities are heading into next year, and if it's a sign of broader cost-cutting measures. Any insights would be helpful, trying to understand the landscape.
Any insights on recent RIF rumors?
Hey everyone, been seeing some whispers on other platforms and hearing from some contacts that there might be some restructuring or potential layoffs happening at A.O. Smith soon. Nothing concrete, just a lot of chatter. Has anyone in the industrial sector here noticed anything unusual? Like increased scrutiny on budgets, hiring freezes beyond what's already been reported, or maybe even some managers being unusually quiet about future projects? I'm in a role that feels pretty stable, but the uncertainty is definitely starting to weigh. Just trying to gauge if this is widespread concern or just isolated incidents. Appreciate any info or perspectives you can share, trying to stay ahead of things if possible. Trying not to panic, but also want to be prepared.
Feeling a bit uneasy about the Q3/Q4 outlook
Just wanted to put this out there and see if anyone else is feeling the same way. The last earnings call was... okay, but not exactly stellar. Heard some whispers from folks in finance and supply chain about cost-cutting measures being discussed more seriously. Nothing concrete, of course, but the general vibe is one of caution. We've been riding a wave of strong performance for a while, but with the current economic climate and rising interest rates, it feels like a slowdown is inevitable for many industries, and manufacturing is definitely feeling it. I'm not seeing any official layoff announcements, and my direct team hasn't been impacted, but there's this undercurrent of 'tighten belts' that's hard to ignore. Are others in different divisions seeing similar signs or hearing any chatter about budget adjustments or strategic shifts that might affect headcount down the line? Just trying to gauge the general sentiment.
Is anyone else noticing a significant slowdown in hiring?
Hey everyone, been at AOS for a few years now, and lately things just feel... different. Usually, there's a pretty steady stream of new folks coming in, especially in the engineering and project management departments. But for the past couple of months, it feels like the brakes have been slammed on. Job postings are few and far between, and even the ones that are up have been open for ages. I've also noticed a lot fewer internal transfers happening, which used to be a common way for people to move around and grow within the company. It's making me wonder if there's some sort of hiring freeze or if they're just being way more selective. The overall workload hasn't decreased, so it's not like we're overstaffed. Just feels like a strange quietness before a storm, or maybe just a really conservative approach to budgeting for new roles. Curious if anyone else has picked up on this or has any insights from their departments.
Seeing a lot of 'contractors' leave lately?
Okay, so I haven't heard any official announcements or anything concrete, but I've seen a noticeable uptick in contract employees packing up their things over the past month or so. It's not just one or two; it feels like a steady stream. They're usually pretty tight-lipped, but some of the ones I've chatted with seemed surprised. I'm wondering if this is a strategic move, cost-cutting, or a precursor to something bigger. It's making me a little uneasy, especially with how things have been feeling generally. Anyone else observing this or have any insights? Just trying to make sense of the signals.
Anyone else feeling the pressure building?
Lately, it feels like every task, no matter how small, is under a microscope. My manager is constantly asking for updates, and the expectations seem to be shifting almost daily. It's creating a really stressful environment, and I've noticed a lot of hushed conversations around the office. People are a bit jumpy, and the usual camaraderie seems to have evaporated. I'm trying to stay focused and put in the work, but it's hard when you feel like you're walking on eggshells. Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this or if it's just my department. Trying to get a pulse on the overall mood.
Is it just me, or are performance reviews suddenly way more intense?
I've been through a few cycles here, and this last performance review period felt different. It wasn't just about meeting expectations, it felt like they were digging for reasons *why* you *weren't* exceeding them in every single area. Even for solid performers, the feedback felt nitpicky, focusing on minor areas for improvement. Normally, it's a bit more balanced, acknowledging strengths and suggesting growth areas. This time, it felt like a deep dive into every little thing, almost like they were building a case for something. Anyone else experience this? Makes you wonder what the ultimate goal is with this heightened focus on performance details.
Morale seems to be taking a hit lately
Lately, it feels like the overall energy in the company has shifted. People seem more hesitant, maybe a bit more stressed than usual. It's not just one department either, I've chatted with folks across a few different areas and there's a similar undercurrent of unease. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what's causing it, but there's definitely a change in the air. More quiet lunches, fewer spontaneous team gatherings. People are more guarded with their words, too. Just wondering if anyone else is picking up on this or if I'm just projecting my own feelings onto the situation. It’s definitely impacting how I feel about coming into work some days, and I know I'm not alone in that.
Hiring pause seems more serious than initially thought
Used to be that open roles would get filled within a couple of months, max. Now, jobs I know are critical have been open for 6+ months with zero movement. Recruiters are super quiet, and even for internal transfers, it feels like the gates are shut. It's not just a 'slowdown,' it feels like a full-on pause that isn't being communicated. Anyone else trying to backfill or hire and hitting a brick wall? The silence around it is the most unnerving part.
Any other departments seeing a slowdown in resource allocation?
Lately, it feels like anything that isn't absolutely critical is getting pushed back or outright denied. I'm not hearing about official freezes, but it's definitely impacting our ability to get things done. We're being asked to keep pushing forward, but the resources, whether it's headcount, budget for necessary tools, or even just approvals for overtime, seem to be drying up. Anyone else's team or department experiencing something similar? Makes you wonder if this is a company-wide thing or just specific to certain areas. Trying to get a pulse on what's happening.
Hiring freeze or just slow-walking everything?
We've had a couple of open roles on my team that have been in the "reviewing candidates" stage for what feels like months now. The recruiters are cagey, just saying "things are taking longer than usual." It’s not just my department either; I’ve seen job postings disappear and then reappear weeks later, or open roles that just… vanish. It feels like we're not actively replacing people who leave, and new hires are few and far between. Is this a company-wide hiring freeze, or are we just in a really slow hiring cycle right now? Curious to hear if others are seeing the same thing.
Anyone else seeing increased scrutiny on travel and entertainment expenses?
Lately, it feels like every single expense report is getting a deep dive. Used to be a quick approval for standard travel, but now it's like I have to justify every single meal and coffee. Even team lunches are getting questioned. My manager mentioned that central finance is really cracking down. It's not just me, I've heard similar things from colleagues in other departments too. Makes you think about what's going on behind the scenes. Anyone else experiencing this level of expense micromanagement?