Kohler
ActiveOverview
Kohler Co. is an American manufacturing company specializing in plumbing products including fixtures, faucets, and bathroom accessories, alongside engines, generators, furniture, cabinetry, and tile. Headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, it holds significant market share in U.S. plumbing fixture and faucet manufacturing, with about 13.7% in pottery, ceramics, and plumbing fixtures. The company operates globally with subsidiaries and joint ventures, including hospitality properties under Destination Kohler.
History
Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 by John Michael Kohler through the purchase of the Sheboygan Union Iron and Steel Foundry in Wisconsin. In 1883, Kohler entered the plumbing business by enameling a cast-iron horse trough to create the first bathtub. The company expanded into engines and generators in the early 1920s, formed a joint venture in China in 2007 for small gasoline engines, acquired Clarke Energy in 2017, and in 2023 announced separating its Energy group to be acquired by Platinum Equity and rebranded as Rehlko in 2024.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Fixtures (sinks, toilets, bathtubs) | Premium residential and commercial plumbing | $200 - $5,000 |
| Kitchen Faucets and Fittings | High-end single-lever and specialty controls | $150 - $1,800 |
| Showers and Shower Systems | Advanced digital and luxury shower experiences | $300 - $3,000 |
| Engines (small gasoline) | Industrial and portable power applications | $100 - $1,000 |
| Generators (mobile, industrial, residential) | Reliable backup and prime power solutions | $1,000 - $50,000 |
| Cabinetry and Furniture | Custom bathroom and kitchen storage | $500 - $4,000 |
Manufacturing
Kohler manufactures products primarily at its facilities in Kohler, Wisconsin, USA, with additional capacity from a joint venture in Chongqing, China for small gasoline engines and a UK subsidiary Kohler Mira Ltd. for showers. Production includes cast iron, ceramics, and plumbing fixtures in-house, without displacing U.S. engine manufacturing.
Notable Products
- Kohler Bathtub - First enameled cast-iron bathtub introduced in 1883, marking entry into plumbing.
- Mira Showers - Digital shower systems produced by UK subsidiary Kohler Mira Ltd.
- Signature Series Faucets - Premium single-lever lavatory and kitchen fittings.
- Industrial Generators - Power systems under Kohler, SDMO, and Lombardini brands for commercial use.
- Small Gasoline Engines - Single-cylinder engines from China joint venture for global markets.
Reputation
Kohler is regarded by professionals as a leader in durable plumbing fixtures and innovative bathroom design, with strong market share in ceramics and faucets. Enthusiasts praise its craftsmanship and heritage in cast-iron products. Criticisms include higher pricing compared to mass-market competitors and the offshoring of some engine production to China.