The Miele plant in Bürmoos near Salzburg has completely repositioned itself over the past four years - as a supplier of high-quality stainless steel components for almost all appliance plants in the Miele Group as well as for the Italian subsidiary Steelco Group. In addition, the new Miele subsidiary Otto Wilde Grillers has recently had its most established product range produced in Bürmoos. “Hardly a stone has been left unturned in our production halls,” says plant manager Dr. Hendrik Wermers. The necessary investments were made, for example, in a new cutting centre with laser processing and a fully automated high-bay warehouse, as well as in state-of-the-art production technology for surface processing.
"A space that focuses on the needs of our commercial customers and where we offer them practical solutions for everyday work": This is how Dr. Christian Kluge, Head of the Professional Business Unit at Miele, describes the new Professional Showroom at Miele's headquarters in Gütersloh. Together with Executive Directors Dr. Axel Kniehl, Dr. Markus Miele and Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, Kluge inaugurated the exhibition area, which has been extensively redesigned and also expanded to include interactive elements.
Hochwertige Waschmaschinen, Staubsauger, Geschirrspüler, Backöfen und vieles mehr für den anspruchsvollen Privathaushalt – dafür ist Miele weltweit ein Begriff. Seit vielen Jahrzehnten steht der Gütersloher Familienkonzern aber ebenso für verlässliche und nachhaltige Hygienekonzepte in Gewerbebetrieben, medizinischen Einrichtungen und Laboren – ganz gleich, ob es um die Aufbereitung medizinischer Instrumente geht, um Geschirrspülen, Wäschereitechnik oder mobile Luftreinigung. Zusammengefasst ist all dies in der Business Unit Professional mit sieben Produktionsstandorten, mehr als 3.000 Beschäftigten und fast 700 Mio. Euro Umsatz. Die Leistungen reichen von der Planung etwa einer Wäscherei oder Sterilisationsabteilung über die Lieferung der Geräte, Prozesschemie und Softwarelösungen für die Datendokumentation. Hinzu kommt ein umfassendes Service- und Wartungsangebot mit rund 1.000 eigenen Technikern.
With more than six decades of experience in the development of laboratory glasswashers, Miele stands for the efficient and safe reprocessing of laboratory glassware like no other company. The current portfolio was developed in close collaboration with reputable glassware manufacturers and ranges from undercounter models to large-chamber units. Patented load carriers, Miele-own process chemicals and various data documentation solutions have now been combined into System4Lab – a tried-and-tested system to meet a broad range of needs.
Mit nur 65 Zentimetern Breite sind Miele-Laborspüler der Serie SlimLine die ideale Lösung, wenn bei wenig Platz viel sauberes Laborglas gebraucht wird. Ab Anfang 2023 ist die neue Generation PLW 7111 verfügbar: mit vergrößertem Innenraum und dem System EasyLoad, das eine einfache Beladung bei noch mehr Flexibilität und höherer Kapazität ermöglicht. Zudem passt eine intelligente Technologie die Pumpenleistung an – sodass während der Reinigungsphase Schnelligkeit garantiert ist und in der Spülphase Wasser eingespart werden kann.
Sedimentation funnels are used to determine water quality and ascertain the volume of solids in suspension in water – for example in sewage works and industrial plants as well as in swimming baths. Samples are taken using Imhoff funnels whose form allows suspended matter to sink to the bottom fast. Given their conical form, it was not previously possible to reprocess these vessels in an automatic process. Now, however, Miele is now the first manufacturer to offer a matching set of nozzles for use in Miele's space-saving undercounter laboratory glasswashers with the same dimensions as a domestic dishwasher.
With large-chamber laboratory glasswashers from the PLW 86 series, Miele has been offering a high-performance series since 2019 which, thanks to the EasyLoad accessory system, is fast and simple to load. New loading trolleys increase the capacity of units and make for stress-free working conditions – even for persons of short stature.
Connectivity via the MieleMOVE portal makes reprocessing in Miele undercounter laboratory glasswashers safer and more convenient – thanks to digital real-time information and data on process cycles. From early 2023 onwards, the remote monitoring of key process parameters will be possible, helping to keep track of which machines are running and whether there is a sufficient supply of chemicals. Where necessary, contact to Miele Service can also be quickly established.
