Kohler marked the 50th anniversary of its Brownwood plant with a ceremony Friday afternoon, during which the company announced a new venture locally – an 80-acre solar energy project.
Brian Benson, Senior Director of Global Vitreous Operations based out of the Brownwood plant, told those in attendance, “This year, in a partnership with the Brownwood Industrial Foundation, Kohler Company has signed a letter of intent to acquire 80 acres of land adjacent to the Kohler manufacturing facility, of which 20 acres will be used for a large scale solar energy project. The initiative aims to transform the vacant land into a productive, environmentally sustainable asset, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. The project will enhance grid efficiency and generate sizable tax revenue that will support the local schools and public services. This investment will be Kohler’s largest solar installation in the United States to date as we continue to focus on building both business and community resilience. Renewable energy will alleviate grid pressure in the Brownwood community and promote resilience for Kohler’s operations.”
The project – which will be located between Milam Drive and FM 45 – will be executed in phases, Benson continued, with the first 20 acres producing 9 million kilowatts of clean energy annually. Future phases will expand the system to cover additional load and battery storage.
Kohler will secure the land through an in-kind donation totaling $50,000 to three local companies – the United Way, the VFW Post 3278, and the Ark Domestic Shelter, which will help fund a new roof for its facility, according to Benson.
The Kohler plant in Brownwood opened its doors in 1975 and has provided three generations of local residents with job opportunities, Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes said among his comments.
“The people who work at this plant are the heart and soul of our community,” Haynes said. “There isn’t anyone in Brownwood who doesn’t have a friend, family member or knows a valued member of the community that works here at this plant. These folks are an invaluable part of our community and they do a great job.”
Haynes continued, “We also want to give praise to the corporate executives that have made the decision to be here in Brownwood and made the decision to remain here. That is not lost on me. It says something when you make a commitment to do something, but the commitment Kohler has made goes beyond that. We see and hear and know that they’re investing and re-investing continually into this community and plant, which says they have a future here and plan to remain here, and we’re so thankful for that commitment.”
Haynes read a proclamation to mark Kohler’s anniversary, which including the following details:
- The Brownwood division currently produces more than 560,000 pieces a year with plans to grow that number to over 2 million
- Kohler’s plastic division produces 280,000 units annually, encompassing over 200 unique products
- Kohler’s Brownwood plant plays a key role in the global supply chain, shipping over 100,000 units monthly across the United States into international destinations such as Saudi Arabia, China and England
- The Brownwood facility is the exclusive global producer of pressure vessel tanks for Kohler Company
- Kohler Brownwood was recently honored as the top-ranked American distribution site for achieving 100 percent on-time delivery
Adriana Stowers, on behalf of the office of Gov. Greg Abbott, said, “For half a century this facility has been more than just a workplace. It has been a cornerstone of the local economy, a partner in community growth, and a place where generations of hard-working Texans have built not only world-class products, but also lasting careers and friendships. Kohler’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, as well as to the people of Brownwood and the surrounding region, speaks to the very best of Texas values, hard work, resilience, and pride in craftsmanship.”
Heath Holtz, Chief Operations & Supply Chain Officer for Kohler, shared some of the history of the Brownwood plant, including:
- In 1975, Kohler launched a pilot program for vitreous china production beginning with just 14 local associates and a handful of transfers from other sites
- By 1979, Kohler expanded by 200,000 square feet to support fiberglass, reinforced plastic bathing modules
- In 1982, another 604,000 square feet were added to meet growing demand
- This past year, Kohler invested millions in automation, advanced equipment and cutting-edge manufacturing, ensuring that Brownwood remains at the forefront of the industry and a key producer in leading-edge bathing products for the next 50 years
Holtz also recognized 407 Brownwood members in Kohler’s quarter-century club, with two employees – Fernando Barrera and Richard Salinas – having worked at the plant for 47 years apiece.
“Above all the products that we ship and what we’ve invested in the plant, today is about the people – the associates who have built their careers here, many with decades of service and dedication,” Holtz said. “Brownwood has continually improved itself, developing quality products, cultivating a safe and engage workforce, and serving as a cornerstone for Kohler manufacturing globally.”