Kohler is latest industry leader to invest in Envision – the industry standard options management solution
AUSTIN, Texas – January 11, 2005 – It was announced today that Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath design, has joined New Home Technologies, a joint venture subsidiary of Builder Homesite, Inc. Kohler becomes the latest in an impressive list of manufacturers and builders who are working together to launch Envision, the industry-owned options management solution.
“We are excited to have Kohler, one of the industry’s leading manufacturers, onboard as part of our growing consortium of companies,” said Melissa Morman, Chief Operating Officer for Builder Homesite and New Home Technologies. “Kohler has long been a pioneer of new styles and technologies and we are pleased that a company of their caliper is joining us to launch the first industry standard options management tool.”
Envision is a fully integrated options management solution for the entire building industry and includes specific tools for manufacturers, builders, design centers and consumers. The four Envision modules address all aspects of the options management and design process, from data management, to design education, to option selection. By leveraging the power of the industry consortium, Envision will be the first truly scaleable options management system.
“Kohler is pleased to have the opportunity to join forces with the industry’s leading builders and manufacturers through New Home Technologies to launch Envision,” said Mike Chandler, vice president for fixtures marketing for Plumbing Americas at Kohler Co. and new board member to the New Home Technologies Consortium. “Envision is an excellent opportunity that allows Kohler to be with home buyers during the early stages of the home building process and a way for our company to partner with other exceptional brands in the home building industry.”
Kohler joins a list that includes 35 of the nation’s top builders plus manufacturers such as Georgia Pacific, Hearth & Home, Honeywell, Masco, Overhead Door, Owens Corning, Progress Lighting, Square D, Therma Tru, Weyerhaeuser, Whirlpool, and York International. In addition to the consortium members, there are hundred’s of other “Envision Enabled” manufacturer partners who are coming onboard as the product is set for a Spring 2005 launch.
Builders are enthusiastic about the high level of participation from manufacturers like Kohler. Ten early adopter builders from the consortium have already committed 50,000 builder homes to be a part of the initial launch. Participating builders include: Beazer Homes, Capital Pacific Holdings, David Weekley Homes, KB Home, Lennar Corporation, McGuyer Homebuilders, Morrison Homes, Standard Pacific Homes, Toll Brothers, and Village Homes.
“As a homebuilder, we are really excited to have such high quality manufacturers already aligned with our Company participating in the New Home Technologies consortium,” said Mark Shevory, Regional President for Lennar Homes. “Having a company like Kohler join the consortium will benefit everyone involved and result in a more robust product offering.”
The announcement is being made as the International Home Builders Conference kicks off this week in Orlando. Several booths at the conference including Kohler are showcasing their participation with Envision. To learn more about Envision and New Home Technologies visit the Kohler booth #W1301.
About Kohler
Since 1873, Kohler Co. has been improving the lives of its customers with exceptional products and services for the home. The company’s diverse product lines and powerful portfolio of brands lead the way in design, craftsmanship and innovation – knit together by uncompromising quality. Kohler offers a breadth of products across all price points, including kitchen and bath fixtures and faucets, furniture, cabinetry, tile and stone, and primary and backup power systems that meet a wide variety of needs. Kohler markets its kitchen and bath products under the brand names KOHLER®, STERLING®, Kallista®, Ann Sacks™, Robern® mirrored cabinets, and Canac® cabinetry. As the industry leader, Kohler offers its homebuilder customers with design center assistance, merchandising expertise and world-class products to create a complete design solution. For information, ideas or inspiration, visit www.KOHLER.com.
About Builder Homesite and New Home Technologies
Builder Homesite, Inc., a consortium of 35 of the nation’s largest homebuilders, is today’s leading marketing and technology solutions provider for the home building industry. Its growing range of products and services are revolutionizing the way homes are marketed on the Internet. In 2002, Builder Homesite launched its first product, NewHomeSource.com, a consumer website offering the Internet’s most comprehensive information and selection of new homes. In 2004, Builder Homesite formed New Home Technologies, a subsidiary consortium of new homebuilders and product manufacturers, to create an integrated and standardized online new home design options management portal. Today Builder Homesite is continuing to extend its Internet technology expertise into new industries. For more information, go to www.newhometechnologies.com.
If you are a member of the media and have a question or interview request, please contact:
- Eleanor Bowman
(512) 413-5278
- Tabitha Steinbock
Kohler Co. Kitchen & Bath Public Relations
920.457.4441 ext. 70122
tabitha.steinbock@kohler.com