In order to pave the way for further growth, Miele announced in March that it would be setting up an additional production facility in the USA. The exact location has now been finalised: the German family-owned company’s first plant on the American continent will be built in Opelika in the State of Alabama. Production is scheduled to start by the end of 2024. In the first phase, 150 employees shall come on board.

«There are several good reasons for the decision to also produce in the USA in the future – the company explains –. The United States, where Miele has been represented by a sales and service company for 40 years, is the largest market outside Germany. At the same time, the company still sees a lot of potential here. The new site will enable Miele to produce the ovens and range cookers specifically designed for the USA, Canada and Mexico close to the market. Later, the matching Cooker hoods will also be produced here. This reduces the delivery time from up to ten weeks today to just a few days in a customer-friendly way and also reduces the impact on the climate».

Today, the Cooking business unit’s production is distributed as follows: Hobs and steam ovens as well as warming drawers come from the Bünde plant (approx. 730 employees), Cooker hoods from Arnsberg (approx. 250 employees) and cookers, ovens and Dialogue ovens from Oelde (approx. 670 employees). The steam ovens, i.e., ovens and steam cookers in one appliance, are produced in Bünde or Oelde, depending on the model. «The new site will give all three plants the capacity for future increases in production volumes for the other model ranges» – says Senior Vice President BU Cooking Brunkhorst.

Including the new plant, the Miele Group’s international production network will include a total of 16 locations, eight of which are in Germany and one each in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and the USA. In addition, there are the two plants of the Italian medical technology subsidiary Steelco Group.

Miele has received the German Sustainability Award 2023 for the second time since 2014. Jury recognized the long-lasting products and resource-saving production of the comapny, as well as lived responsibility towards supply chains and employees and measures aimed at saving CO2.

«This new and significant award confirms our intensive pursuit of a holistic sustainability strategy and our efforts to push our commitment with consistency – says Rebecca Steinhage, responsible as executive director for Human Resources and Corporate Affairs which includes sustainability at Miele -. The comapny won its first German Sustainability Award in 2014 for ‘high-level continuity in sustainable corporate governance’. Now the company is focused on climate protection and the conservation of resources with the goal of setting up a circular value chain for domestic appliances. We aim to achieve a situation in which all materials used in our appliances are returned to the material cycle at the end of their life». Steinhage will receive the award at the ceremony in Düsseldorf on November 23.

«Our appliances are not only very good when run in the Eco programme but also prove to be energy-saving across all programmes in daily use – explains Christoph Wendker, Vice President Corporate Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs and responsible for the company’s sustainability strategy -. A glance at Miele’s CO2 balance reveals just how important this is. Around 83 per cent of this is attributed to machines during their usage phase. This is not least so high because Miele appliances are particularly long-lasting. They are tested to the equivalent of up to 20 years’ service life. The excellent repair-friendliness of Miele appliances (and not only since this has been demanded by EU legislation) contributes towards prolonged usage. In addition to this, Miele stocks just under 90,000 different functional spare parts for a period of at least 15 years after the discontinuation of production – very special in this branch of industry».

Some Miele induction hobs received two important design awards: the iF Design Award and the RedDot Design Award. Two hobs with an integrated extractor (TwoInOne) and a full-surface induction hob were each double winners.

The TwoInOnes are both powerful and quiet in operation. Their reduced design is characterised by the central air intake with a grille set in the ceramic glass screen. This feature, in particular, convinced the jury of the Red Dot Award and allows pots and pans to slide freely. The grille on the rectangular air intake blends in seamlessly with the design of the hob. Depending on the model, the grille is either completely black (KMDA 7272 Silence) or has discreet brushed stainless-steel slats (KMDA 7473 Silence).

