All Plumbing Repair Blog

You know all about the “The Bold Look of Kohler.” Today we are going to learn about the bold history of Kohler.

Kohler Plumbing History

Kohler is known for their plumbing products, furniture, engines, and generators.  Kohler was founded in 1873 by Austrian immigrant John Michael Kohler when he and Charles Siberzahn purchased a cast iron and steel foundry from Sheboygan Union Iron and Steel Foundry in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.  The company at this time is named Kohler and Siberzahn, and sells farm equipment.  Five years later Siberzahn sells his share to two employees, Herman Hayssen and John Stehn.  Unfortunately tragedy struck the plant two years later as it caught fire and burned to the ground.  Showing its resiliency, the company would rebound and move to another facility.

At the turn of the century, the man Kohler is named after passed away.  Robert J. Kohler, is elected company president, keeping the Kohler name within the Kohler family.  Later that year a second Kohler plant would burn down, operations would be moved back to the original Kohler plant in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.  In 1905, Robert J. Kohler dies.  The mantle of leadership is passed to Walter J. Kohler.

Below is a picture of an early Kohler toilet.  This toilet was gravity powered.  The water overhead pushes the contents of the toilet into the sewage system.

Kohler 1904 Catalog

In 1911 Kohler would make history by introducing the industry’s first, one-piece built-in bath tub. Shortly after Kohler is officially named what we recognize today, Kohler Co.  In 1920 Kohler would again make history introducing the first engine-powered electric generator. Far a head of its time Kohler introduced the Electric Sink (a precursor to the modern dish washer) in 1926.  Unfortunately such a revolutionary product came at a bad time.  The Electric Sink was discontinued during the Great Depression.  Before the end of roaring twenties, Walter J. Kohler, President of Kohler Co. is sworn in as the Governor of Wisconsin.

With the outbreak of World War II Kohler alters production in its factories to support the war effort.  Kohler would produce torpedos, shells, and other military components for the remainder of the war.  Following the Allied victory, Kohler moved its production back to residential and commercial plumbing and engine products.  In 1958, Kohler would choose Spartanburg, South Carolina as the site of its first factory outside of Wisconsin.  In 1962 J. L. Kuplic becomes the first President of Kohler outside of the Kohler family.  In the late 60s advertising manager Armond Grube got an idea.  That idea became the company’s tag line, “The Bold Look of Kohler.”

Part of the “Kohler Saves Water” campaign, this advertisement appeared in magazines during the 70s.

Kohler Saves Water

In 1973 Kohler celebrated its 100th birthday.  Today Kohler products are available in American hardware and home improvement stores ranging from bath and kitchen fixtures, to small industrial engines.   Recently Kohler has been dipping its feet in the consumer furniture market.  If you want to learn more about Kohler visit them online at www.kohler.com.