Kohler to feature on Manchester United shirt sleeves

US luxury bathroom and kitchen sinks and taps brand Kohler will feature on the sleeves of Manchester United’s men’s and women’s football teams as part of a “multi-year” global partnership deal.

The company, which also owns UK shower brand Mira, said the partnership will include joint participation on game-day activities, investment in club facilities, global sustainability and social responsibility projects and other partner collaborations.

Kohler, one of the largest private companies in the world, said the brands had “shared values” and were a “perfect match”.

The new kit will be unveiled on July 19 by the men’s team in the opening fixture of its Tour 2018 against Club America in Phoenix, Arizona.

Manchester United group managing director Richard Arnold (pictured right) said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Kohler to the Manchester United family as a principal partner and our first shirt sleeve sponsor for both the men’s and women’s teams.

“Our shirt is much more than what we wear, it embodies the passion of our fans and their allegiance to the club.

“Kohler is known around the world not only for its cutting-edge design and luxury products, but also a genuine commitment to stewardship and sustainability and is an exciting addition to our family of commercial partners.”

David Kohler (pictured left), president and chief executive of Kohler, said: “Our partnership with Manchester United provides new opportunities to showcase the quality of Kohler products and services with passionate fans of the most far-reaching and revered sports team on the planet.

“We are excited to help build our global brand among people who align themselves, and their lifestyles, with leading-edge innovation and a desire to make the world a better place.”

He added: “An essential component of the relationship is our support of the new professional women’s team, and we look forward to their debut and our ongoing support.

“Manchester United embodies sustained excellence in everything they do and our shared values are a perfect match as we expand our fast-growing international presence into new regions with purpose and a meaningful presence.”

The news comes as the firm’s UK bathroom brand Mira said it is investing more than £20 million in the first phase of a new 11.3-acre development in Worcester.

The state-of-the-art distribution, training and office unit will be built at Worcester Six Business Park.

Mira, which manufactures Mira showers, taps and bathroom accessories, said the building will include hi-tech features, such as a PV solar array on the roof, underpinning the company’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2035.

Birmingham-based Stoford Developments has been appointed to deliver the first phase and construction could start on site before the end of the year, subject to planning consent.

The first phase is expected to be on stream by 1 April 1, 2019.

Liz Hazeldene, managing director of Mira, said: “This is an exciting opportunity that clearly reflects our continued investment in the UK.

“This purpose-built facility is a result of both an increase in customer demand and the need to meet future business requirements.”

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