About Us
KOHLER FAMILY OF BUSINESSES
Over the course of its history, Kohler has expanded from a plumbing products company into a global, multi-industry leader, providing quality products in each of our core family of businesses. Our innovative design, craftsmanship and technology help us maintain a leadership role in our industries and provide our customers with a path to more gracious living.
KITCHEN AND BATH
Recognized as a global leader in design and innovation, the Kitchen & Bath Group manufactures fixtures, faucets, cabinetry and accessories for residential, commercial and industrial markets worldwide.
GLOBAL POWER GROUP
Providing dependable residential, industrial and marine power solutions, the Global Power Group manufactures generators, transfer switches, switchgear and controllers, and engines.
HOSPITALITY AND REAL ESTATE
The Hospitality & Real Estate Group’s portfolio boasts the first and only five-star hotel property in Wisconsin, world-class championship golf courses as well as a 5 AA Red Star property.
DECORATIVE PRODUCTS
Distinctive products for discriminating designers, hoteliers, and consumers.
HISTORY
Our company's founder, John Michael Kohler, was an Austrian immigrant, a businessman, and a visionary.
Determined to make a name for himself, John Michael Kohler purchased a cast iron and steel foundry in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1873, and settled into life on the shores of Lake Michigan. That might have been the end of the story, with John Michael fading gently into obscurity. Instead, he made the fateful decision one day to coat an iron horse trough with enamel and market it as a bathtub.
The bathtub was an instant hit and a new, exciting business was born. From those humble beginnings, our company has grown beyond what John Michael might have ever imagined, and the Kohler name has become synonymous with quality and originality.
Today, that same spirit lives on at Kohler and in each of our four business units.
DECORATIVE PRODUCTS
KITCHEN AND BATH GROUP
GLOBAL POWER GROUP
HOSPITALITY GROUP
Learn more about our history as one of America's oldest and largest privately-held companies by viewing the Kohler History Timeline.
MISSION STATEMENT
We have always believed in the concept of gracious living. It’s a term we pioneered, and it means that we are dedicated to making sure that our products and services bring charm, good taste and generosity of spirit to the lives of our customers.
Gracious living also means an appreciation for nature and the world around us. Taking care of our environment and thinking of new ways to protect our resources is at the very heart of our mission.
We focus on this goal of gracious living every day, and every day we renew our promise to bring its spirit to everything we do.