A further recipient of the iF and the Red Dot design prize was the KM 7897-1 FL Diamond full-surface induction hob. As many as 6 pots, pans and oven dishes can be placed anywhere on the 90 cm wide hob unit and move around freely. This guarantees untold freedom during cooking. Moreover, the ceramic screen on the hob unit features a special coating: DiamondFinish is one of the hardest surfaces on the market and hence particularly scratch-resistant.

Innovative products and services for greater sustainability and convenience are Miele’s top themes at this year’s IFA with the motto: ‘A Miele Open House‘. The topic of environment and climate, which has always been a high priority at the company, remains at the center of its offer. The outstanding durability and repairability of Miele appliances, as well as their energy efficiency, combined with the best results and convenience features are just two examples of how Miele supports its customers in making their lives as sustainable as possible.

Among the new appliances, Miele will present its first washing machine to undercut the limit value for energy efficiency class A by 10%. The dishwashers on the G 7000 series are among the most sustainable on the market. The G 7465 SCVi XXL model recently won the prestigious ‘Green Product Award‘. Now these appliances have been given additional programmes for cleaning which is as thorough as it is energy-efficient and gentle. In addition, the dish racks have been further developed so that reusable glass bottles and drinking straws can also be securely attached and thoroughly rinsed.

A further contribution to climate protection in the home is made by the Consumption Dashboard in the Miele app, with detailed consumption displays, long-term statistics on usage behaviour, the associated consumption, and practical tips on how to use the appliance as efficiently as possible. The Consumption Dashboard, in this form unique by Miele, was presented at the last IFA in a first step for dishwashers and meanwhile is also available for monitoring washing machines.

At IFA, Miele will also display the AI-based assistance system Smart Food ID, which recognises dishes via a camera in the oven and shows them on the oven display. All it needs then is the OK to confirm and baking, roasting or cooking starts and ends automatically. Currently, Smart Food ID recognises about 30 recipes, and Miele is gradually expanding the range. Smart Food ID has already been introduced in the first European countries, including Austria and Switzerland, with Germany to follow in the coming weeks.

Miele further expands self-sufficiency in green electricity. At its headquarters in Gütersloh, the company is currently installing the second-largest roof-top PV array in the town, comprising around 2,400 PV modules. The installation will have a total output of around 900 kWp and will generate more than 750,000 kWh of electricity per year – sufficient to power some 250 households, each with an annual average consumption of 3,000 kWh. Construction work has already commenced, with the facility expected to enter service this year.

An innovative solar power plant to help Miele increase its own power generation and reduce emissions which damage the climate is being built on an area covering 18,000 square metres – around the size of two and a half football pitches. As a result, the new installation on the roof of the central store for spare parts and accessories in Edison St. in Gütersloh is set to save around 370,000 kg CO2 per annum. This corresponds to the emissions of more than 200 mid-range cars with an internal combustion engine. Miele feeds the sun’s energy which is converted into electricity into the company’s own grid to power its production plant.

As recently as February, the company announced it would back climate-friendly terrestrial heat in Gütersloh in addition to solar power. With the aid of geothermal energy, Miele will in the future save more than 4 million kWh of heat from fossil fuels per year – and hence around 600,000 kg CO2. Further photovoltaic systems and terrestrial heat projects are at the planning stage.

With 12.2% sales growth, Miele Group achieved higher sales in its 2022 business year and sold more units than ever before – despite fragile supply chains and a decline in markets overall. With 23,322 employees, the company reports the largest workforce in its history (as per December 31, 2022). In addition substantial improvements were achieved in the field of climate protection, for instance through the increased use of solar power, ‘green’ steel and cooperations centred on electromobility as well as improvements in the energy efficiency of appliances.

An above-par contribution to this accomplishment came primarily from eastern European and Asian markets, including China, but long-standing markets such as Australia, Great Britain, the Netherlands and the USA gave a good hand, too. In Germany, Miele achieved sales of 1.47 billion euro, representing an increase of 5.6%. The contribution to turnover coming from outside Germany was 72%.

