Bold Innovation Lives Here.
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Dreamers. Doers. Status quo busters. Be the change-rs. Nothing’s impossible-rs.
A spirit of innovation has defined us since 1873. From our roots as a bathtub manufacturer, the creativity and entrepreneurial energy of our associates has built us into one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies.
We are proud to be recognized as one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators, landing at #10 on the 2022 list, as well as winner of the Sustainability category and a finalist in the Large Companies category. Fueled by the passion of 40,000 associates worldwide, we are committed to providing the support, resources, and inspiration to drive meaningful change in our workplaces, communities, and world. We believe in challenging our own conventions and stretching our imaginations every day—to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.
Most important, we celebrate our bold innovators—the creators, influencers, and visionaries behind every Kohler product, brand, and experience all around the world.
Innovation for Good®: Looking Ahead
Since 2011, Kohler’s Innovation for Good program has brought together associates from around the world. We take a lookat our success stories, hear from associates competing for the I-Prize, and imagine a future in which innovating solutions with a social purpose is part of every Kohler associate’s workday.
A New Beginning Through Art and Sustainability
Driven by a passion for innovative sustainability, KOHLER WasteLAB® takes landfill-bound materials left over from the manufacturing process and converts them into functional products of style and beauty.
Kohler Co. 2021 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report
Kohler is committed to transparency, engagement, and consistent communication of our Believing in Better® initiatives, and we will continue to build on our alignment with established ESG standards. Our report was prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.
Kicking Food Waste to the Curb
The ingenuity and enthusiasm of Kohler Sustainability Champion Joe Austreng kick-started our Hospitality & Real Estate group’s commitment to reducing food waste across our restaurants, banquet halls, and production kitchens. Since 2018, the team has used a Grind2Energy food digester to convert more than 200 tons of food waste into renewable energy and compost, as they work toward their ultimate goal of sending zero food waste to the landfill.
Award-Winning Power
The Kohler Power team took home the Business Intelligence Group’s 2021 Sustainability Product of the Year Award for the KD Series™ generator. The industrial-grade, diesel-powered generator provides backup power for large hyperscale and regional global data centers. It also provides a key advantage over traditional systems: the KD Series exhaust aftertreatment technology eliminates the need for diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalysts, resulting only in the harmless exhaust byproducts of nitrogen and steam, and delivering best-in-class emissions technology.
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary
Talented culinary experts like Nicolas Blouin are the passion, charm, and inspiration behind Kohler Hospitality dining. As a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Pastry Chef, Nicolas brings his international experience and bold creativity to the delectable dessert offerings across Destination Kohler.
Pioneers in Visual Storytelling
This year, The Beacon, our in-house creative talent behind the Kohler Co. brands, earned 10 Telly Awards, which honor excellence in video content across all screens. A highlight was their “Find Your Just Right” commercial, a delightful spin on the modern-day Goldilocks, which is clever, quirky and visually stunning all at once.
A First-Of-Its-Kind Handwashing Solution
Kohler industrial designer Hiro Chung and his team set out to innovate the commercial handwashing space, combining the feeling of nature with ultimate functionality. Their innovative Waterfoil™ sink creates the sensation of dipping your hands into a river, while combining the ease and sanitation of a fully integrated faucet, soap dispenser, and dryer.
A Lasting Impact With Patents to Spare
Perry Erickson represents ingenuity, perseverance, and courage to take bold chances. The recipient of our most recent Walter J. Kohler Patent Award, the senior staff engineer is named on 34 U.S. patents and has been a key contributor to many of our iconic and award-winning faucet lines. “Don’t be afraid to try the off-the-wall ideas. Don’t be afraid of failure. Don’t be afraid of sharing your ideas with others.”
The Journey to Gendered Innovations
Kathryn Clouse rallied associates across Kohler Co. for an inclusive, female-centric design challenge.
Kohler Sustainability’s Rising Star
Industry-recognized sustainability leader Ashley Fahey is changing the way we make and design products.
The New World of Manufacturing
Wisconsin Women in Manufacturing Hall of Famer Peggy Gulick shares what it’s really like to work in manufacturing—and it may not be what you think.
United for Safe Water.
Kohler rallies Manchester United fans to support its United for Safe Water campaign.
Innovation for Good®
Kohler engineer James Bourne took the I-Prize for designing a new handwashing solution for the developing world.
An Architectural Masterpiece
Panoramic lake views. Stunning architecture. Handcrafted details. The Straits Chapel is a sight to behold. Learn how interior designer Niti Bhatt and architect Michael Olson brought the unique venue to life.
Safe Sanitation for the Developing World
Our water technology engineers, including Mike Radloff, set out to offer a basic sanitation option to areas that need it most. The KOHLER® pour-flush toilet is an affordable seated toilet and safe alternative to disease-spreading open defecation.
David Kohler, President & CEO, Kohler Co.
"Our people are at the heart of what we do and the reason why our continued efforts are so effective. As we look ahead, it is our people, our innovation, and our community that inspire us to keep working toward a better future for all people and the planet."
Laura Kohler, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Stewardship, and Sustainability, Kohler Co.
"We believe that when our associates are empowered to find purpose in their work—whether that is through in-house sustainability efforts, community engagement, or developing new products for underserved individuals—they truly improve the world."
Bold Innovators Belong Here.
Drive change. Make waves. Fail big. Achieve even bigger. Make your work matter.