Cutting-edge greenfield plant produces STERLING brand bathing and showering products to meet growing demand and enhance customer experience Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath products headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, officially opened the doors to its new manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event hosted by company leadership. Among Read more
Kohler Co.
Cutting-edge greenfield plant produces STERLING brand bathing and showering products to meet growing demand and enhance customer experience
Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath products headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, officially opened the doors to its new manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event hosted by company leadership. Among those in attendance were Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, some of the new Kohler associates filling more than 400 full-time administrative and production positions, state and local officials, and Kohler customers.
The facility produces STERLING brand bath and shower fixtures and is approximately one million square feet on 216 acres with room for future expansion. The multi-million dollar capital investment features an innovative manufacturing facility, ancillary warehouse, distribution center, office space, and cafeterias. The site also includes a best-in-class showroom for customers and visitors to view leading-edge products.
“Arizona is a recognized hub of excellence for manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability, all of which are enhanced by the addition of Kohler’s new state-of-the-art facility,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “As one of the world’s most recognized brands known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Kohler strengthens Arizona’s rapidly growing manufacturing industry.”
The ceremony was attended by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Kohler Chair and CEO David Kohler, company leaders and associates, state and local officials, and Kohler customers. Participating in the ribbon cutting were: (left to right) Tracy Jaeger, VP & GM of Bathing & Showering – Kohler Co.; John Bishopp, Plant Manager – Kohler Co.; Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland; Governor Katie Hobbs; David Kohler, Chair & CEO of Kohler Co.; Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainable Living Officer – Kohler Co.; Norb Schmidt, President of Kitchen & Bath North America – Kohler Co.; Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; Heath Holtz, Chief Operations & Supply Chain Officer – Kohler Co.; and David Mortenson, Chairman – Mortensen.
“We welcome our new associates to Kohler Co. and look forward to being an active participant in the greater Casa Grande community, contributing to its growing economy and quality of life, providing good-paying jobs and benefits, and offering opportunities for career development and advancement,” said Norbert Schmidt, President-Kitchen & Bath North America for Kohler. “The new plant provides the capacity to support our strong growth projections for STERLING to better serve our customers with the highest level of quality and delivery. We thank our loyal customers and partners who have been crucial in helping to build our STERLING business to what it is today.”
The plant incorporates smart factory elements and production technology that create durable and stylish baths, shower receptors, and bath/shower walls. The company will also track key sustainability measures to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, water use, solid waste, as well as energy efficiency.
In March, Kohler was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $51.2 million, matched by company investment, to demonstrate a commercial scale decarbonization solution at the Casa Grande plant.
Kohler is pursuing an electric boiler and microgrid system and expects the upgrades to prevent at least 7,865 MT CO2e from being released annually. This represents a reduction of at least 90% of the pressing process emissions by eliminating CO2e emissions from natural gas boilers. Kohler will incorporate electric boilers, install a 21MW solar array microgrid, utilize long-duration energy storage (LDES) batteries with 68MWh of storage, and install 12MW of HVO-capable KOHLER industrial backup generators. The LDES batteries coupled with advanced microgrid controls eliminate all possible solar curtailment scenarios and enable the facility to run the boilers on renewable energy while performing solar smoothing, thereby reducing carbon emissions.
Additionally in 2023, Kohler supported a multi-year project led by Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Arizona State University, and Bridgestone to convert high water use crops to low water use crops to alleviate water stress on the local aquifers.
“The City of Casa Grande welcomes Kohler Company with open arms and is pleased that the organization has invested in us for the long-term. A global force in kitchen and bath, Kohler has established itself as a highly successful forward-thinking organization that cares for and contributes to its local communities,” said Craig McFarland, Mayor of Casa Grande. “We are proud to have Kohler as an integral member of our community.”
“Kohler’s new facility is a significant win for Casa Grande and Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Kohler’s sustainable manufacturing facility showcases Arizona’s attractiveness as a premier global destination for advanced manufacturing. We’re grateful an iconic company like Kohler is investing in our state while creating hundreds of skilled jobs in rural Arizona.”