As in previous years, Miele produced, sold and shipped more products than ever before in its almost 125-year history. This is all the more significant as the framework conditions in the market for domestic appliances took a clear turn for the worse recently. The historic Covid-induced peak in demand enjoyed by the entire branch over a period of almost 2 years was followed by a slump in demand during the 2022 business year. This was exacerbated by a general drop in consumer demand since the start of the war in Ukraine, as a consequence of which Miele terminated shipments of appliances to Russia as early as March (with the exception of medical technology).

«In this challenging environment with markets in decline, Miele was able to improve its position, in part significantly – the company said -. This is due to the excellent reputation of the Miele brand, a consistent focus on the quality, durability and enthusiastic performance of its products and the commitment of its employees worldwide».

Miele introduced green aluminium in its production with the aim of reduce by 645 tonnes per year. Aluminium is strong but light-weight. These and other properties make this material an attractive proposition in a broad range of industrial applications. Alongside its use in the automotive sector, this metal also plays a key role in the production of domestic appliances. As Miele explained, «aluminium is energy-intensive in production. Hence the more energy is supplied by the sun, wind and water, the more the climate benefits. As part of a pilot project, Miele is now using primary aluminium in the manufacture of ovens produced exclusively using green electricity from hydropower. This way, Miele reduces its CO2 footprint by 645 tonnes a year and, in doing so, is making yet another contribution to greater sustainability in the supply chain».

In 2021 Miele introduced the use of low-CO2 steel to the production of ovens. «We are the first in our branch of industry to prove that CO2-reduced aluminium can be successfully used in ovens and help reduce the CO2 footprint – said Hans Krug, Senior Vice President Procurement -. The objective is to use climate-friendly aluminium on a broad front and thereby contribute towards a future-proof economy».

Initial use in oven production in the Westphalian town of Oelde. In a first stage, this year Miele will order around 150 tonnes of CO2-reduced aluminium for the production of trim. This represents an integral part of the ovens manufactured by Miele in the Westphalian town of Oelde. The aluminium is converted into an alloy in the supplier’s own foundry, further processed and then supplied to Miele in the form of finished components. The aluminium is poured on lines which use regenerative burners which utilise waste heat from the production process.

Insights from industry surveys and pseudonymised data from connected machines from Miele allow the conclusion to be drawn that Eco programmes are only activated in around 25% of cases on dishwashers. The figure for washing machines is around 5%.

«If the Eco programme were to be used every third time on a washing machine and every second time on a dishwasher – Miele explains – massive electricity savings would be the result. Depending on the intensity of use, these vary from 1.5 bn kWh per annum to more than 2 bn kWh pro. The reason for consumers’ reticence in using the Eco mode result from common misgivings as to the suitability of these programmes on washing machines and dishwashers in everyday use».

Miele found the main myths that prevent people from using Eco programmes. According to the company, people think that: “laundry and crockery does not come out properly clean in the Eco programme”; “As Eco programmes take longer, they use more rather than less energy”; “Eco programmes take far too long”; “The frequent use of Eco programmes shortens the life cycle of machines”.

Miele explains that the most of these beliefs are false and ensures that its washing machines and dishwashers are tested to last 20 years and endurance testing takes Eco programmes into account to reflect realistic use. Furthermore, additional strain resulting from the longer cycles in Eco programmes are very moderate and uncritical with respect to the impact on life expectancy.

Refrigerators of new generation pair very well with a contemporary kitchen, boasting cutting-edge technologies in food preservation and hi-tech functions. Afeter having become efficient from the energy consumption point of view, these appliances now integrate advanced systems to preserve freshness of food for longer. But not only. Some models are also equipped with a water dispenser, thus helping to reduce the use of plastic bottles. Finally, in the era of the connected home, these appliances have technologies allowing the refrigerator to go beyond the main storage function, offering new possibilities.

