KOHLER, Wis. — Kohler Co., founded in 1873, has forged a legacy of creating innovations for kitchen and bath spaces, energy-resiliency products, luxury hospitality experiences, and major championship golf.
Kohler’s teams of creators around the world are the foundation of the Kohler brand, along with consumers and trade communities who bring the company’s products to life in creative and artistic ways. As Kohler embarks on its 150th anniversary, the global organization invites all associates, partners, and customers to participate in the celebration through a series of special events and activations around the world, including limited-edition product releases, commemorative apparel, and storytelling through digital content — all captured under the anniversary theme of “Come All Creators.”
“Bold moves and an entrepreneurial spirit are in our DNA and have deep meaning within our organization — starting with our founder, John Michael Kohler, who formed our company in Wisconsin, together with an immigrant workforce, creating new and better lives for their families,” said David Kohler, chair and CEO, Kohler, the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership, and the ninth person to lead the company. “As we celebrate our 150 years of achievements, learnings, and growth, we encourage all passionate creators to join our pursuit of continuous improvement in providing gracious living for future generations through better design, innovation, wellness, and sustainability.”
“The ingenuity and passion of our associates and customers are the catalysts to creating new ideas, effective partnerships, and a better world for future generations,” said Laura Kohler, chief sustainability and DEI officer, Kohler. “Looking back on Kohler’s many pioneering milestones inspires us to look forward and create new avenues to improve our planet, lives, and communities — one idea, one product, one partnership, and one act of impact at a time.”
Throughout the yearlong celebration, Kohler will pay homage to its unique 150-year heritage while looking ahead to an innovative future joined by valued partners, talented artists, and explorers. To help bring the initiative to life, Kohler Co. partnered with American artist and innovator Daniel Arsham to conceive the commemorative 150th anniversary creative identity through logos and marks, typography, and lettering to meld the company’s storied heritage with its “leading boldly” approach to the future.
2023 “Come All Creators” Initiatives include the following.
KOHLER Heritage Colors Product Launch — Kohler will launch some of the company’s most iconic and best-selling designs in two signature heritage colors to be announced this spring and available for purchase in summer of 2023. Kohler’s introduction of vibrant, colorful products was received with great acclaim in 1927 and remains an innovative movement within the company’s design leadership today.
KOHLER x Robert Swan — Modern day explorer Robert Swan, the only person to walk to both the North and South poles, partnered with Kohler on his successful Undaunted Expedition across the Antarctic landmass. Swan reached the geographic South Pole on Jan. 10, relying solely on Kohler renewable energy solutions. Swan’s trek pays tribute to Rear Admiral Richard Byrd, aviator and the first polar explorer to walk to Antarctica in 1929, who also relied exclusively on Kohler generators to power his journey.
Global Market Events — Several other 150thanniversary activations and events are planned across the globe over the next year at Kohler Experience Centers, Kohler Signature Stores, and at various trade shows and events in 2023. The company is also planning celebrations with its associates — past and present — and a communitywide celebration in the Village of Kohler, the company’s global headquarters.