Kohler Engines achieves production milestone

From left, Drew Hankins, plant manager for Kohler Engines’ manufacturing facility in Hattiesburg, Miss., receives a commemorative plaque and a congratulatory handshake from Tom Cromwell, president of Kohler Engines, in recognition of the plant’s production of the one millionth Kohler Courage V-Twin engine.Kohler Engines celebrated a milestone Sept. 7 as the one millionth Kohler Courage V-Twin engine rolled off the assembly line at its manufacturing facility in Hattiesburg, Miss., and into a place of honor.

In celebration of this occasion, Tom Cromwell, president of Kohler Engines, and Mark Cassidy, vice president of operations, presented Plant Manager Drew Hankins and associates with a commemorative plaque. The one millionth engine was fitted with a chrome shroud and added to the display of other milestone engines in the plant lobby.

“The success of the Kohler Courage engine line reflects the growth of Kohler’s presence in the consumer lawn and garden market,” said Cromwell. “The engine was pulled from the assembly line and placed in the plant as a testament to the hard work and dedication that the Hattiesburg associates have relentlessly demonstrated over the years.”

The one millionth Kohler Courage V-Twin engine signifies a great accomplishment for the Hattiesburg plant. Production began in 2005 just as Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. Many associates lost their homes, and manufacturing was hampered by the loss of power and flooding. “The resilience and hard work of many associates has made this one millionth Kohler engine even more special,” added Cromwell.

The Kohler Courage V-Twin engine is primarily found in consumer riding lawn mowers and is available in 11 models ranging from 20 to 27 horsepower.