Kohler Energy - Engines

What Kohler Energy - Engines does

Rehlko Engines (formerly Kohler Energy - Engines) designs, manufactures, and services internal combustion engines and hybrid power systems up to 115 kW (140 hp) for OEM manufacturers serving construction, agriculture, material handling, marine, turf care, and power generation industries. The product portfolio spans KSD sub-19 kW compact diesels with proprietary electronically controlled indirect injection, KDI 19–112 kW turbo common rail diesels, KDH hydrogen direct injection engines, K-HEM hybrid modules, and Command PRO gasoline engines from 3 hp to 41 hp, with HVO fuel compatibility across the diesel range. Manufacturing is organized across Reggio Emilia (Italy; global diesel hub), Hattiesburg MS, Mosel, and Aurangabad (India), supported by 2,000 diesel and 8,000 gasoline service outlets globally.

The business operates primarily on an OEM-embedded design-in model, supplying engines directly to manufacturers (JCB, Kramer-Werke, Avant Tecno, Vilakone, Cormidi, Cela) for integration into their equipment, alongside a structured dealer program for parts, service, and warranty reimbursement. Revenue is generated through engine unit sales, genuine parts and aftermarket fluids, dealer training (Engines University), and extended warranty programs. Through its Curtis Instruments and Heila Technologies subsidiaries (both acquired January 2022), Rehlko extends into EV/hybrid motor controls and microgrid/DER software, providing cross-sell into electrified off-highway and distributed energy applications.

In 2024, Kohler Co. carved out Kohler Energy as an independent business with Platinum Equity as majority investment partner, and the division rebranded as Rehlko under newly independent corporate identity. The Hattiesburg engine facility has grown to over 1,000 associates, and the company positions itself as a third-largest global power systems organization with more than 100 years of engine manufacturing heritage.

Name

Kohler Energy - Engines

Legal name

Kohler Co.

Website

https://engines.kohlerenergy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1873

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Rehlko Engines (formerly Kohler Energy - Engines) designs and manufactures diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, and hybrid power systems up to 115 kW for OEM manufacturers in construction, agriculture, material handling, marine, and turf care industries, selling globally through OEM-embedded design-in relationships and a network of 10,000+ service outlets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Engine Manufacturing

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing (33631), Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (3336), Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (33361)

SIC

Engines & Turbines (3510), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Manufacturing (Gasoline/Diesel) (IMACAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Reciprocating Engine Generator Sets (Diesel/Gas/HFO) (IMAHAFAC), Hybrid Powertrain Components Rebuild/Remanufacturing (e-motors, power split devices) (TLAKALAI)

Keywords

• Diesel engine manufacturing
• Gasoline engine production
• Hybrid power systems
• OEM engine supply
• Industrial powertrain engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Kohler

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Engine Sales (OEM): Sale of diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, and alternative fuel engines directly to OEM manufacturers for integration into construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling, marine vessels, and outdoor power equipment.
2. Genuine Parts & Service: Sale of genuine replacement parts engineered specifically for Rehlko engines, aftermarket fluids, and extended warranty programs. Parts revenue generated through dealer network and direct parts ordering portal.
3. Dealer Training Services: Training services for dealers including Gasoline Engine Training, Diesel Engine Training, Dealer Certification, annual reviews, Level 1/Level 2 training, and Engines University online platform.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Rehlko Engines (formerly Kohler Energy - Engines) designs, manufactures, and services a portfolio of internal combustion engines ranging from 3 hp to 115 kW (140 hp), including diesel (KSD, KDI series), gasoline (Command PRO), alternative fuel (propane, natural gas, flex fuel E85, tri-fuel), marine, K-HEM hybrid, and KDH hydrogen engine variants. Its primary go-to-market is OEM-embedded engine supply to manufacturers of construction, agricultural, material handling, marine, and turf care equipment, supported by a global dealer/distributor network and aftermarket parts and service offerings.

