Kohler Co. has created a joint venture company between Kohler Engines and YinXiang Ltd. for the development, manufacture, marketing, sale and distribution of general-purpose gasoline engines.

The joint venture, Kohler-YinXiang Ltd., based in Chongquing, China, will provide Kohler an increased global presence in the worldwide small gasoline engine market and establishes a cost-effective manufacturing location to support the Kohler engine business.

“Kohler has been seeking a strategic partner over the last two years to help us grow our presence in the small engine market and enhance our product offerings,” said Kohler Engines president Paul Bartelt. “We are confident that in YinXiang we have found a very capable partner that is strongly aligned with our strategic objectives.”

Kohler Engines veteran Scott Chen has been named managing director for this portion of Kohler’s business and will report to Bartelt.

Manufacturing of the new Kohler engines will occur in Chongqing, China. Kohler officials said the joint venture will have no impact on current employment in Kohler’s three existing manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Mississippi or Mexico.

YinXiang, founded in 1997, manufactures motorcycle engines and motorcycles, ATVs, go-carts and general-purpose engines and equipment. Kohler is based in Kohler, Wis.