Now Reading: Kohler plans $100 million India investment over next decade
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Kohler plans $100 million India investment over next decade
Kohler plans to invest at least $100 million in India over the next decade as it expects the country to become its second-largest market within 10 years, CEO David Kohler told The…
The Story in Brief
Kohler plans to invest at least $100 million in India over the next decade as it expects the country to become its second-largest market within 10 years, CEO David Kohler told The Economic Times. India is already among the company’s top five markets, though Kohler does not disclose country-level revenue. The company is expanding its plant near Bharuch, Gujarat, and wants to raise exports from about 10% of its Indian output.
About 70% of Kohler’s India sales come from products designed for local consumers, who the company says prefer bolder shapes, colours and finishes. Kohler expects smart toilets and bidets to gain acceptance as incomes, housing and demand for premium products grow. About 80% of its Indian production is expected to remain focused on the domestic market.
The Indian Opinion
The easy story is that affluent Indians will turn every bathroom into a luxury showcase, or that smart toilets will quickly replace existing hygiene practices. Both claims run ahead of the evidence. Kohler’s own figures point to a premium urban market, not all Indian households, while local manufacturing and exports will determine whether its bet creates durable value. The useful test is whether India can lift exports beyond 10% without weakening domestic affordability.
Source: retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
