Kohler launches modular kitchen range in India

Company Brief

Mumbai, February 13, 2009

Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath design, has launched a brand new line of kitchen cabinetry in India. Kohler’s first exclusive kitchen showroom was inaugurated by Ms. Laura E. Kohler, Sr. Vice President (HR), Kohler Co. in the presence of Mr. Sharad Mathur, Managing Director, Kohler India Pvt. Ltd in Delhi today.

The new comprehensive kitchen solutions from Kohler have been conceptualized by respected French designers by taking cues from award-winning chefs and listening to how homeowners like to use their kitchen. The range is made of material that is imported from Europe and crafted in China. Kohler is planning to open exclusive showrooms across tier I/II cities in India in a short span of time. The exciting and interactive feature of the Kohler stores is live displays as in an actual home, so that the customers can see, touch and feel the product before they buy.

The Kohler kitchen products have been designed keeping in mind, the sensibilities of the Indian consumer. The range includes 5 products, Prelude(MFC), Kuranda(MFC), Nuva(Lacquer), Retra(Lacquer), Bristol(Solidwood), to name a few. These could be further customized as per individual tastes and requirements. Kohler will offer turnkey solution as it is collaborating with Whirlpool and Siemens to bring in the latest built-in range of appliances to its customers. The Kohler kitchens have a price ranges from 4 lakhs to 12 lakhs rupees including listed accessories. However, a regular 8ft X 10ft kitchen with basic accessories, countertop, sink and faucet can begin from Rs.3 lakhs.

Looking at the potential in home renovation market, Kohler has decided to launch its kitchen range. Kohler India is determined to tap this growing market and plans to distribute through Kohler showrooms operated by independent dealers. In the geographies Kohler will be present; the company will offer complete solutions from pre-sale assessment through design and space optimization, installation and post-sale service.

According to Ms. Laura E. Kohler, Sr. Vice-President (Human Resources), Kohler Co., “We are committed to India and are offering the best product design with a commitment to quality over a broad range of price points, keeping in mind the tastes and preferences of Indians. After receiving an over-whelming response to the bathroom products, we are excited to unveil the kitchen products to the quality conscious Indian customer. Driven by the mission of enhancing the level of gracious living for people touched by our products and services, this is our endeavor to keep introducing new and innovative products in the Indian market. We are constantly defining new frontiers of ideas, craftsmanship and technology in kitchen products for our customers.”

Mr. Sharad Mathur, Managing Director, Kohler India Corp. Pvt. Ltd. said, “We foresee a great business opportunity and are excited to offer Kohler’s kitchen range in India. We will be targeting the mid to high-end market segments and promoting ‘Modular Kitchen as a concept’ in India. We are hopeful; our entry in this market will bring in more dynamism in the industry. Indian consumers will now have more choice and access to our products, leading edge in designs, advanced technologies and renowned craftsmanship.”

Kohler India

Kohler launched its innovative range of bathroom products including toilets, lavatories, faucets, bathtubs, whirlpools and showers in India in May 2006. With its business headquarters based in Gurgaon, Haryana, Kohler India is expanding its operations across the country. The company has set up a manufacturing facility for Vitreous China products at Baroda in Gujarat, India.

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Janki Mehta

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Email: janki.mehta@rediffusionyr.com