Watkins Factory Tours

[Gomboman]

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.  

 

[aquatub]

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.

 

[Alan]

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]

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]

Gombo,

What part of Mexico do you live in?? ;D

 

[Brookenstein]

Gombo,

What part of Mexico do you live in?? ;D

;D    LMAO!!!!     ;D

 

[Confused_in_Canada]

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]

Just a thought from a huge HotSpring fan.  

You dont look that HUGE in your picture.   ;D

 

[salesdvl]

Gombo,

What part of Mexico do you live in?? ;D

good one!

 

[East_TX_Spa]

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

 

[Confused_in_Canada]

Terminator

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

 

[Gary]

Gombo,

What part of Mexico do you live in?? ;D

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

 

[drewstar]

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]

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]

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?

 

[pkud]

Is Watkins Hotspirngs factory in Mexico?

No!

 

[East_TX_Spa]

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

This is an absolute lie.

The Watkins factory is in Vista, California.  As far as I know, that is not Mexico.

Terminator

 

[drewstar]

I guess  I misunderstood Hymbaws  comments. (joke?)

 

[hymbaw]

The initial post referred to Watkins and not HotSprings specifically.

Watkins DOES have a plant in Mexico.

From what I gather the shells for Caldera and HotSpot tubs are laid up there(correct me if I'm wrong)

Calm down Term!!!!

 

[East_TX_Spa]

Calm down Term!!!!

I'm not upset, just shining the light on a blatant falsehood.  I don't disagree with anything you've stated Tom, I thought it was funny. ;D

Terminator