Kohler SDMO is an industrial generator manufacturer which is a subsidiary of Kohler Company. It is based in Brest, specializing in the manufacturing of generating sets.
Sites
SDMO has a total workforce of around 850 employees at all its sites, most of whom work in Brest, France and 70% of its sales are in the export market.
History
1966: Creation of SDMO in Brest by the Meunier Group, a large local industrial family, managed by Guy Coisnon. At the time, SDMO (Société de Distribution des Moteurs de l’Ouest) specialised in the manufacture of marine engines.
1969, SDMO Industries moves towards the manufacture of generating sets. It gradually phases out the production of marine engines to focus on the design and manufacture of generating sets.
From 1970 to 1985, SDMO sets up agencies nationwide, and signs its first contract in Africa.
1986, EDF Electricité de France introduces the EJP tariff. This step reduces the cost of electricity during peak demand, enabling SDMO to further establish its reputation in the French market and to significantly increase sales. It then widens its presence in Europe.
2005, the Meunier family sells SDMO, as well as two other companies – SOREEL and BES – to the KOHLER Co. Group, an American family-owned multinational company, whose division Kohler Power System also designs and manufactures generating sets. Jean-Marie Soula is appointed as manager.
2010: a subsidiary is set up in Germany and a 15,000 m2 expansion of the existing production site in Guipavas is under construction, due to open at the end of 2011.
2013: the group acquired a new subsidiary in Brazil - former name Maquigeral
2016: SDMO is being renamed KOHLER SDMO, a change of positioning and now a manufacturer of its own engines. It is unveiling its new KD Series range, over 700 kVA, with KOHLER engines.
The company's head office is moving into new premises in the immediate vicinity of its Kergaradec plant.
Business activity
The standard SDMO product range includes several different categories of generating sets, designed for a variety of target customers and applications:
Low power generating sets, welding sets and motor pumps for the general public and professional builders.
Standby generating sets for single dwellings and small multi-occupancy buildings.
Standard configurable generating sets, medium to high power. They are used for continuous or standby power supply. They are mainly used for shopping centers, data centers, offshore platforms, telecommunications installations, etc.
Generating sets for rental companies.
In addition to its standard product ranges, generating sets from 0.9 to 3,300kW, SDMO provides services such as tailor-made genset design and mechanical or electrical training.
