Kohler Co. announces construction of greenfield plumbing ware manufacturing facility

Published: 02/17/2022
Updated: 05/16/2022

Located in Casa Grande, Arizona, plant will produce high-volume STERLING Vikrell bathing and showering products to meet growing demand and serve western U.S. customer base

(February 17, 2022) — Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath products, is proceeding with constructing a greenfield plumbing products manufacturing facility, ancillary warehouse, and office space on 216 acres in Casa Grande, Arizona. The multi-million capital investment comprises a total of approximately 1 million square feet, with room onsite for future expansion, and will bring more than 400 new full-time jobs to the local market.

“Kohler is an iconic American brand and we are proud to see the company expand its manufacturing operations to Casa Grande,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “The company’s investment brings yet another industry-leading business to Pinal County, adding hundreds of good jobs to the region’s booming manufacturing landscape.”

Kohler will produce the company’s high-growth lines of STERLING Vikrell bath and shower fixtures – popular among large single-family homebuilders and multifamily developers, and retail big box stores – to support increasing customer demand. The facility will also serve as a distribution center for these products, to best serve Kohler’s growing customer base in the western U.S. with reduced lead times and delivery efficiency.

“We are pleased to expand our North American manufacturing footprint in the western U.S. This new plant will provide the needed capacity to support our strong growth projections for STERLING Vikrell bath and shower products,” said Shawn Oldenhoff, President of Kohler Kitchen and Bath North America. “We look forward to becoming an active member of the greater Casa Grande community and contributing to its growing economy and quality of life. This new manufacturing facility would not be possible without the ongoing support of our loyal customers and partners who have been crucial in helping to build our Vikrell business to what it is today.”

Set to be operational by August 2023, Kohler’s new manufacturing facility will incorporate smart factory elements and cutting-edge production technology. The facility will also incorporate key sustainability measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and solid waste. Several alternate energy strategies are also being evaluated.

“The City of Casa Grande is very excited to welcome the industry leader and global manufacturer of kitchen and bath products, Kohler Company. Kohler has established itself as a highly successful company that contributes to its local communities,” said Craig McFarland, Mayor of Casa Grande. “Kohler not only leads in its industry, but is equally responsible to the neighbors and community where it resides. The company is recognized for reducing their environmental impact in its operations, demonstrating socially responsible practices, and creating products that define the sustainability landscape of the future.”

Kohler’s new manufacturing operations will expand the local economy, increase tax revenues, and bring hundreds of new full-time jobs to the area, in addition to jobs during the construction phase.

“We’re excited to have Kohler, an iconic and internationally-known brand, select this market and enhance the region’s robust supplier ecosystem,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Greater Phoenix continues to attract leading businesses and manufacturers, with an innovation-centered economy and talented workforce that meets industry demand. There is no place better to grow, and we look forward to working alongside Kohler as it scales successfully in our region.”

“We are excited to welcome Kohler’s manufacturing facility to Casa Grande,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “As a global leader in design, innovation and manufacturing, we are grateful for Kohler’s commitment to build their Arizona plant, creating hundreds of quality jobs in Casa Grande. Kohler’s investment demonstrates the attractiveness of the growing manufacturing sector in rural Arizona, and we look forward to supporting Kohler’s future success.”

Once completed, the site in Casa Grande will be Kohler’s second Vikrell production facility, joining Kohler’s existing eastern facility in Huntsville, Alabama.