Miele facts for kids
![]() |
|
Kommanditgesellschaft | |
Industry | Manufacturing |
Founded | 1 July 1899 | in Herzebrock, Germany
Founders | Carl Miele Reinhard Zinkann |
Headquarters | Gütersloh, Germany |
Key people
|
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 | ![]() |
Owners | Miele family (51.1%) Zinkann family (48.9%) |
Number of employees
|
23,322 (December 31, 2022) |
Miele is a German company that makes high-quality home appliances and equipment for businesses. It is based in Gütersloh, Germany. The company started in 1899. It was founded by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann. Miele has always been a family-owned business. The Miele family owns 51.1% of the company. The Zinkann family owns 48.9%.
Contents
Miele's Journey: From Butter Churns to Dishwashers
Miele's first products were simple machines. They made cream separators and butter churns. They also made tub washing machines. These early products were sold under the Meteor brand. Carl Miele personally watched over how things were made. Reinhard Zinkann managed the money and sales.
In 1927, Miele began making vacuum cleaners. Two years later, in 1929, they made Europe's first electric dishwasher. From 1930, Miele even built motorcycles. By 1932, Miele was the biggest factory in Europe for centrifuges.
During World War II, Miele produced items for the German war effort. By 1944, most of the company's income came from these products.
The Miele trademark was created on July 1, 1899. It appeared on all their machines and advertising. Since the mid-1920s, the dot on the "i" in the Miele logo has been a special sloping dash. This unique "i" helps people easily recognize the Miele brand.
In 1996, Miele started a partnership with another company, Melitta. They opened a factory in Dongguan, China. Miele took full ownership of this factory in 2009. Today, this factory is very important for making Miele vacuum cleaners. It produces popular models like the Swing H1 and Complete C2.
Miele sells its products all over the world. The company is present in 47 countries. They expanded into the United States in 1983. Their main office in the US is now in Princeton, 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
- 1899: Miele & Cie. is founded. They start making cream separators.
- 1900: Production of butter churns and washing machines begins.
- 1912–1914: Miele produces motorcars, making 125 vehicles.
- 1914: The first washing machine with an electric motor is made. Miele opens branches in other countries.
- 1924–1960: Miele makes bicycles and motorcycles in Bielefeld.
- 1927: The company starts producing its first vacuum cleaners.
- 1929: Europe's first electric dishwasher is produced.
- 1955: The Dutch slogan "Miele. Er is geen betere" (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 products become available in the UK.
- 1966: The T 460, the first dryer that senses humidity, is introduced.
- 1976: Miele launches its first top-loading washer-dryer, the WT 489.
- 1978: The first washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers controlled by microprocessors are made.
- 1982: "The New Miele-class" is launched. It includes faster spin speeds and easier repairs.
- 1986: The Hydromatic washing drum is introduced. It has special paddles that improve washing.
- 1987: The world's first dishwasher with a cutlery tray, the G 595 SC, is launched.
- 1988: Miele introduces its first front-loading washer-dryer, the WT 745.
- 1989: The 700-series washing machines are updated with new electronic controls.
- 1990: Miele takes over the kitchen appliance maker Imperial.
- 1991: The 900-series washing machines are launched. They have a very fast 1,600 RPM spin speed. Miele also helps create the wet cleaning process.
- 1997: The first washing machine with a program for hand-washable woolens is made. Miele InfoControl, a mobile receiver for appliance data, is also introduced.
- 1998: Miele launches its first automatic built-in coffee maker, the CVA 620. They also introduce a gas-fueled dryer for homes.
- 1999: The first washing machine with an 1,800 RPM spin speed is launched. Miele celebrates its 100th anniversary.
- 2001: The patented "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 operation is added to dishwashers, cookers, and microwaves. Miele opens a new branch in Korea.
- 2006: New washing machine and tumble dryer series with a fresh design are introduced.
- 2013: New washing machine and dryer series called W1 and T1 are launched.
- 2014: The Dutch slogan changes to the international slogan, "Immer Besser."
- 2017: Miele launches the Dialog Oven with M-Chef Technology.
What Miele Makes
Miele makes many different home appliances. These include washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and dishwashers. They also make ovens, cooktops, refrigerators, freezers, and coffee makers. For businesses, Miele produces laundry equipment. They also make special washers for lab glassware and medical tools.
In 2007, Miele was named the most successful company in Germany. They beat big names like Google and Porsche. This award looks at how well a company is doing and how popular its brand is. Miele was also recognized as a top brand for home appliances in the UK. They won this award multiple times.
In North America, Miele is known as a high-end brand. This means their products are considered very good quality and often cost more. They compete with other well-known appliance brands.
Miele's Slogan
Miele's slogan in German is immer besser. This phrase means "always better." It can also mean "getting better and better."