Product overview

Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy - Engines) offers a comprehensive portfolio of power solutions up to 115 kW, organized around four core engine product lines: Diesel Engines (KSD compact series, KDI mid-range series, KD air-cooled series), Gasoline Engines (Command PRO carbureted and EFI variants from 3-41 hp), Alternative Fuel Engines (propane, natural gas, flex fuel E85, tri-fuel), and Marine Engines (KDI2504M-MP, KDI1930M-MP). The portfolio also includes the K-HEM hybrid series combining electric and mechanical power, and the KDH hydrogen engine for zero-carbon combustion. Supporting services include genuine parts, service manuals, extended warranties, dealer training (Engines University), and diesel engine fluids. Through acquisitions, the company also offers Heila Edge modular microgrid/DER platforms and Curtis Instruments EV/hybrid controls. The company specializes in designing, producing, and servicing reliable power solutions for construction, earth-moving, agriculture, generators, gardening, marine, and related industries worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Command PRO: Premium gasoline engine series including Command PRO 888, CV173, CV200, CV224, ECH980, ECV980 with electronic throttle body technology.
• KSD Series
• KDI
• KDH
• K-HEM
• Confidant

Products and services

• Diesel Engines Diesel engines available in air-cooled and liquid-cooled configurations delivering maximum power for industrial applications, including KSD Series (compact sub-19 kW with electronically controlled indirect injection), KDI Series (19-112 kW with turbo common rail and aftercooler options), and KD line (air-cooled), compliant with EU Stage V, US Tier 4 Final, and China Stage IV emissions standards.
• Gasoline Engines Gasoline engines ranging from 3 hp to 41 hp including Command PRO carbureted single-cylinder engines (CV173, CV200, CV224 with 7.75-11.0 ft-lbs torque), Command PRO 999cc twin-cylinder engines, and EFI engines (ECH980, ECV980) with Electronic Throttle Body technology, designed for walk-behind mowers, sod cutters, turf equipment, and outdoor power equipment.
• Alternative Fuel Engines Alternative fuel engines offering propane, natural gas, flex fuel E85, and tri-fuel options under the Command PRO brand, meeting emissions needs while providing flexible fuel choices for OEM applications.
• Marine Engines Marine-specific diesel engines including the KDI2504M-MP and KDI1930M-MP models, with engine range expanded for marine applications and distributed through Lombardini Marine.
• KDH Hydrogen Engine Kohler Direct Injection Hydrogen engine using internal combustion running on hydrogen fuel, applied to KDI 2504 TCR derivative architecture. Maintains same dimensions, PTOs, and performance as conventional diesel engines while achieving zero-carbon operation, with direct injection technology to preserve diesel-like transient response and drivability and near-zero emissions with aftertreatment system.
• K-HEM Hybrid Power Unit Hybrid power unit combining electric and mechanical power solutions for OEM equipment integration. Includes booster hybrid version (first hybrid alternative solving after-treatment for intermittent cycles) and versatile-hybrid version enabling electric-only operation, with P2 option achieving zero-emissions through full-electric operation while diesel engine remains available for mechanical power or battery recharge.
• Genuine Parts & Service Genuine factory-engineered parts for Rehlko engines including oil filters, spark plugs, and maintenance supplies. Service offerings include owner's and service manuals, troubleshooting guides, dealer training programs (Engines University), extended warranty programs, and diesel engine fluids.
• Extended Warranty Program Factory-backed extended warranty coverage for engine protection, offering coverage for protecting engine investments over the long term (US only).
• Diesel Engine Fluids Aftermarket diesel engine fluids specifically formulated for Rehlko diesel engines, supporting engine maintenance and optimal performance.
• Heila Edge Energy Platform Modular energy platform for distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids that simplifies integration, operation, optimization, and scale-up of DERs including batteries, fuel cells, and solar arrays through a decentralized system providing automation and modularity to reduce system complexity and cost while increasing resiliency.
• Curtis Instruments EV and Hybrid Controls Electric vehicle controls and instrumentation including motor speed controllers, HMIs and instrumentation, power conversion, CAN modules, and accessories for OEM integration across material handling, golf/recreational vehicles, mobile elevated work platforms, construction, agriculture, turfcare, marine, and on-road segments.
• Dealer Training Services (Engines University) Training services for dealers including Gasoline Engine Training, Diesel Engine Training, Dealer Certification, annual reviews, Level 1/Level 2 training, and Engines University online platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 90% CO2 emissions reduction using HVO fuel
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GrastimcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2023Grastim and Kohler Engines signed a joint development agreement for a hybrid self-generation plant at the Reggio Emilia facility, featuring a 2 MW trigeneration plant, 860 kW photovoltaic park, hydrogen-ready cogeneration, and Heila IQ monitoring system. The project delivers 1,300 t/year CO2 reduction (19.5% of site emissions) and 15% energy cost savings.
• Clarke EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2023Clarke Energy, acquired by Kohler in 2015, is a leader in distributed energy solutions operating in 27 countries with 1,300+ staff. Specializes in gas engine CHP, microgrids, battery storage, biogas upgrading, and solar PV installations. Over 8GW of power generation installed (1.4GW from biogas). Distributes INNIO Jenbacher engines. Represents key channel for Rehlko engines within energy systems and cross-sells Heila Technologies products.
• Robert Swan / 2041 FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2022Kohler partnered with polar explorer Robert Swan as renewable energy provider for the Undaunted Expedition across the Antarctic landmass to the Geographic South Pole. Kohler provided a customized generator with HVO fuel and Heila EDGE microgrid control. Swan completed the journey January 10, 2023, demonstrating renewable energy solutions in extreme conditions.
• Baja SAEminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2022Kohler Engines named official exclusive engine supplier for Baja SAE competition seasons 2023-2026. Kohler supplies Command PRO CH440 engines at discounted prices to student teams, along with CAD drawings and 3D shell models. Engineers, marketing, sales, and HR attend competitions to support teams and recruit talent.
• eFuel AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2022Kohler joined the eFuel Alliance as a member, supporting the development and global adoption of synthetic fuels (e-fuels) produced from renewable energy. The alliance promotes alternative fuels as a path to decarbonization. Kohler signed the joint communication at the first E-Fuels Conference in Munich (September 2023) and continues to actively support e-fuels adoption globally.
• Curtis InstrumentscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Acquired by Kohler Co. in January 2022 for its electrification expertise. Curtis is a leading supplier of EV and hybrid applications including motor speed controllers, HMIs, power conversion, and CAN modules across material handling, golf, recreational vehicles, construction, agriculture, turfcare, marine, and on-road segments. Operates as standalone entity within Kohler Power Group with 1,100 employees in 16 countries, 5 engineering centers, and manufacturing in Puerto Rico, Bulgaria, China, and India.
• Heila TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Acquired by Kohler Co. in January 2022 (days before Curtis). MIT-founded company in Somerville, Mass., specializing in integration and operation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and microgrids. Core product is the Heila Edge modular energy platform for solar, batteries, and fuel cell integration. Operates as standalone entity within Kohler Power Group.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Cummins: Larger diversified engine and power solutions manufacturer serving on-highway, off-highway, marine, and power generation markets. Overlaps with Rehlko in industrial genset and mid-range diesel engine applications but operates at much greater scale with broader portfolio.
• Caterpillar: Largest off-highway equipment OEM and engine manufacturer with proprietary engine supply. Indirect competitor since Caterpillar largely produces in-house, but overlapping customer base and competes for OEM engine slots in some segments.