Refrigerator transforms into a technological hub With the Family Hub RF65A977FSR by Samsung, refrigerator becomes the technological heart of the home. This 4 doors model is a true concentrate of technology: it has a 21.5” full HD touch display, 3 internal cameras and integrated speakers; in addition, it allows you to create a smart shopping list directly from the fridge or smartphone. The product is also equipped with a Beverage CenterTM, which allows to obtain fresh filtered water in two ways: from the dispenser inside the refrigerator or from the integrated jug (BPA-free), which, thanks to the Autofill function, can be refilled independently. Furthermore, it is possible to flavor water with fruit, vegetables and aromas. Among its many functions, the refrigerator allows to watch TV programs or access online content. And, thanks to a widget, it is possible to quickly launch the most popular video streaming apps or social media.

Latest generation technologies and connectivity The combined freestanding CBNstd 579i by Liebherr belongs to the Peak series, the company's top range, and stands out for the BioFresh-Professional function with HydroBreeze, which allows the most delicate foods to be preserved in the best possible way. HydroBreeze produces a cold mist that is vaporized every 90 minutes for 4 seconds and for 8 seconds when the door is opened: this technology allows to keep fruit and vegetables fresh for longer. The product is also equipped with InfinitySpring (the water dispenser mounted flush in the left wall of the refrigerator compartment) and VarioTemp, a function that allows to convert the freezer compartment into a refrigerator compartment or cellar compartment, setting a temperature between -2°C and +14°C. Finally, the model is also equipped with the SmartDevice, with which it is possible to control the refrigerator or freezer from a smartphone or tablet. Through the free app, settings and functions can be managed remotely.

Super Cooling and Super Freezing Thanks to the Super Cooling function, present in the Four Door MKRF 620/4D NF E XS refrigerator by Master Kitchen, fresh food inside the refrigerator compartment is cooled quickly. In addition, the appliance keeps the temperature low for ideal food storage. With the Super Freezing function, on the other hand, it is possible to freeze fresh food placed in the freezer very quickly: this is particularly useful when there are large quantities of food to stow or drinks to freeze. At the end of the process, the freezer returns to its initial function. Other pluses of the product are: the E energy efficiency class, the Total No Frost system, the digital display for product control, 3 independent cooling systems, etc.

Focus on sustainability and space optimization Fght against food waste and practicality are the hallmarks of the KFN 7795 D fridge-freezer by Miele. The appliance integrates the PerfectFresh Active system, which uses ultrasonic nebulization technology at regular intervals to perform an active humidification function and preserve the freshness of fruit and vegetables for longer. Further strengths of the product are the DynaCool ventilation system, the DuplexCool technology (two independent cooling systems), the optimization of the Comfort-Size spaces (which also allows the oven trays to be placed in the refrigerator), the shelf with 180°rotatable base FlexiTray and networking with Miele@home.

The latest generation Miele dryers are equipped with a heat pump overshoot the A+++ rating for energy efficiency by a margin of 10%, whilst conventional condenser and vented dryers only achieve, at best, a B rating. Consequently, a highly efficient heat-pump dryer from Miele cuts energy costs over a 10-year period by more than 1,200 euro – compared with Miele condenser dryers without a heat pump. For this reason, these less efficient versions were entirely removed from the programme range last year.

But it is not only energy efficiency which ensures sustainability: the use of materials which go easy on resources and a long life cycle are also important contributing factors. A significant contribution to this is made by the floor module, which was developed from scratch and whose plastic is enriched with nitrogen in an innovative manufacturing process. This saves 30 percent of material – while at the same time improving stability. In addition, the climate-friendly refrigerant R290 is used. Both the new base module and R290 are also used in almost all Miele dryer models.

Moreover, the DryCare 40 option ensures that all items of clothing washable at 40°C can be tumble-dried without the least worry – even if textiles are not approved for machine drying according to the wash-care label. This is facilitated by reducing the air temperature during the drying process to ensure that delicate fabrics are dried so gently that damage can reliably be ruled out.