“In opening this massive factory in Casa Grande, Kohler is capitalizing on the advantages Greater Phoenix offers in serving its customer base in the western U.S.,” said Chris Camacho, Greater Phoenix Economic Council President & CEO. “This globally recognized brand has found a home for manufacturing, warehousing and office space, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome them into the market.”
Efforts focused on water conservation and safe access, innovative product development, and diverse hiring Kohler Co. released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report with key metrics of the company’s Believing in Better philosophy outlining ambitions and progress across environmental sustainability; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and social impact initiatives. “Over the past year, we Read more
Efforts focused on water conservation and safe access, innovative product development, and diverse hiring
Kohler Co. released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report with key metrics of the company’s Believing in Better philosophy outlining ambitions and progress across environmental sustainability; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and social impact initiatives.
“Over the past year, we made substantial progress advancing Kohler’s environmental sustainability, DEI, and social impact strategies. We established targets for relevant Scope 3 emissions, conducted a climate risk assessment, and continued to innovate new products that conserve water and materials,” says David Kohler, Chair and CEO, Kohler Co. “We increased investment in Kohler WasteLAB to advance the company’s circularity strategy and acquired businesses like Heila Technologies and Curtis Instruments to strengthen our clean energy offerings.”
In 2022, Kohler intensified the operationalization of its environmental practices around energy, water, and waste; continued to advance its diversity hiring; engaged more associates to give back to their communities; and expanded programs and partnerships that positively impact lives through arts, education, health, and wellbeing support. Highlights from the 2022 report include:
- GHG, water, and waste intensity reductions: Achieved 16% reduction in GHG emissions, 10 percent reduction for water, and 23 percent reduction in waste, respectively
- Global operational energy use intensity reduction: Saw a 41% reduction since 2008, an increase from 30 percent in 2021
- Water savings and products: Contributed 88 billion gallons of water saved in 2022, and over 560 billion gallons saved since 2007, with Kohler WaterSense-labeled products
- Diverse hiring: Exceeded 2022 goal for diverse hiring with 53 percent of new hires, permanent and exempt, in the US representing diverse backgrounds
- Associate engagement: Hosted over 300 associate-led global community engagement activities, up from 80 in 2021, and increased the number of Business Resource Groups (BRGs) available to associates to 10 – including Bold Ability (creating a disability friendly workplace) and ARK (Asian Resources of Kohler)
- Lives impacted: Positively impacted over 1 million lives in 2022 and more than 17.1 million since 1990 through Kohler Safe Water for All, educational, and arts and industries programs
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made to bring more innovative, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable solutions to more people, in addition to providing safe water and sanitation for communities that lack equitable access,” says Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainability and DEI Officer. “Our passionate associates and leadership are integrating our Believing in Better philosophy into business strategies and operations which generates ideas and actions for improvement across the organization.”
In 2022, Kohler also expanded its efforts to promote energy resiliency and resource conservation, as well as innovations in renewable and clean energy solutions.
- Kohler Kitchen and Bath continued to lead in U.S. EPA WaterSense-labeled offering by certifying 85 new products across toilets, bathroom faucets and showerheads.
- Continued expansion of global EPD and Declare label product transparency offerings.
- The company’s in house innovation incubator for products with a social purpose, Innovation for Good, launched a porcelain pour flush toilet (Kohler Rinse) for communities without access to piped water and electricity.
- Kohler’s subsidiary, Mira, launched HeatCapture™ which is a double wall stainless steel heat exchanger to help specifiers and new build developers in the UK comply with new reduced emissions regulations.
- Meanwhile, Kohler’s Clarke Energy was part of a consortium that won the 2022 Water Breakthrough Challenge sponsored by Ofwat to support the demonstration of an innovative carbon capture and conversion system at the Severn Trent wastewater treatment site in England.
- Additionally, Kohler partnered with Polar explorer Robert Swan on his excursion through Antarctica to the Geographic South Pole where he relied only on renewable energy sources. Kohler equipped him with a customized KOHLER generator that utilized a KOHLER diesel engine fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The off-grid sustainable system provided the energy needed to operate Swan’s base camp and provide battery charge to his mobile equipment.
