KOHLER, Wis. – October 9, 2008 – Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath design and technology, was chosen by the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program as the Manufacturing Partner of the Year.

“Kohler is honored to be recognized by the EPA for the company’s efforts promoting the WaterSenseprogram, and overall water efficiency,” said Shane Judd, senior product manager for water conservation at Kohler. “Public education, along with new water-efficient products and building design methods, are critical to contain water use. Kohler has responded to this need by developing new products that use less water, but don't sacrifice performance.”

EPA launched the WaterSense Awards program last February, honoring work performed during 2007. The new awards recognize WaterSense partners who helped advance the overall mission of WaterSense; increased awareness of the WaterSense program in a measurable way; and demonstrated overall excellence in the water-efficiency arena.

Kohler prominently displays the WaterSense logo in product literature, on its Web site, at trade shows and regularly conducts continuing education courses on water efficiency. These courses are hosted across the country, where architects, designers, builders and plumbers learn from Kohler-trained associates the importance of specifying water-saving products inside the home, and the ultimate benefits to the end customer.

Moreover, the company’s spokesperson, Ed Del Grande of Ed the Plumber on the DIY Network, tours the United States talking about high efficiency toilets, conducting interviews on reducing water use, and promoting WaterSense for audiences at national trade shows.