The Kohler Asia Pacific Distributor Conference 2015 (KAC), held in Bali from Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th March 2015, was attended by Tim McCarthy (CEO, EPG Engines) and Tony Moxon (Group Managing Director, Questas) along with 700 delegates from countries including China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. Also present at the conference was the Senior Kohler Management team from China, USA and Italy, including Mr Herbert Kohler (Chairman) and Mr David Kohler (President and Chief Operating Officer).
Unlike past conferences, this years’ KAC combined both Kohler Plumbing and Power Systems distributors, with Kohler Diesel and Petrol engine distributors, making it quite a unique event. These distributors gathered to hear the latest on Kohler news and updates, as well as receive product training from the experts.
The conference started off on the Thursday with a ‘cocktail meet and greet’ night, giving Kohler distributors the opportunity to introduce and talk among themselves and Kohler staff. Friday opened with a company presentation from Herbert and David Kohler, followed by a presentation by Mr Tom Cromwell (President Kohler Power Group), detailing new products and plans for expansion in the future. Further presentations on Global Power Systems and Petrol and Diesel Engines were presented during the day.
One of the highlights of the conference for EPG Engines, was being awarded “The Best 2014 Central Distributor – Diesel”, which was proudly received by Tim McCarthy on behalf of the EPG Engines team. After the presentations, Tim met with Manny Rumao (Kohler USA) to discuss the Kohler range of portable pumps and generators and to set the specifications specifically for the Australia market. EPG Engines plan to release this range in Australia in 2016.
Once business was done, it was time to unwind and have some fun during the Kohler Gala dinner. The night was filled with local culture, performances and many discussions with both Kohler staff and other distributors alike.