Since 1873

Kohler — 151 Years of Bathroom & Kitchen Excellence

Founded in Sheboygan, Wisconsin by John Michael Kohler, we began as an iron & steel foundry. Today, Kohler Co. is one of America's oldest and largest privately-held companies — a global leader in bathroom and kitchen products, engines, generators, and hospitality.

What has never changed across 151 years is our founding belief: that design, engineering, and craftsmanship must combine to create products of extraordinary quality.

Work With Kohler

Kohler Co. Headquarters, Kohler, Wisconsin

Our History

Milestones in Innovation

1873

The Founding — Kohler Iron & Steel

John Michael Kohler casts an iron horse trough and garden seat using scrap metals in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. A business is born.

1883

The First Bathtub

By adding four legs to a horse trough and baked on enamel coating, Kohler created its first bathtub — sold for $0.55 above the price of the hog scalder it derived from.

1926

The Kohler Village

Herbert V. Kohler Sr. establishes the planned company village of Kohler, Wisconsin — a model industrial community that still operates today.

1966

Color Revolution

Kohler introduces the first coloured vitreous china bathroom suite — shattering the industry assumption that bathrooms had to be white.

2015

Kohler Konnect™ Smart Platform

Launch of Kohler's first connected bathroom ecosystem — enabling voice, app, and sensor control across the entire product range.

2023

150 Years — Gracious Living Redefined

Kohler celebrates 150 years with the launch of the Numi® 2.0 Intelligent Toilet and a global commitment to carbon-neutral manufacturing by 2035.

What We Stand For

The Kohler Brand Values

Design Excellence

Every Kohler product is designed with aesthetic intent. We believe a toilet, a faucet, or a basin can be as considered as any piece of furniture or art.

Engineering Precision

Our products are tested beyond industry requirements. AquaPiston® flush technology, ceramic disc valves, and ASSE-certified thermostatic systems are engineered to outlast the building.

Responsible Innovation

Technology must serve people and the planet. Our WaterSense® certified products and renewable energy manufacturing commitments reflect the Kohler Co. Environmental Sustainability Plan.

Gracious Living

Since our founding, we have believed that well-designed functional products enhance the quality of daily life — a principle Herbert V. Kohler Jr. called "gracious living."

Partner with Kohler on Your Next Project

Whether you're an architect, interior designer, contractor, or developer — our specification team is ready to support your project from concept to completion.

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