Company History

A century-long legacy and a vision for the future.We are innovating continuously because we don’t simply offer reliable energy solutions – we are creating an energy resilient world for a better future.

Power is what we do

For the last 100 years, our engines, generators and UPS products have powered homes, hospitals, lawn mowers, stadiums and everything in-between. With numerous direct service locations and 800+ distributors worldwide, Rehlko customers have the assurance of 24/7 emergency service and responsive after‐market support.

Rehlko's History

1873

Founder John Michael Kohler created Kohler Co. by purchasing a cast iron foundry in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

1920

Entered power systems business with the introduction of the KOHLER Automatic Power & Light, world's first engine-powered electric generator.

1929

Admiral Richard Byrd made first Antarctica expedition with 5 KOHLER generators.

1933

Admiral Richard Byrd made his second journey to the South Pole with seven additional KOHLER generators only to discover the original KOHLER generators left behind from his first expedition in 1928 were still operational.

1933

Kohler Co. purchased a manufacturing plant in the Town of Mosel, north of the Village of Kohler, for its Generator Division.

1997

Kohler Co. opened a plant in Singapore to manufacture generators for the Asian market.

1998

Opened second US engines plant in Hattiesburg, Miss.

1999

Expanded generator line from 450-2000kW

2005

Acquired France-based SDMO; became the world's third-largest generator manufacturer

2007

Acquired Italy based diesel engine manufacturer Lombardini

2008

Acquired UK-based UPSL & expanded generator line to 2250 - 3250kW

2012

Introduced the world's first Tier 4 diesel engine without a diesel particulate filter and wins Diesel of the Year at INTERMAT in Paris

2016

Launched new KD Series Diesel line powered with new Kohler large diesel engine 2017: Acquired Clarke Energy Ltd and Pure Power Systems

2018

Global partnership with Manchester United

2020

Kohler Power turns 100

2023

Robert Swan: Undaunted South Pole Expedition with customized Kohler generator fueled with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)

2023

Kohler Co turns 150

2024

Kohler Co and Platinum Equity Close Transaction to Establish Kohler Energy as Independent Business

2024

Kohler Energy becomes Rehlko. Building on the legacy of Kohler Energy, Rehlko is positioned to give individuals, businesses and communities the resilience they need to keep building a brighter future, together.