The new commercial laundry machines from Miele are able to reprocess entire sets of the personal protective gear worn by fire-fighters: not only multi-ply jackets and trousers but also helmets, gloves and heavy-duty belts. All models are available under the title 'The New Benchmark Machines' and guarantee increased safety in readiness for the next emergency call – if required even with digital assistance. And there are also right-sized dryers to match the washing machines from this model series, with load capacities of between 12 kg and 20 kg.
Which washing machines are running? When will they be finished? How high is consumption? Answers to questions such as these are provided live by the Miele MOVE portal. The platform for PCs and mobile devices is a digital solution which simplifies a multitude of processes. Initially, Miele MOVE will be available for the new Benchmark Machines, Miele's latest generation of laundry machines.
Hazardous substances to which fire-fighters are exposed via their protective clothing can cause lasting and serious damage. These include smoke, diesel fumes and asbestos, which is provably carcinogenic, as well as toxic chemical residues. Help is now at hand in the form of barrier washing machines with two doors, allowing loading and uploading in separate rooms and preventing any redeposition of soil on textiles. Miele now offers three models in different sizes – particularly designed to rise to the challenges of fire brigades and rescue services.
To gently dry the protective equipment used by fire-fighters, many manufacturers recommend drying cabinets - both for drying operational jackets and trousers which are suitable for drying, but especially for utensils made from materials which may suffer damage in a tumble dryer. This includes, for example, boots, gloves, belts, wetsuits and cut-proof trousers. Miele is therefore now offering drying cabinets in two sizes and, consequently, a complete portfolio for reprocessing personal equipment from one single source.
Miele offers fire services a safe and simple method of reprocessing breathing apparatus in a special-purpose washer: The PG 8063 'Safety' washes breathing masks and air regulators hygienically using multiple intakes of fresh water and by providing all materials a secure hold in new special baskets. This machine-based approach saves breathing apparatus managers lots of time and effort. It also reduces the risk of physical contact with contaminants.
After each call-out, respiratory equipment must be hygienically reprocessed – in addition to masks and regulators, this also includes compressed air cylinders and carrier frames for compressed air bottles. Depending on the requirements and available space at the fire station, Miele now offers suitable solutions for this application: from compact washers to a medium-sized model and a large-capacity washer. For the first time, the two largest units can even clean compressed air cylinders and their carrier frames at the same time.
Miele has very successfully developed in recent years, both in terms of sales and workforce. In addition, new business fields and subsidiaries have been added to the company's portfolio, and substantial measures have been made on key topics for the future, such as internationalisation, digitalisation and sustainability. In this environment, which is as challenging as it is full of opportunities, the appointment of Rebecca Steinhage as the sixth Executive Director further strengthens the power of the Gütersloh family-run company to shape and implement.
Each medal and cup won by Helen Langehanenberg is the result of hard work and sheer graft – and the committed team providing support to the internationally successful dressage rider. Nine employees train and care for almost 50 horses on an expansive estate near Billerbeck in Germany's Münsterland district. The main passageway through the stable leads off into a room which houses a new Miele commercial washing machine and a matching dryer to ensure clean cooler blankets, saddle pads and bandages. This hardly comes as a surprise: 'We have long been associated with equestrian sports', says Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, Executive Director and Co-Proprietor of the Miele Group, during a visit to the training centre.
Fascinating gourmet experiences in a select circle, an exclusive location, providing inspiring insights into the life and the art of cookery by the best in category – these are the ingredients of Miele Chef Stories. It was the award-winning South Tyrolean chef Norbert Niederkofler who kicked off the series of events. Cornelia Poletto from Hamburg, Nenad Mlinarevic from Switzerland and the Berliner-of-choice Dalad Kambhu are to follow during the course of the year. An atmospheric backdrop is provided by the penthouse and the roof terrace of the DO & CO Boutique Hotels on Munich's historic Mary's Square. Ambitious connoisseurs wishing to be part of Miele Chef Stories can register online with immediate effect.
