Kohler Enters Engine Joint Venture in China

Kohler Co. created a joint venture company between Kohler Engines and YinXiang Ltd., for the development, manufacture, marketing, sale and distribution of general-purpose gasoline engines.
 
The joint venture, Kohler-YinXiang Ltd, based in Chongqing, China will provide Kohler an increased global presence in the worldwide small gasoline engine market and establishes a new cost effective manufacturing location to support the Kohler engine business.
 
“Kohler has been seeking a strategic partner over the last two years to help us grow our presence in the small engine market and enhance our product offerings,” said Paul Bartelt, President-Kohler Engines.  “We are confident that in YinXiang, we have found a very capable partner that is strongly aligned with our strategic objectives. The joint venture, which will focus on engines, is a key element in our strategy to better meet our customers’ needs.”
 
Scott Chen, a Kohler Engines veteran, has been named Managing Director for this portion of Kohler Engine’s business and will report to Bartelt.
 
This JV does not have any impact on current employment in Kohler’s three other manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Mississippi or Mexico. Manufacturing of the new KOHLER engines will occur in Chongqing, China.
 
YinXiang, founded in 1997, manufactures motorcycle engines and motorcycles, ATVs, go-carts, and general-purpose engines and equipment.   
 
To obtain literature, sales and service information, or the names of Kohler distributors and dealers, call 800/544-2444, or visit the Kohler Engines Web site at KohlerEngines.com.