The Brownwood Municipal Development District, City of Brownwood staff, and City Council members recently joined Kohler Co. associates to celebrate Kohler’s 50th anniversary in Brownwood, Texas. The event commemorated five decades of partnership, progress, and shared investment in the community’s economic growth and quality of life.
Since opening its doors in 1975, the Kohler Brownwood facility has grown to encompass more than one million square feet under one roof. Today, it remains a lasting testament to the company’s dedication to innovation, manufacturing excellence, and partnership with the community.
For fifty years, Kohler and the City of Brownwood have worked together to support a strong and resilient local economy. The company’s decision to establish operations in Brownwood marked a turning point in the city’s industrial development and remains one of its most significant long-term partnerships.
Brownwood Deputy City Manager Ray Tipton noted that Kohler’s investment in the community has extended far beyond its manufacturing operations. “Kohler’s presence has provided meaningful employment, supported workforce development, and contributed to a strong local economy. Their partnership with the City of Brownwood and BMDD continues to serve as a model of what long-term collaboration between industry and community can achieve.”
Kohler Brownwood plays a critical role in the company’s United States manufacturing network. The facility produces a wide range of products under the KOHLER®, STERLING®, and KALLISTA® brands. Its plastics division manufactures acrylic baths, whirlpool baths, bubble massage and bask heated surface baths, freestanding baths, walk-in baths, and shower accessories. Within its vitreous division, Kohler Brownwood produces tanks, one-piece bowls, and bathroom sinks. It also serves as the sole source for pressure vessel tanks for Kohler Co. worldwide.
Products made in Brownwood are distributed across the United States and internationally, reaching destinations such as Saudi Arabia, China, and England. The Brownwood facility was recently recognized as the top-ranked distribution site in North America for achieving 100 percent on-time delivery, reflecting Kohler’s commitment to operational excellence.
Kohler’s investment in Brownwood extends well beyond production. The company partners with local schools and universities, including Brownwood Middle School, Early High School, Tarleton State University, and Texas State Technical College, to promote workforce development. Through robotics kits, funding, and guided tours, students gain exposure to engineering, automation, and advanced manufacturing.
Kohler has also maintained deep and lasting partnerships with several local nonprofit organizations, including The Ark Domestic Violence Shelter, Good Samaritan Ministries, and the Brown County United Way. These relationships reflect Kohler’s commitment to strengthening the social and economic fabric of the Brownwood community.
As part of its continued commitment to sustainability and community resilience, Kohler Co. has announced a new partnership with the Brownwood Industrial Foundation, Inc. to acquire 80 acres of land adjacent to its existing facility. Twenty acres will be dedicated to a large-scale solar energy project, which will become Kohler’s largest solar installation in the United States.
This initiative will generate approximately nine million kilowatt-hours of clean energy each year, enhancing grid efficiency, supporting Texas’ environmental goals, and creating local economic benefits. The project will also generate new tax revenue to support local schools and public services. In conjunction with this investment, Kohler will make in-kind donations totaling $50,000 to three local nonprofit organizations: United Way, VFW Post 3278 Veterans Memorial Pavilion, and The Ark Domestic Violence Shelter.
Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes shared his appreciation for Kohler’s ongoing partnership and investment in the city.
Kohler’s story in Brownwood is one of innovation, resilience, and partnership. For half a century, the company has been an essential part of Brownwood’s identity and economic foundation. Together, the City of Brownwood, BMDD, and Kohler look ahead to the next fifty years of collaboration, progress, and opportunity.