Vertical Farming – a particularly space-saving and efficient way of growing plants – is becoming the next megatrend in the field of nutrition. And Miele with its Agrilution subsidiary is directly involved in this mega-trend. With its solutions, the company is introducing its smart mini vertical farms to private households, and thereby helping to shape the future of food. This is a concept which was on show as one of the trend issues in numerous pavilions at the Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Following initial successful tests with battery-powered service vans, Miele, the world leading premium supplier of domestic appliances and commercial machines, is now also turning its attention to hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, equipped with a fuel cell and produced by Opel in Rüsselsheim, has a load volume of up to 6.1 m3 and a payload of 960 kg. After the test phase, the vans will now be adapted to the needs of Miele service technicians in the Frankfurt metropolitan area.
Wuppertal to become idea pool for climate-neutral living in June. That is when the Solar Decathlon takes place in the city, at which 18 international university teams are due to present their concepts on sustainable living and ways of life. One of the teams is from the Düsseldorf University, participating in the architecture competition for students as MIMO, which stands for Minimal Input - Maximum Output. Miele is partnering with MIMO and is presenting a new approach to further improving the energy efficiency of domestic appliances in the project.
Plastic crockery often requires the use of a tea-towel if it is to be dried properly. But that costs time. If towels are not replaced regularly, this also poses risks – above all in facilities such as retirement and nursing homes where hygiene is of paramount importance. Manual intervention is now superfluous on SPEEDair and HYGIENEair fresh water dishwashers thanks to a fan-assisted drying system. Furthermore, model versions without drying can be fitted with a basket for reprocessing glass bottles and jugs.
With a new generation of passthrough dishwashers, Miele is rounding off its comprehensive portfolio to cater for all the individual needs of commercial clients. The PTD 901 has replaced familiar models for large kitchens – offering users greater convenience than ever before, for instance with a display which is simple and convenient to use and virtually eliminates the human error factor. All model versions still offer the usual short cycle times and a capacity of just under 1300 plates per hour.
Miele further increases the convenience offered by its commercial machines: Following on in the footsteps of washing machines and dryers from the new Benchmark series, Little Giants will also connect with Miele MOVE from June 2022 onwards. For load capacities from 6 kg to 8 kg, these laundry machines require a footprint which is no larger than that of a domestic appliance, although they are twice as fast. And the new ProfiLine dishwashers with a cycle time of only 17 minutes can now be remotely monitored and controlled more simply than ever before.
They are all-rounders but, where necessary, absolute specialists: The New Benchmark Machines, connectivity-enabled laundry machines from Miele, have replaced the successful models from the Benchmark generation. And there are also right-sized dryers to match the washing machines from this model series, with load capacities of between 12 kg and 20 kg. Commercial machines are the ideal foundation on which to efficiently organise work routines – if required even providing digital support.
Cologne's Al Salam restaurant has been serving a blend of traditional and modern culinary specialities from the Near and Middle East for more than 30 years. Where guests enjoy specialities from the grill and numerous mezze (hors d'oeuvres), three air purifiers from the domestic appliance and hygiene specialist Miele guarantee a safe and enhanced room climate.
No fewer than 7 Miele products are to be awarded the coveted Red Dot Product Design Award this year: The Triflex HX2 Pro rechargeable handstick, the motorised Black Levantar downdraft extractor, the KM 7999 FL induction hob, the SmartLine Hong Kong cooking unit CS 7151/7152 with its gas burners and the Miele Professional washing machines and dryers from the PWM and PDR series. Each year, this sought-after design prize is awarded to products which excel in terms of the quality of their design. This year, around 50 experts sitting on an international jury evaluated more than 6,500 submissions from 60 countries.
Innovations are key to future-proofing a company. All too often, the huge potential among a company's own employees is overlooked. There are often lots of creative ideas milling around in their heads and they have the motivation and drive to secure competitive advantages to improve the corporate culture, potential Miele intends to tap in future with its new Intrapreneurship Programme.
Cordless vacuum cleaning is practical and effective – providing that suction, battery power and user convenience align. The positive feedback reflected this when Miele launched the Triflex HX1, its first cordless handstick, in 2019. Now, the second generation of this compact allrounder from Miele's Bielefeld plant, the Triflex HX2, brings together the unique flexibility of its predecessor with further increased suction power and improved user convenience. Following a technical and optical facelift, the Triflex HX1 will remain in the range as a new entry-line model. The market launch for both model series is scheduled to begin immediately in Germany. Europe and other markets will follow over the coming months.