To read more on Kohler’s progress and impact, you can access the 2022 ESG Report here: https://www.kohlercompany.com/social-impact/believing-in-better/
Board members approved, Rethink Water initiative launched at 68th Annual Meeting of the Membership Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) announced the election of Sal Gattone as president of the 2023 PMI Board of Directors during PMI’s 68th Annual Meeting of the Membership yesterday. The leader of research and development projects at LIXIL, Gattone succeeds Martin Knieps, senior director Read more
Board members approved, Rethink Water initiative launched at 68th Annual Meeting of the Membership
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) announced the election of Sal Gattone as president of the 2023 PMI Board of Directors during PMI’s 68th Annual Meeting of the Membership yesterday. The leader of research and development projects at LIXIL, Gattone succeeds Martin Knieps, senior director, operational excellence, Viega LLC. Knieps will remain on the board as immediate past president. The meeting was held during the PMI22 Manufacturing Success Conference in Louisville.
In addition to Gattone and Knieps, the other members of the 2023 board will be board vice president Chip Way, Lavelle Industries; board secretary/treasurer Cambria McLeod, Kohler Co.; and at-large directors Kevin Campbell, Moen, Inc.; Daniel Gleiberman, Sloan Valve Co.; Bob Neff, Delta Faucet Co.; and Belinda Wise, Kerox, Ltd.
“I am delighted and honored to lead as the next president of the PMI Board of Directors,” Gattone stated. “We are at a pivotal juncture. Record-breaking temperatures this summer, combined with historic drought conditions, remind us of the urgency with which we need to act to tackle water conservation challenges at every level of government. In collaboration with my colleagues at PMI, we will continue to focus on water efficiency, advising key stakeholders on proactive measures we can implement to advance responsible use of our water resources.”
Board photo caption: l-r: Bob Neff, Delta Faucet Co.; Belinda Wise, Kerox, Ltd.; Daniel Gleiberman, Sloan Valve Co.; 2023 board vice president Chip Way, Lavelle Industries; 2023 board president Sal Gattone, LIXIL; 2023 board secretary/treasurer Cambria McLeod, Kohler Co.; Kevin Campbell, Moen, Inc.; and 2022 board president Martin Knieps.
Gattone thanked Knieps for his contributions as the 2022 PMI board president. He also announced that the 69th Annual Meeting of the Membership will be held as part of the PMI23 Manufacturing Success Conference from Oct. 23-26, 2023, at the Lotte Hotel in Seattle.
In remarks summing up 2022, Knieps recognized PMI member companies that joined during the year – BOCCHI, Speakman and Uponor. He presented the PMI President’s Award to Troy Benavidez, leader, international governmental relations and policy, LIXIL International.
PMI introduces Rethink Water initiative
PMI’s Rethink Water initiative is an effort to assure clean and safe water for future generations by building a coalition of individuals, organizations and policymakers with a shared vision of sustainably managed water.
Knieps introduced a video about the initiative and emphasized the importance of addressing the water shortages caused by climate change and aging infrastructure. Rethink Water is one of an “amazing array of forward-looking initiatives” PMI has planned for 2023 and beyond, he said. Knieps also announced the new Paul Patton PMI Conference Scholarship, named after the late former PMI president, to be awarded each year to provide complimentary attendance to the PMI Manufacturing Success Conference.
During his state of the association report, PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole recognized the contributions of the PMI board, committee leaders, staff, and business support team. He named Kate Olinger, director, industry and regulatory affairs, Uponor, as the recipient of the PMI Ambassador Award, given each year to an employee of a PMI member company.
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About Plumbing Manufacturers International
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is the trade association of plumbing product manufacturers that produce more than 90% of the United States’ plumbing products, represent more than 150 iconic brands, and develop safe, reliable and innovative water-efficient plumbing technologies. PMI members contribute more than 464,000 jobs and $85.5 billion in economic impact to America’s economy.
With a vision of safe, responsible plumbing – always, PMI advocates for plumbing product performance contributing to water efficiency and savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer satisfaction. PMI members manufacture water-efficient toilets, urinals, faucets, showerheads and other products at more than 70 locations across the country and market them online and in more than 24,000 home improvement stores, hardware stores and showrooms in all 50 states. For more information on PMI, contact the organization at 1750 Tysons Blvd., Ste. 1500, McLean, Va., 22102; tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501. www.safeplumbing.org.