1920:

Kohler Automatic Power & Light is introduced as the first modern automatic generator on the market.

1929:

Admiral Richard E. Byrd makes his first Antarctic expedition with five Kohler generators. When he returns to the South Pole four years later with seven additional generators, he discovers the Kohler generators left behind are still operational.

1931:

The United States begins one of the world’s biggest engineering projects of its time: the construction of the Hoover Dam. Kohler generators are chosen to provide backup power to site lighting, so the engineers and building crews can work day and night.

1939-1945:

U.S. armed forces, both at home and abroad, trust in Kohler generators to provide crucial power on land and at sea for mobile hospitals, radio communication, lights, refrigeration and even a rescue effort for a sunken submarine.

1948:

Kohler begins its legacy of making and marketing small engines.

1970:

Kohler technology enables clean, safe, and stable power that protects valuable appliances and sophisticated electronics.

1976:

Kohler’s fast response alternator innovation is patented and trademarked, leading to faster response times. Also this year Kohler debuted its first microprocessor-based generator controller.

1980:

Kohler debuts PowerBoost^™ technology providing greater motor starting capacity for large loads.

1986:

Kohler introduces Command Engines featuring OHV design and hydraulic valve filter for improved efficiency, longer lift, and quieter operation.

1995:

Kohler Co. teams up with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide backup power to airports nationwide, keeping America’s transportation infrastructure up and running during outages. Also this year, Kohler develops and markets the first overhead CAM engine. The award winning OHC design is an industry first.

2004:

Kohler introduces the most powerful air-cooled generator of its time, capable of starting a 5-ton central air conditioner without dropping other loads.

2006-2010:

Kohler is awarded several industry accolades including top consumer magazine’s best buy award (2006), Builder Products Magazine top 50 (2007), Builder Magazine top 50 (2008), and top residential generator brand, ranked highest in quality, brand used, and brand preferred by builders (2009 and 2010).

2009:

OnCue^™ remote generator monitoring is introduced to the market. This industry-first allows homeowners the ability to manage their residential generator from anywhere in the world.

2017:

During construction of Fiserv Forum, a new state-of-the-art basketball arena and entertainment hub in downtown Milwaukee, WI, Kohler generators are installed to ensure the safety and comfort of patrons and keep critical circuits up and running if there’s a utility outage during events.

2020:

Kohler Co. celebrates 100 years of providing backup power. Over a century later, we’re still innovating and breaking ground to deliver the best in backup power to homes like yours. Plus, our nationwide network of over 1,000 locally owned and operated Kohler authorized dealers provides access to our top-tier home generators to nearly every corner of the country. Ready to leave power outages in the past and experience the Kohler difference for yourself? Request a free quote today to talk to your local dealer about your options.

2023:

Kohler introduces the 26kW home generator, the quietest, most powerful, exceptionally durable, and most customizable air-cooled generator on the market.