Miele facts for kids
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| Kommanditgesellschaft | |
| Industry | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1 July 1899 in Herzebrock, Germany |
| Founders | Carl Miele Reinhard Zinkann |
| Headquarters | Gütersloh, Germany |
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Key people
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Markus Miele (Co-Proprietor, MD) Reinhard Zinkann Jr. (Co-Proprietor, MD) Olaf Bartsch (Finances, Administration) Axel Kniehl (Marketing, Sales) Stefan Breit (Technology) |
| Products | Domestic appliances and commercial equipment |
| Revenue |  €5.4 billion (2022) |
| Owners | Miele family (51.1%) Zinkann family (48.9%) |
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Number of employees
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23,322 (December 31, 2022) |
Miele is a famous German company that makes high-quality home appliances and equipment for businesses. It's located in Gütersloh, Germany. The company started in 1899 with two founders, Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann. Miele has always been owned and run by their families.
Contents
Miele's Journey: From Butter Churns to Smart Homes
Miele began by making simple machines for farms. Their first products included a cream separator, a butter churn, and a washing machine. These early washing machines were called Meteor. Carl Miele personally watched over how things were made. Reinhard Zinkann learned about the business and managed money and sales.
Expanding Product Lines
In 1927, Miele started making vacuum cleaners. Two years later, in 1929, they made Europe's first electric dishwasher. Miele even built motorcycles starting in 1930. By 1932, Miele was the biggest factory in Europe for machines called centrifuges. During World War II, Miele's factories were used to produce parts for military equipment.
The Miele Brand and Logo
The Miele company and its trademark started on July 1, 1899. The Miele name appeared on all their machines and advertisements. Since the mid-1920s, the "i" in the Miele logo has had a special slanted dash. This unique "i" has become a key part of the brand's look. It's so well-known that many people can recognize the Miele brand just from that one letter.
Miele Around the World
Miele sells its products all over the world in 47 different countries. The company came to the United States in 1983. They set up their main office in New Jersey. Most Miele products are made in Germany. Some are also made in Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Romania.
Key Moments in Miele's History
Here are some important dates and achievements for Miele:
- 1899: Miele & Cie. is founded; they start making cream separators.
- 1900: They begin making butter churns and washing machines.
- 1912–1914: Miele produces motorcars (125 vehicles).
- 1914: The first washing machine with an electric motor is made. Miele opens offices in other countries.
- 1924–1960: Miele makes bicycles and motorcycles.
- 1927: Production of the first vacuum cleaners begins.
- 1929: Europe's first electric dishwasher is produced.
- 1955: The Dutch slogan "Miele. There is no better" is introduced.
- 1956: Miele creates its first fully automatic washing machine.
- 1958: The first home tumble dryer is launched.
- 1963: Miele starts selling products in the UK.
- 1966: The T 460, Miele's first dryer that senses humidity, is introduced.
- 1976: The first top-loading washer-dryer, the WT 489, is made.
- 1978: Miele introduces washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers controlled by microprocessors.
- 1982: "The New Miele-class" launches with faster spin speeds and easier repairs.
- 1986: The Hydromatic washing drum is introduced, making washing better.
- 1987: The world's first dishwasher with a special cutlery tray, the G 595 SC, is launched.
- 1988: Miele's first front-loading washer-dryer, the WT 745, is released.
- 1989: The 700-series washing machines get new electronic controls.
- 1990: Miele takes over the kitchen appliance company Imperial.
- 1991: The 900-series washing machines are launched with even faster spin speeds (1,600 RPM). Miele also helps create the wet cleaning process for clothes.
- 1997: The first washing machine with a program for hand-washable woolens is introduced. Miele InfoControl, a mobile device to get data from appliances, is also launched.
- 1998: Miele creates its first automatic built-in coffee maker, the CVA 620. They also introduce a gas-powered dryer for homes.
- 1999: The W397 washing machine is released with a very fast spin speed (1,800 RPM). Miele celebrates its 100th anniversary.
- 2001: The special "SoftCare" honeycomb pattern drum is launched.
- 2003: Navitronic washing machines and tumble dryers with an "Automatic" program are introduced.
- 2004: New G 1000/G 2000 dishwasher series are launched.
- 2005: TouchControl is added to dishwashers, cookers, and microwaves. Miele stops making kitchen furniture.
- 2006: New washing machine and tumble dryer series with a fresh design are released.
- 2013: New washing machine and dryer series called W1 and T1 are launched.
- 2014: Miele's slogan in the Netherlands changes to the international slogan, "Immer Besser."
- 2017: Miele launches the Dialog Oven with M-Chef Technology for automatic cooking.
What Miele Makes
Miele makes many different types of appliances for homes. These include washing machines, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and ovens. They also make refrigerators, freezers, and coffee machines. For businesses, Miele produces special laundry equipment, lab glassware washers, and medical equipment washers.
Awards and Recognition
In 2007, Miele was named the most successful company in Germany. They even beat big names like Google and Porsche. This award was based on how well the company was doing and how popular its brand was with customers. Miele has also won awards in the UK for being the best home appliance brand.
Competing in the Market
In North America, Miele is known as a high-end brand. This means their products are considered very good quality and often come with a higher price. They compete with other luxury appliance brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove, and Gaggenau.
Miele's Slogan
Miele's slogan in German is immer besser. This phrase means "always better" or "getting better and better." It shows Miele's goal to keep improving their products.
See also
