Kohler Co.

Kohler Co. is a global, privately held manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. Founded in 1873, it is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States, renowned for its plumbing products, power systems, and luxury hospitality experiences. The company operates across three primary business groups—Kitchen & Bath, Power, and Hospitality & Real Estate—with a significant global footprint encompassing manufacturing facilities, showrooms, and destination resorts. Its enduring legacy is marked by a blend of industrial innovation, distinctive design, and a unique company-owned community model.

History

The company's origins trace to 1873 when Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler purchased the Sheboygan Union Iron and Steel Foundry in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Initially producing farm implements and ornamental iron, a pivotal innovation occurred in 1883 when Kohler enameled a cast-iron horse trough and added legs, creating the company's first bathtub and entering the plumbing fixtures market. Under the leadership of Walter J. Kohler Sr., who became president in 1905, the company was incorporated as Kohler Co. in 1912. A significant chapter in its history was the Kohler strikes, particularly the violent 1934 strike that required intervention by the Wisconsin National Guard and became a notable event in American labor history. Post-World War II, leadership under Herbert V. Kohler Sr. and later Herbert V. Kohler Jr. oversaw dramatic international expansion, diversification into engines and generators, and the development of Destination Kohler, transforming the company into a multifaceted global enterprise.

Products and brands

Kohler's portfolio is anchored by its flagship Kitchen & Bath group, which includes a vast array of plumbing fixtures, faucets, sinks, and toilets sold under the Kohler and Kallista brands. The Power group encompasses Kohler Engines, manufacturing small engines for outdoor power equipment, and Kohler Power Systems, a leader in generators and distributed energy solutions. Through its Hospitality & Real Estate group, the company owns and operates luxury destinations, most notably The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, and the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland. Other notable brands include Robern (mirrored cabinets), Ann Sacks (tile and stone), Baker Furniture, and McGuire Furniture.

Operations and facilities

Kohler maintains a vast global operational network with major manufacturing plants across the United States, including its historic facilities in Kohler, Wisconsin, and Spartanburg, South Carolina. Significant international manufacturing and technology centers are located in China, India, Mexico, and throughout Europe. The company's headquarters and the adjoining village of Kohler, Wisconsin represent a unique model of a company town, with much of the community's infrastructure, housing, and amenities historically developed and maintained by the company. Its products are distributed through a worldwide network of plumbing showrooms, hardware stores, home centers, and power equipment dealers.

Corporate affairs

As a private, family-owned company for over 150 years, Kohler has been led by four generations of the Kohler family, with David Kohler serving as Chairman and CEO since 2015. The company's governance and long-term strategy are notably private, allowing for significant reinvestment and patient capital. It has engaged in major legal and financial undertakings, including a high-profile dispute in 2018 with family members over a stock redemption plan, which was ultimately settled. Kohler's corporate structure is characterized by its three main business groups, each operating as a distinct global entity while sharing the corporate brand and resources.

Environmental and social initiatives

Kohler has implemented several initiatives focused on sustainability and water conservation, notably through its WaterSense labeled products and the Kohler Stewardship goals targeting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and waste. The company is a major sponsor of the arts, including its long-running Kohler Arts Center and the Arts/Industry residency program at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. It also supports various community and social programs through the Kohler Trust for Preservation and the Kohler Trust for Clean Water. In the realm of sports, Kohler is known for its ownership and management of championship golf courses, including Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits, which have hosted major tournaments like the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup.