From horse troughs to smart homes: the evolution of a Wisconsin manufacturing giant

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1873 with a $5,000 investment, Kohler Co. transformed from a small iron foundry into a global powerhouse. While famous for plumbing, the company has diversified into power generation, hospitality, and smart home technology, maintaining a unique, family-controlled structure that has navigated over a century of industrial change.

John Michael Kohler and Charles Silberzahn established the company in 1873 by purchasing the Sheboygan Union Iron and Steel Foundry. Initially producing farm implements and ornamental iron, the firm pivoted in 1883 when John Michael Kohler enameled a cast-iron horse trough, creating the company's first bathtub. This innovation anchored the business in plumbing, a sector where it remains a leader today. The company is one of the few remaining United States manufacturers of traditional cast iron bathtubs, though it has significantly expanded its portfolio to include cabinetry, tile, and furniture.

Beyond bathroom fixtures, Kohler has long been a major player in industrial power. It introduced residential backup generators in 1920 and later expanded into diesel and gasoline engines, powering everything from water pumps to off-road vehicles. The company's reach is global, with ventures like the 2007 Kohler-YinXiang Ltd. in China and the acquisition of Italian engine manufacturer Lombardini. In 2017, it acquired Clarke Energy, though by 2023, it announced plans to spin off its Energy group into an independent entity rebranded as Rehlko.

The company operates as a private, family-controlled entity, a status solidified by a 1998 share buyback program that limited external ownership. This structure has allowed for long-term strategic decisions, such as the development of Destination Kohler, a hospitality group featuring high-end golf courses and resorts. However, this history is not without friction. Kohler has faced multiple labor strikes, legal challenges regarding hiring practices, and environmental settlements, including a $20 million payment in 2020 for Clean Air Act violations. Today, the company continues to innovate through its Kohler Konnect line, which integrates smart, voice-controlled technology into traditional home fixtures.

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