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The Kohler project was a valuable opportunity for Axelerant to push the boundaries of enterprise-grade digital transformation. The team modernized Kohler’s fragmented infrastructure by migrating to Drupal 10, implementing a decoupled frontend with Next.js, and automating deployments with Kubernetes, Helm, and Terraform.

This large-scale engagement enabled multisite consolidation, real-time data integration with Tangram, improved security through Akamai, and performance optimization on AWS. The result was a scalable, secure, and high-performing platform built to support Kohler’s global growth.

Describe the project (goals, requirements and outcome)

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Goals

  • Migrate six regional websites to Drupal 10

  • Redesign UI and restructure product pages for better discoverability

  • Optimize AWS usage and reduce infrastructure costs

  • Implement containerized, automated deployments using Kubernetes, Helm, and Terraform

  • Integrate real-time data sync with Tangram

  • Improve security posture with Akamai WAF and bot mitigation

  • Enhance monitoring, logging, and alert systems

  • Enable flexible, scalable architecture for future growth

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The Result

The project delivered a complete modernization of Kohler’s digital presence—driven by improved performance, reliability, security, and editorial agility.

A Secure, Scalable Digital Foundation

The website now runs on Drupal 10 within AWS EKS, with containerized deployments managed via Helm and Terraform. This shift has enabled zero-downtime releases and high availability, even during traffic surges.

Substantial Cost Reductions

By auditing and optimizing AWS services and support tiers, Kohler reduced its AWS costs by ~70%, including storage and support expenses.

Smarter Security & Threat Mitigation

Akamai’s Web Application Firewall (WAF) and bot mitigation systems now block 90% of malicious traffic, significantly improving site stability and user trust.

Faster Deployments and Updates

Deployment time has decreased by 30–40% thanks to automation, and content update times are now 40% faster, enabling teams to shift focus to strategic work.

Modernized User Experience

The frontend redesign improved navigation, visual hierarchy, and mobile responsiveness. Product pages were enhanced for clarity and engagement, and a unified design language was implemented across the platform.

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Project Highlights

DISCOVERY

The discovery phase involved understanding content workflows, regional requirements, infrastructure pain points, and performance gaps. This led to an aligned roadmap covering architecture, development, and future growth.

TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION

  • Drupal 10 hosted on AWS EKS

  • Decoupled frontend using Next.js

  • Container orchestration via Kubernetes

  • Infrastructure management via Helm and Terraform

  • Integrated monitoring using Prometheus, Grafana, and AWS CloudWatch

SYSTEM INTEGRATIONS

  • Real-time content sync with Tangram across multilingual domains

  • Akamai WAF and bot management for security

  • Logging systems for visibility into infrastructure and application behavior

UI/UX REDESIGN

  • Enhanced navigation and footer structure

  • Redesigned product detail pages for better hierarchy and visuals

  • Improved mobile responsiveness and cohesive branding

POST-LAUNCH SUPPORT

  • Monthly release cycles and emergency hotfix protocol

  • Scalable architecture ready for additional features, languages, and regions

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Why Drupal was chosen

There were multiple core challenges that Drupal 10 was uniquely suited to address:

Outdated CMS Infrastructure

Kohler’s websites were running on an older version of Drupal that lacked modern capabilities and performance. Upgrading to Drupal 10 enabled access to current features, security patches, and scalable architecture suited for enterprise growth.

Multilingual & Multisite Requirements

Managing content across six regional websites and multiple languages required a platform with strong multilingual and multisite capabilities. Drupal 10 provided the flexibility to handle complex content structures and domain-specific needs efficiently.

Need for Structured, Scalable Content Management

Kohler required a CMS that could support advanced content modeling, dynamic product listings, and real-time synchronization with external systems like Tangram. Drupal’s robust content architecture and API-first approach enabled seamless data management and integration.

Security & Compliance

With increasing security threats like bot attacks and outdated protocols, the platform needed to meet enterprise-grade security standards. Drupal, combined with Akamai and regular core/module updates, provided a secure foundation for global operations.

Developer Flexibility & Headless Architecture Support

To deliver a modern, fast, and engaging user experience, Kohler chose a headless architecture using Drupal for content management and Next.js for the frontend. Drupal’s API-first design enabled smooth decoupling, ensuring performance and flexibility.

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Technical Specifications

Drupal version: