Kohler Co. produces its plumbing products in a mix of U.S. and international factories. Toilets: Kohler maintains three large toilet plants in the U.S. (Kohler, WI; Brownsville, TX; Spartanburg, SC) plus a major factory in Monterrey, Mexico . Bathtubs and sinks: Traditional cast-iron tubs and sinks are still made at its Wisconsin foundry . Other bath fixtures (Fiberglass, acrylic tubs, stainless sinks) come from domestic and overseas plants. For example, Sterling-brand acrylic baths and showers are now built at new U.S. plants – a Casa Grande, AZ factory (1M sq ft, opened 2024) and an existing Huntsville, AL plant – producing Vikrell composite bathtubs and shower units .
Figure: Inside Kohler’s Mosel, WI generator plant (photo: Kohler)
Power Systems (Engines and Generators)
Kohler’s engines and generators are built in dedicated global plants. In the U.S., large industrial generators (Diesel/ATS systems) are assembled at the Mosel, Wisconsin factory – recently expanded by 155,000 sq.ft. – and smaller residential generators are put together in Hattiesburg, Mississippi . Kohler also manufactures engines worldwide: a joint venture in Chongqing, China (Kohler-YinXiang Ltd., 2007) produces small gasoline engines . Diesel engines are made in Europe and Asia (e.g. Kohler’s Reggio Emilia, Italy plant) and Kohler’s India engine factory in Aurangabad was expanded for new engine lines . In short, Kohler “manufactures engines and complete power systems” on four continents , with North American generator production (Mosel, Hattiesburg) complemented by international engine plants.
Figure: Kohler’s new Innovation Center (University of Illinois) highlights company focus on R&D (photo: KBB)
Other Product Lines
Beyond plumbing and power, Kohler’s other divisions also have global production. Its kitchen sinks and accessories (stainless steel, Neoroc) are produced in Kohler’s design labs and partner plants worldwide (for example Kohler India markets luxury sinks made regionally). Kohler Interiors brands (like cabinetry, furniture, tile) are often built in North America (Ann Sacks tile in Washington state, Robern cabinets in Ontario) or through acquisitions abroad – but detailed locations are not always public. In all cases, Kohler balances “Made in USA” craftsmanship (headquarters are still in Wisconsin ) with regional factories serving local markets. Globally, Kohler operated “more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide” as of 2022 . This includes 40+ factories for kitchen & bath products alone (42 plants in 12 countries by 2017 ). The footprint is truly global: for example, Kohler has 11 plants in China (making cabinets, plumbing fixtures, etc. ) and multiple Asian sites (Indonesia, Thailand, etc.) to serve those markets, while still keeping significant U.S. manufacturing in Wisconsin, Texas, South Carolina, and Arizona.
Design and R&D
Kohler’s product design and R&D are centered in Wisconsin but extend globally through innovation partnerships. The Kohler Design Center in Kohler, WI showcases product history, and major design teams work from the corporate headquarters. Kohler also runs innovation hubs: for example, in 2023 Kohler opened an Innovation Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Research Park. This center “supports research and design efforts” in robotics, electro-mechanical systems, and manufacturing technologies (and focuses on supply-chain optimization, factory automation, etc. ). These efforts complement in-house development: Kohler maintains engineering and IT centers (e.g. a Pune technical center and Illinois IT hub) to advance new product features (touchless tech, smart fixtures, cleaner generators). In summary, Kohler emphasizes R&D both at its U.S. headquarters and via global partnerships (Illinois, Asia design studios, etc.), even as much manufacturing is carried out regionally to serve different markets.
Sources: Authoritative Kohler press releases, industry news and company reports (Kohler Co., KB&B, Wall St. Journal, China Daily, etc.) provide the above details on plant locations and operations . (Kohler’s official sites and reputable publications were used for each fact.)