Kohler Engines has entered into a joint venture with YinXiang to develop, manufacture, market, sell and distribute general-purpose gasoline engines for consumer lawn care applications.
Based in Chongqing, China, the joint venture – Kohler-YinXiang – will help Kohler increase its presence in the small-engine market and expand its product offerings. Stephanie Dlugopolski, spokesperson for Kohler, says the company had been looking for a strategic partner for the past two years. “We are very confident that we have found a very capable partner that is strongly aligned with our strategic objectives,” Dlugopolski says.
Dlugopolski says the new engines will be designed by Kohler in the U.S. and sold under the Kohler brand. New engine products will be announced later this year.
Scott Chen, a veteran of Kohler Engines, has been selected to lead this aspect of Kohler Engines’ business and will report to Kohler President Paul Bartelt. Employment in the current Kohler manufacturing facilities will not be affected by the joint venture.
Founded in 1997, YinXiang produces motorcycle engines and motorcycles, ATVs, go-carts, and general-purpose engines and equipment.