Miele induction hobs with PowerFlex rings or without rings (full surface induction) offer maximum flexibility for creative pleasure – for example in combination with exclusive Miele accessories. At the flick of the wrist, the hob unit is transformed into an Asian tepan yaki for fast and healthy cuisine. Grill enthusiasts need no longer be put off by the weather as they can now set to work indoors, equipped with the right griddle. For classic methods of cooking, a high-quality 'All Steel' set of pans has been specially designed for Miele by the Finnish manufacturer Fiskars.
Results published by the world's leading premium manufacturer of domestic appliances and commercial machines point to sustainable growth: The Miele Group recorded sales of € 4.84 bn worldwide in the 2021 business year, 7.5% up on the previous year. With its particularly long-lasting and energy-efficient products, its recent first step towards the use of green steel and CO₂ neutrality at its locations, Miele is further stepping up its efforts towards achieving the goals of the Paris accord on climate change. The growth and efficiency programme Design2Excellence (D2E), with which Miele has completely realigned itself, was brought to a successful close. At the end of the year, a total of 21,921 persons were in the employment of the family-run company, 977 more than in the previous year. In Germany, too, the workforce has grown.
Miele commercial technology is at its most effective when combatting viruses of all types: This is the conclusion arrived at by Prof. Benjamin Eilts from the applied cleaning and hygiene laboratory at the Albstadt-Sigmaringen technical university. His team investigated laundry technology and commercial dishwashers from Miele and awarded numerous models the acclaimed Seal of Approval of the Institute for Integrative Hygiene and Virology.
The efficient reprocessing of laboratory glassware is the centrepiece of Miele's presentation at the Analytica in Munich (June 21-24): Take, for example, the new slimline washer, which has retained its same narrow build but offers significantly more space inside, and now sports the particularly convenient EasyLoad system. Large-chamber laboratory glasswashers from the PLW 86 series are now even simpler to load – thanks to a transfer trolley with a motor-driven height adjustment feature which guarantees ergonomic use, irrespective of the size of the user.
Like no other company in its industry, Miele stands for quality and durability – and for service excellence. Once again, this is confirmed by the large-scale 'Kundenmonitor Deutschland 2021' study based on the in-depth questioning of more than 1500 consumers. In this survey, Miele not only came out top in the 'Global satisfaction' category; the company also excelled in terms of quality of advice, friendliness, fast delivery and clear and precise working patterns. When it comes to waiting times for appointments and adherence to agreements, Miele also sets standards – and is working on ways of making further improvements.
Hardly any other material is as easy to process and as versatile as plastic. Meanwhile, though, many are annoyed at the sheer volumes of plastic waste. In Germany alone, 227 kg of packaging are discarded per capita each year; 39% of this is plastic waste. And although the Germans are often jokingly referred to as world champions in refuse separation, 51% of all plastic packaging is still not reused, landing as it does in incinerators. This occurs despite the fact that plastics and in particular those used in packaging materials are ideal for recycling and reuse as so-called recyclates. How this works is demonstrated, for example, by Miele tumble dryers, care products and vacuum cleaner accessories.
More and more people aim to live sustainably and eat healthy and wholesome food. At the same time, though, everyday cooking should be fast and simple. With the innovative KptnCook recipe app from the eponymous Berlin startup in which Miele has a majority stake, both can be combined with ease. Both companies are united by their focus on healthy cooking, sustainability, quality and a close proximity to customers. Together, Miele and KptnCook are working on new concepts to ensure the continued international growth of the app. For some time now, the app has also been available in Spanish, alongside German and English.
Miele further promotes intelligent energy management for domestic appliances. With Loxone, Miele's new partner, washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers can be integrated into a versatile smart network so that they start automatically using 'home-grown' electricity from a rooftop PV array. By using green electricity, Miele customers can make their own contribution towards averting climate change and reducing energy costs. As a specialist in the field of building automation, Loxone even goes one step further and offers interconnected systems for greater convenience and security.
Germany's domestic appliance manufacturer Miele took out a 100% stake in the family-owned Eurofilters company at the end of December. The company, headquartered in the Belgian town of Pelt, stands for highly effective solutions based on random-spun fibres, such as materials for face masks and dust bags. The two companies have a long-standing and successful business relationship as Eurofilters already produces a large proportion of the dust bags available from Miele. More recently, the non-wovens specialist also extended its portfolio of technical products for medical applications.
