1873

Kohler Co. is founded. John Michael Kohler and Charles Silberzahn purchase a Sheboygan foundry from John Michael's father-in-law, Jacob Vollrath, for $5,000. The company, iniatially named Kohler & Silberzahn, makes plows and other farm implements.

1878

Charles Silberzahn sells his minority interest to two employees, Herman Hayssen and John Stehn. The business is renamed Kohler, Hayssen & Stehn Manufacturing Company.

1880

The Kohler factory burns to the ground, and the company moves to a new facility in Sheboygan, adding an enameling shop.

1883

An enameled cast iron hog scalder/water trough is sold as a bathtub, marking the first of many plumbing products manufactured by Kohler Co.

1899

John Michael purchases 21 acres of farmland in Riverside, four miles west of Sheboygan, to build a new foundry and moves the company to this location.

1901

Robert J. Kohler is elected company President after his father John Michael Kohler's death in 1900.

1901

The new foundry is destroyed by fire. Operations return temporarily to Sheboygan while the Riverside foundry is rebuilt. At this time, the company is reorganized and renamed J.M. Kohler Sons Co.

1901

The foundry reconstruction is completed and production returns to Riverside.

1905

Walter J. Kohler is elected company President following the death of Robert Kohler, leading the Company for the next 35 years.

1911

Kohler Co. introduces the industry's first one-piece, built-in bath with an integral apron.

1912

The Company adopts its current name, Kohler Co. Riverside is incorporated as Kohler Village.

1916

Kohler Co. designates an annual Naturalization Day Foreign-born employees are given the day off with pay to file their "first papers" for U.S. citizenship.

1917

The Olmsted Brothers of Boston complete a 50-year master plan for the development of Kohler Village as a planned community.

1918

Kohler Co. opens The American Club^® to house single male employees in comfortable surroundings at an affordable cost.

1920

Kohler Co. enters the Power Systems business with the introduction of the Kohler Automatic Power & Light, the world's first engine-powered electric generator.

1922

Kohler Automatic Power & Light is modified for use on ships.

1924

A Walter Kohler initiative, the company starts the Kohler Stables which later becomes famous for the breeding of Morgan and Warmblood horses.

1924

Kohler Co. forms a Quarter Century Club, one of the first in American industry, to honor employees with 25 years of service.

1926

Kohler Co. opens a plant in the Village Kohler to manufacture faucets and other brass accessories.

1926

A forerunner to the modern dishwasher, Kohler introduces the Electric Sink, but it is later discontinued during the Great Depression.

1927

Kohler Co. begins production at its new pottery building, becoming a full-line plumbing products manufacturer.

1927

Kohler Co. scores a technological breakthrough when it offers cast iron and vitreous china plumbing products in matching pastel colors.

1929

KOHLER^® plumbing fixtures in black are exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

1929

Walter Kohler is sworn in as Governor of Wisconsin, while continuing to serve as Chairman, President and CEO of Kohler Co.

1934

Admiral Richard Byrd makes his second journey to the South Pole with seven additional KOHLER^® generators only to discover the original KOHLER^® generators left behind from his expedition in 1929 are still operational.

1937

Herbert V. Kohler, Sr., is elected President of Kohler Co.

1940

Marie, Evangeline and Lillie Kohler, together with Herbert Sr. and Executive Vice President O. A. Kroos, organize Kohler Foundation, Inc., which to this day suppports cultural, educational, environmental and other civic causes.

1941

In support of the World War II effort, Kohler Co. converts much of its production to torpedo tubes, shell fuses and other military components. Plumbing fixtures and generators are manufactures only for war housing, war industries, hospitals and military uses.

1946

Following victory in World War II, Kohler Co. converts back to peacetime production of plumbing fixtures. Kohler Co. becomes one of the first major manufacturers to bring a staple line of fixtures for small homes to market as millions of serviceman return home and search for housing.

1948

Kohler Co. begins producing and marketing small engines.

1954

UAW-CIO Local 833 strikes. The factory reopens within two months, but the strike continues for six years primarily over issues of a union shop and strict seniority in promotion.

1958

A new plant for the manufacture of vitreous china and fiberglass-reinforced plastic plumbing products in established in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It is the first Kohler Co. manufacturing operation outside of Winsconsin and is an important and visible sign pf growth.

1959

Kohler Co. introduces the first of four "interchangeable" engine models with a common mounting foot pattern and crank height.

1962

J. L. Kuplic is elected as the first company President from outside the Kohler family.

1964

Kohler Co. opens a plant in Mexico City to Produce small engines. Today Kohler de Mexico is the leading producer of engines for the Mexican market, and also produces for export.

1965

Kohler Co. introduces bathroom fixtures in "accent" colors, richer and more vibrant than the pastels of the 1920s.

1966

Kohler Co. reaches yet another impressive milestone when the one millionth engine comes off the assembly line.

1967

Advertising Manager Armond "Bud" Grube developed the concept of boldly colored products under the tagline THE BOLD LOOK OF KOHLER^®. It remains the tagline today.

1968

J. L. Kuplic, President, dies at age 56. Six days later, Herbert V. Kohler, Sr., Chairman, dies at age 76. Lyman Conger is elected Chairman. Walter Cleveland is elected President, Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. becomes Vice President-Operations.

1969

Kohler Co. begins production of shower and bath/shower combinations made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, with the fixture and walls neatly molded in one piece. The new fixtures are functional, attractive and easy to clean.

1972

Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., is elected Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Lyman Conger who retires after 50 years of service.

1973

Kohler Co. celebrates its 100th birthday with gala parties, new products and a "demonstration house" that was featured in "Better Homes & Gardens magazine."

1974

Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., becomes President, in addition to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

1974

Kohler Co. and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center bring the arts and industry close together with the development of the Arts/Industry program. Artist from around the world create original works during residencies in the comapny's pottery and foundry facilities. This highly successul collaboration continues to draw acclaim from the art world.

1974

Lines of low-consumption toilets, faucets and showerheads are introduced to reduce strain on municipal and private sewage systems, and to lower sewage and water treatment costs. The Wellworth^® Water-Guard^® toilets uses only 3.5 gallons of water per flush, a reduction of 30% from conventional toilets.

1975

A new facility for the production of vitreous china and fiberglass-reinforced plastic fixtures is built in Brownwood, Texas. The highly mechanized plant adds substantial capacity to Kohler Co.'s vitreous china production.

1975

To sustain its commitment to cast iron plumbing fixtures, Kohler Co. introduces a sophisticated electric induction iron-melting facility to replace the coke-fired cupolas which had been in continuous use since 1920.

1977

Kohler Co. introduces Environment, the world's first environmental enclosure. With the touch of a button, the user can program the Environment to simulate sun, gentle rain or warm breezes. The product receives extensive media coverage and earns a special award from the American Society of Interior Designers.

1977

A line of whirlpool bath is launched, providing consumers with aesthetically pleasing designs and superior operating whirlpool systems. The introduction marks two important firsts in the plumbing industry: (1) the first enameled cast iron whirlpool baths offered by a major full-line plumbing manufacturer, and (2) the first whirlpool baths offered in colors to match other KOHLER^® fixtures. Within two years, Kohler Co.'s offering becomes the largest volume U.S. line.

1977

The 2nd 50-Year Master Plan for Kohler Village is developed by The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

1978

Kohler Co. engineers receive a U.S. patent for an innovate timed flushing system which increases the efficiency of the company's one-piece, low-flow toilets.

1978

Kohler Co. opens a 500-acre wilderness preserve along the Sheboygan River known as River Wildlife. The untouched stretch of natural beauty allows its private membership access to hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and guided horseback rides.

1978

The American Club^® is closed to allow its renovation as a luxury hotel. The building is placed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring it can never be torn down.

1979

The Sports Core, a 35,000 square-foot athletic facility, completes one of the most comprehensive indoor sport and fitness centers in the nation. The facility supports everything from an outdoor running trail and Stairmaster equipment to Yoga and kick-boxing classes.

1980

Kohler Co. receives orders from five major hotels in the People's Republic of China, the first sales in China by an international plumbing products company since the 1930s.

1981

Hospitality & Real Estate forms as a Business Group with The American Club^®, River Wildlife and Sports Core.

1981

Following extensive renovations. The American Club^® reopens as a resort hotel. Today, it remains the Midwest's only AAA five Diamond resort hotel and has earned this distinction every year since 1986.

1983

The "New Shape of KOHLER^® Power" brings newly designed products and a revitalized commitment to quality within the Engine Division.

1984

Sterling Faucet Co. joins Kohler Co., marking the first acquisition in the company's 111-year history. Sterling represents a significant increase in faucet market share, synergistic manufacturing facilities and direct access to growing retail markets.

1985

The 36,000-square-foot Kohler Design Center is dedicated as a showcase for KOHLER^® products and dramatic design ideas in the kitchen and bath. Located at the company's Wisconsin headquarters, it is a source of inspiration for more than 140,000 consumers, builders, architects and designers annually, offering display of KOHLER^® plumbing products, as well as products from other Kohler companies.

1985

Inspired by decorated plumbing fixtures created by resident artists in the company pottery, Kohler Co. introduces Artist Editions, a portfolio of surface-decorated fixtures that make a striking statement in the bath and powder room.

1986

Kohler Co. enters the furniture business through the acquisition of Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc.

1986

Kohler Co. estalishes Kohler Japan KK, making a further commitment to the Japanese market, which is unique with its strong brand loyalties, color preferences and bathing customs.

1986

Sterling Faucet extends its product portfolio woth the purchase of Polar Stainless Products Corp. in Searcy, Arkansas. Polar was the country's leading producer of competitively priced stainless steel sinks.

1986

Kohler Co. establishes itself as a viable presence in Europe. Jacob Delafon, a major full-line manufacturer of plumbing products, joins the Kohler family of European businesses, providing the company with an established network of sales offices and distributors throughout Europe.

1986

The Engine Division introduces its first vertical-shaft engines, a twin-cylinder offering at 16 and 18 horsepower called Magnum.

1987

Woodlake Market and the Shops at Woodlake open in the Village of Kohler.

1987

To strengthen its western Canada distribution of fiberglass and acrylic fixtures, Kohler Co. acquires Hytec Manufacturing Ltd. located in Armstrong, British Columbia.

1987

Kohler Co. acquires the FRP Components Division of Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation. Vikrell becomes the trademark for the material used to form the sheet molded compound bathtubs and enclosures.

1988

Kohler Co. opens its first golf course, Blackwolf Run^®, which is named the year's best new public course by Golf Digesr magazine.

1988

Kohler Co. launches its "As I See It" consumer print advertising campaign.

1988

Kohler Co. acquires the Kinkead Division of USG Corp., the country's largest manufacturer of tub and shower enclosures.

1988

KOHLER^® Engines rolls out its first models of Command engines.

1989

Sensitive to new requirements for water conservation, Kohler Co. introduces the 1.5-gallon Wellworth^® Lite toilet.

1989

With tile an ever-increasing presence in the marketplace, Ann Sacks Tile and Stone, Inc., a custom tile manufacturer and retailer based in Porland, Oregon, joins the Kohler family of businesses. The company specializes in hand-made ceramic tile, marble and stone.

1989

Kallista Inc. joins the Kohler family of businesses offering elegant, high-end plumbing products that appeal to the interior design market.

1990

Kohler Co. expands its Interiors Group by acquiring McGuire Furniture Company.

1990

Kohler Stables' world champion stallion, Noble Flaire, is named "Morgan Horse of the Decade" by "Horse World" magazine.

1991

Kohler Co. begins making vitreous china products at a plant in Monterrey, Mexico.

1992

Kohler Co. introduces several barrier-free plumbing products in response to the issue of universal design for persons with physical limitations and disabilities. One of those products, the Precedence^TM whirlpool bath, wins a gold IDEA award for design excellence from the industrial Designers Society of America and "BusinessWeek" magazine.

1993

Kohler Co. acquires Saijura, S.A., a France-based manufacturer of bathroom vanities and cabinetry.

1994

Kohler Co. opens The Inn on Woodlake in the Village of Kohler.

1995

Known as Foshan Kohler, Ltd., a joint venture agreement with China's leading ceramic ware manufacturer represents an important first step in strengthening the company's position in China.

1995

Holdiam Inc., France's leading producer of acrylic baths and whirlpools, synthetic kitchen sinks and artistic faucets, joins the Kohler family of European businesses.

1996

Kohler Co. acquires Canac Kitchen, Ltd., a Canadian manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and Lumatech International Inc., a manufacturer of acrylic plumbing fixtures in the Dominican Republic.

1996

Kohler Co. forms Kohler Rental Power, entering the generator rental market.

1996

Kohler Co. creates a new line of above-counter lavatories called Vessels, which feature simple styling and inviting textures.

1996

A joint venture with a Beijing faucet manufacturer is concluded. Together, with its vitreous china operation in China's Gaungzhou province, Kohler Co. is positioned to complete effectively with other major international players.

1996

McGuire Furniture opens a plant in Indonesia.

1997

Kohler Co. builds an engine-manufacturing plant in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and opens a plant in Singapore to manufacture generators for the Asian market.

1997

Kohler Co. establishes a website, allowing the company to reach another niche consumer group.

1997

The one millionth Villager^™ bath tub, a core product of the KOHLER^® Cast Iron offering, is produced by the foundry's bath line.

1998

Kohler Co. begins producing cast iron and acrylic plumbing products at a wholly owned plant in China, near Shanghai.

1998

Baker Furniture subsidiary opens a PT Port Rush plant in Indonesia.

1998

Kohler Co. opens the Straits^® course at Whistling Straits^® on the shore of Lake Michigan northeast of the Village of Kohler.

1998

Se Ri Pak wins the U.S. Women's Open Championship in a playoff held at Blackwolf Run^® in the Village of Kohler.

1998

Kohler Co. receives a prestigious award from the National Society of Engineers for the innovate Overhead Cam (OHC) 18 HP engine. The award lauds the engine as the best new product in 1998.

1998

Kohler Co. celebrates its 125th anniversary.

1999

Baker Furniture opens a plant in Hildebran, North Carolina.

1999

Kohler Co. enters the German plumbing market by selling KOHLER^® brand products through OBI, the nation's largest home improvement retail store.

1999

Kohler® Engines introduces a new line of liquid-cooled engines called Aegis.

2000

Kohler Waters Spa opens in the Village of Kohler.

2000

Irish Course opens at Whistling Straits^®.

2000

Englefield Bathroomware joins the Kohler family of businesses. Englefield is New Zealand's largest and Australia's second largest manufacturer of acrylic bathroom fixtures. The addition provides Kohler Co. with expanded manufacturing, people and distribution throughout the Pacific region.

2000

Kohler Co. acquires a minority equity position in International de Ceramica (Interceramic), which begins distributing KOHLER^® plumbing products through its retail stores in Mexico.

2001

Following refurbishing, the Riverbend estate opens as a private membership club in Kohler.

2001

Kohler Co. associates respond to 9/11 terrorist attacks by building a mobile shower unit that is placed near Ground Zero in New York City to provide hot showers for relief workers. The unit contains nine showering stalls and four sinks, and was designed and built in six days by a team of 150 Kohler associates.

2001

Mira, the leading shower manufacturer in the United Kingdom, becomes a Kohler company.

2001

Kohler Co. launches the iconic sok^® overflowing bath, which garners significant media attention and wins numerous design awards.

2001

Kohler Co. hosts its inaugural Food & Wine Experience in the Village of Kohler.

2002

Kohler Co. constructs a stainless steel sink plant in Reynosa, Mexico.

2002

Kohler Co. acquires Karat Sanitaryware pic, which makes vitreous china products in Thailand for customers worldwide.

2002

Kohler Co. acquires Sauk Technologies, a fuel tank systems manufacturer.

2002

KOHLER^® Engines debuts a new line of Courage engines.

2003

Kohler Co. introduces KOHLER^® Original Recipe Chocolates.

2003

Kohler Co. publishes a corporate history book celebrating the 130th anniversary of the company. The book is titled "A Sense of Higher Design: The Kohlers of Kohler."

2003

Thailand launches the KOHLER^reg; brand with the opening of 12 new showrooms.

2003

The Kohler Answer Center receives its one-millionth registered call.

2004

Vijay Singh wins the 86th PGA Championship held at Whistling Straits^® after a three-hole playoff with Justin Leonard and Chris DiMarco.

2004

Kohler Co. acquires The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, and The Duke's golf course in St. Andrews, Scotland.

2004

Kohler Co. partners with "Food & Wine" magazine to build the "Ultimate Entertaining Home" in the Village of Kohler to showcase the company's various brands, products and services.

2004

Baker Furniture teams up with highly sought-after European designer Jacques Garcia and unveils the Jacques Garcia Collection.

2005

The KOHLER^® Store opens in Chicago's Merchandise Mart as the company's first retail outlet.

2005

Kohler Co. purchases SDMO, a leading generator manufacturer in France, as well as BES, a generator set maintenance company, and SOREEL, a producer of electrical equipment for distribution and control panels.

2005

The Wisconsin State Open is held at Blackwolf Run^®.

2005

Kohler Co. builds an addition to Kohler Waters Spa.

2005

Mira, a Kohler company, acquires Daryl Indutries, a United Kingdom-based manufacturer of shower enclosures.

2005

Kohler Co. intoduces its stylish and tankless Purist^® Hatbox^® toilets at New York City's annual Fashion Week, as well as places its Original KOHLER^® Restrooms throughout Bryant Park to raise the level of mobile bathroom luxury.

2005

Kohler Co. intoduces a new line of ultra-low carbon monoxide generators for the marine market.

2006

Kohler Co. introduces a new line of Mobile Generators for use in semi-truck cabs. They are compact, aircooled, diesel generators.

2006

Kohler Co. opens a second Kohler Water Spa located in The Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland.

2006

The renovated Duke's course in St. Andrews, Scotland reopens.

2006

Kohler Co. launches the KOHLER^® plumbing brand in India.

2006

Kohler Co. introduces the DTV^™ Custom Showering Experience, featuring a digital interface that brings a new level of technical innovation to the marketplace.

2007

The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa is named "Scottish Hotel of the Year" at the Hotel Review Scotland Awards.

2007

The U.S. Senior Open is held at Whistling Straits^®.

2007

Kohler Co. acquires Lombardini S.r.l., a diesel engine manufacturer headquartered in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

2007

The Craveria, Kohler Co.'s first storefront for KOHLER^® Original Recipe Chocolates and cafe, opens in The Shops at Woodlake.

2007

Kohler Co. wins its second Best New Product Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers, this time for its Cimarron^® Comfort Height^™ toilet with Class Five^™ flushing technology.

2007

Kohler Co. enters into a joint venture with YinXiang Ltd. in Chongquing, China, to produce high-volume KOHLER^® engines for low-horsepower markets.

2008

Kohler Co. acquires Mark David, an upscale provider of sourced case goods and upholstered seating to the hospitality industry.

2008

Kohler Co. acquires Uninterruptible Power Supplies Ltd. (UPSL) a leading UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system and service provider for the United Kingdom.

2008

Kohler Co. opens a Kohler Waters Spai Burr Ridge, Illinois. It is attached to a KOHLER^® Store and represents the first day spa concept for the company.

2008

The Inn on Woodlake in the Village of Kohler re-opens as a boutique hotel after a major renovation.