Author Topic: Watkins Factory Tours (Read 7648 times)

Gomboman · « **on:** June 18, 2006, 09:52:18 pm »

I live about a half hour from the Watkins factory. I would love to take a factory tour sometime.

Personally, I think it would be a great PR move to offer tours to HotSpring and Caldera owners. I know we would have to stay clear from any proprietary processes.

Just a thought from a huge HotSpring fan.

Hot Tub Forum · « **on:** June 18, 2006, 09:52:18 pm »

Vanguard · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2006, 12:19:37 am »

Yeah, that would be cool. My guess is unlikely, though. Although, I know my dealer has been there.

I am sure the factory is pretty neat to see. I'd love to see them form the shells.

wmccall · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2006, 07:20:40 am »

When I use to write for a magazine that covered the sport of RC Car racing, I got a couple of factory tours. The bodies are made from a vacuum molding process. �I would think this would be facinating to see on a much bigger scale. � The design, molding, and cleaning up the mold as well as parts installation is something I'd love to watch the craftsmanship of.

If all their employees are undocumented workers just putting in their time it might not be an impressive show, but I know it can be otherwise. � I was working in a Hoover plant in Ohio years ago, �andI was so impressed with their people and processes, I didn't buy anything but a Hoover for 25 years.

Having talked with the Dynasty people, I have an uncomfirmed feeling that they might take customers on a short tour if scheduled ahead of time. Just a gut feel if I was ever in that part of Tennesee

Zep · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2006, 08:42:33 am »

I would think you could get a factory
tour if you make the right contacts
and "play your cards right".

I am a fisherman and when I buy a
boat every few years I always go
visit the factory and ask to take a tour.

I remember when I bought my first
Skeeter Bass Boat and pulling up
to "1 Skeeter Road" in Kilgore, Texas
to take a factory tour. I did the same
thing in Alabama last year with another
boat.

I also toured the Shiner Beer brewery in
Shiner, Texas a few years back. Like you
I enjoy that sort of thing.

And usually management enjoys "showing
off" their plant if you know who to talk
to.

Good luck and let us know how
your tour goes.

http://www.calspas.com/spas/tour.htm

hymbaw · « **Reply #4 on:** June 19, 2006, 12:08:06 pm »

Gombo,

What part of Mexico do you live in??

Brookenstein · « **Reply #5 on:** June 19, 2006, 01:05:30 pm »

Quote

Gombo,

What part of Mexico do you live in??

LMAO!!!!

In Canada eh · « **Reply #6 on:** June 19, 2006, 11:14:21 pm »

Although it would be cool to see a tub being made let me tell you the factory itself would probally disappoint .

I am a tool and mold maker and have seen the insde of many a molding shop autmotive and non automotive alike. Most(not all) are HOT ! from the molding process and smell of slightly burnt plastic!

I may be wrong and I don't want to offend any watkins dealers or employees but this has been my expierence with most production molding facilities. Once again I say most!

salesdvl · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2006, 12:17:13 pm »

Quote

Just a thought from a huge HotSpring fan. �

You dont look that HUGE in your picture.

salesdvl · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2006, 12:18:21 pm »

Quote

Gombo,

What part of Mexico do you live in??

good one!

East_TX_Spa · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2006, 12:57:20 pm »

http://www.hotspring.com/Video/index.html

Click on the above link to get a video peek inside the factory.

I've been in many world class manufacturing facilities over the years from IBM, AT&T, Sharp, Sanyo, and Borg-Warner. The Watkins plant is an extremely well run, high tech enterprise. It is very impressive watching the robotics measure, cut, and assemble the cabinets. The R&D department is first class, the vacuum forming machines are fascinating, and the front office area and showroom are outstanding.

The real heart and soul of the company are the people, from the CEO down to the floor workers, first class folks all the way.

Terminator

In Canada eh · « **Reply #10 on:** June 20, 2006, 05:16:53 pm »

Terminator

Just viewed the site you posted I stand corrected!!!

Gary · « **Reply #11 on:** June 21, 2006, 10:30:48 am »

Quote

Gombo,

What part of Mexico do you live in??

That is what I was thinking, I bet most folks do not realize that they are made in Mexico.

drewstar · « **Reply #12 on:** June 21, 2006, 10:38:29 am »

Quote

That is what I was thinking, I bet most folks do not realize that they are made in Mexico.

Interesting.

Is the entire tub made in mexico, or just some componenets and then assembeled elsewhere?

What part of Mexico?

Spatech_tuo · « **Reply #13 on:** June 21, 2006, 11:25:56 am »

Quote

That is what I was thinking, I bet most folks do not realize that they are made in Mexico.

What is made in Mexico (besides Gombo's house)?

drewstar · « **Reply #14 on:** June 21, 2006, 11:45:06 am »

Quote

What is made in Mexico (besides Gombo's house)?

I assumed Hotspring spas. (since we were talking about a Watkins Factory tour). Or did I misunderstand something.

Is Watkins Hotspirngs factory in Mexico?

Hot Tub Forum · « **Reply #14 on:** June 21, 2006, 11:45:06 am »

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