Kohler Co. Expands Power Division in India

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Company's Power and Plumbing Divisions Establish Manufacturing Presence

Delhi, India – April 2, 2008 – Kohler Co. (www.kohler.com), a U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and bath products, power products, home interiors and host of resort and golf destinations in Wisconsin, United States,  and Scotland, announces it will expand its Global Power Group division with a manufacturing plant in Aurangabad, India.Kohler Co. is the third-largest generator manufacturer worldwide and one of the oldest generator companies, having manufactured generators since the 1920s. Otto Kopietzki, President-Kohler Power Systems, Kohler Co., announced that the company would begin manufacturing diesel generators (from 15 kVA to 2000 kVA) for the India and neighboring markets, beginning May 2008, in Aurangabad. A second-phased expansion is planned for 2009.

This manufacturing plant in India is the second for Kohler Co., which broke ground on its first plant in 2006 in Baroda, Gujarat. That plant, scheduled to open next year, will manufacture vitreous china products (toilets, sinks, showers) for the kitchen and bath markets throughout India. To date, Kohler Co. has invested significantly in constructing and preparing the two India-based manufacturing plants. In addition, over the last two years, nearly 70 Kohler plumbing showrooms have opened, assisting architects, designers, builders and homeowners with various plumbing products for the kitchen and bath areas.

“We’re very pleased to be building our future here in India and introduce India to the Kohler brand,” said Mr. Kopietzki. “Like our Kitchen & Bath Group, the Global Power Group recognizes the ongoing growth in both the trade and consumer markets throughout this country. We can be more responsive to our customers by having a manufacturing existence here, and, specifically, design generators that meet the unique specifications addressing noise and emission levels.”

Kopietzki also added that the new manufacturing plants will be managed and operated by India residents.

The Kohler plant in Aurangabad will be managed by Sanjay Bondre, who will serve as managing director.

“With our generator manufacturing presence here, Kohler will be better suited to serve our commercial and industrial customers,” said Mr. Bondre, noting that that most urgent backup power needs are in the private retail, telecom, government, and small corporate segments. “And we’ve also witnessed solid growth in the home standby generator category, as many India residents seek automatic backup power due to frequent utility power failures that occur throughout the country.”

Bondre noted that while Kohler has been planning its manufacturing presence in India, the company has also been recruiting its dealer network, which would sell and service KOHLER generators for customers.

Kohler Co.’s expansion in Aurangabad is at the current Lombardini factory, which manufactures small gas, petrol and diesel engines for the commercial, construction, agriculture, lawn/garden and generator markets. Kohler acquired Lombardini Srl from Mark IV Luxembourg S.A.R.L., a subsidiary of Mark IV Industries, Inc. The acquisition was completed June, 2007.

Kohler Power Systems is part of Kohler Co.’s Global Power Group. Kohler Power Systems and its affiliate, SDMO Industries S.A.S., manufacture generators (marine, residential, industrial and mobile).  These generators are marketed worldwide under the KOHLER and SDMO brand names. Within the company’s Global Power Group, Kohler and its affiliate, Lombardini, Srl, also manufacture gasoline engines from 4 hp to 40 hp and diesel engines from 5 hp to 65 hp. These engines are marketed worldwide under the KOHLER and LOMBARDINI brand names. Also within the Global Power Group is Kohler Rental Power, Inc. which provides temporary power, climate control and luxury restrooms to the industrial, commercial, disaster recovery and event markets throughout the U.S.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin-USA, Kohler Co. is one of the oldest and largest privately-held companies in the United States.  Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.

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