Direct peers

• Deutz AG: German manufacturer of diesel and electric drive systems for off-highway applications. Competes directly with Rehlko KDI/KSD engines in construction, material handling, and agricultural machinery segments; comparable Stage V compliance and OEM-embedded model.
• Perkins Engines: UK-based diesel engine manufacturer (owned by Caterpillar) focused on off-highway industrial applications up to 250 kW. Direct competitor in mid-range diesel engine segments with similar OEM integration strategy.
• Briggs & Stratton: US-based small engine manufacturer for outdoor power equipment, turf care, and small industrial applications. Closely comparable to Rehlko's Command PRO gasoline engine line (3-41 hp) with similar lawn and garden OEM customer base.
• Honda Engines: Japanese manufacturer of small horizontal and vertical gasoline engines for OEM applications in construction, agriculture, turf, and marine. Direct competitor to Rehlko's Command PRO and EFI engine lines with similar global distribution model.
• Yanmar: Japanese engine manufacturer offering industrial diesel engines, hybrid powertrains, and marine propulsion. Comparable product portfolio across construction, agriculture, and marine with similar emissions compliance focus (Stage V/Tier 4).
• Hatz Diesel: German specialist in small-to-medium diesel engines (1.5 to 62 kW) for construction, material handling, and specialty OEM applications. Comparable niche focus in compact industrial diesel engines with similar emissions compliance requirements.
• Kubota: Japanese manufacturer of compact diesel and gasoline engines for construction, agriculture, and turf care OEMs. Directly competes with Rehlko in sub-19 kW and mid-range engine segments with similar OEM-embedded GTM model and global service network.

Others

• Lombardini Marine: Marine propulsion brand that is itself a Rehlko (formerly Kohler) subsidiary distributing KDI marine engines. Listed here as adjacent business illustrating Rehlko's marine market positioning rather than external competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kohlerenergyengines

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kohler Energy - Engines