Over 100 Years of Reliable Backup Power

An old photograph with 15 men and women wearing executive clothes and standing in front of a Kohler office.

We’ve been in the generator business since 1920

From the smallest residential homes to the largest global infrastructure projects - KOHLER powers them all.

Our reliable backup generators, designed and built in the United States, deliver premium performance and quality in every model. See how Kohler generators have kept America powered and connected with reliable backup power for over 100 years.

What is the significance of these decades? Read on to learn more about the history of Kohler Energy company timeline.

1920:

Kohler Co. enters the Power Systems business with the introduction of the Kohler Automatic Power & Light. The world's first engine-powered electric generator to hit the market.

Image in color of a white background with a silver engine in the center.

Black and white image of Admiral Byrd on his expedition to Antarctica wearing heavy winter clothes inside a tent.

1929:

Admiral Richard E. Byrd powered his groundbreaking Antarctic expeditions with reliable Kohler generators. When Byrd embarked on his first expedition to the South Pole, he equipped his base camp with five Kohler generators. These generators were the backbone of his operations, providing essential power for communications, lighting, and other critical operations.

Four years later, Byrd returned to the South Pole with an expanded expedition, bringing seven additional Kohler generators. Upon his arrival, he discovered that the original five generators were still working, a testament to the generator's exceptional durability and reliability. This kickstarted global recognition for KOHLER brand generators.

1931:

In 1931, the United States undertook one of its most ambitious engineering projects: the construction of the Hoover Dam. Engineers built he dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. This helped to manage flood control, irrigate crops, and generate electricity sustainably long term.

Reliable power generators were essential to illuminate the construction site and ensure continuous progress. This ensured that operations could continue smoothly even during unexpected power outages. These generators enabled engineers and construction crews to work throughout the day and night.

Black and white image of a publicity showing an engine cutting through rocks. Above, there's the saying "making the mighty Colorado mend its ways".

Black and white photograph of US Navy team gathered on a dock while loading a ship with equipment.

1939-1945:

United States of America's armed forces, trust 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. This aimed to expand our product line after World War II. A demand for natural gas and liquid propane power equipment grew.

Our engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities positioned it well to produce reliable and efficient small engines for residential and commercial applications. Providing peace of mind to our customers.

Image of an old style publicity with the image of an engine and the saying "Four-cycle, air-cooled Kohler Engines. Compact, quick-starting, reliable."

Black and white photography with five men around an engine inside a warehouse, with an arrow above saying "1,000,000 engines".

1960:

KOHLER produces its 1,000,000th engine.

1970:

Kohler technology enables clean, safe, and stable power that protects valuable appliances and sophisticated electronics. This was a pivotal moment in our history, proving our commitment to providing reliable home electrical and power solutions.

Black and white photo picturing two women in the 70's, wearing safety gears, and holding an engine. In front of them, another engine rests on the ground.

Photograph in colors with a floating image of a fast response alternator.

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.

Image in colors of a white man kneeing down beside a portable engine. Above, it says "Kohler Powerhouse".

A colored photo picturing a man getting tossed from a wild horse. In the bottom of the image, there are two black cameras and the saying "some horses can't be broken.".

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.

A colored photograph of a man in dark jumpsuit about to plug in two large power cords.

2004:

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

Black and white picture of three men wearing safety gear and looking into the camera.

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)
Top residential generator brand ranked highest in quality, brand used, and brand preferred by builders (2009 and 2010).

2009:

We launched OnCue™, the future of home energy management. Our innovative remote generator monitoring system allowed homeowners to control their residential generators from anywhere at any time.

Colored product picture highlighting a laptop, cellphone, and a portable generator on a dark background.

Image in colors with three mean in safety gear helping to install an industrial generator.

2017:

KOHLER generators power Fiserv Forum, a state-of-the-art basketball and entertainment venue in Milwaukee.

In the event of a power outage essential systems, such as lighting, security, and HVAC, stay powered on. This ensures the safety and comfort of all patrons with a reliable backup power source.

2020:

Kohler Co. celebrates 100 years of providing backup power. We’re still innovating and breaking ground to deliver the best in backup power to homes like yours a century later.

Our nationwide network grows to over 1,000 locally owned and operated Kohler authorized dealers. This 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.

Four home generators in different colors on pedestals of matching colors.

2023:

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

Kohler Energy has officially changed our name to Rehlko. This marks an important milestone in our company’s history of over 100 years.

We deliver innovative, resilient energy solutions that provide independence, agility, and security to mission-critical infrastructure, facilities and residences.

Here's to the next 100 years of keeping your family safe, secure and powered.

Get Performance You Can Count on, Again and Again.

For backup power that keeps you in motion, even during an outage, choose a Kohler home generator. Request your free quote today to find the right model for your home.

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Call Our Team

1-800-544-2444

Kohler Home Energy Customer Care Center
Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm (CT)
Email: generator.feedback@kohler.com

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