History
Two families have shaped the company for more than 100 years: the Miele and Zinkann families.
In 1899, with 11 employees, four lathes and one drilling machine, the engineer Carl Miele and the businessman Reinhard Zinkann founded a company for the manufacture of cream separators in Herzebrock. Their guiding principle becomes the business philosophy: Immer besser.
1899-1909
Carl Miele (left) and Reinhard Zinkann sign a contract in June 1899 with the aim of establishing Miele & Cie., a factory for making cream separators by 1 July 1899.
The young company, housed in an old saw and corn mill in the community of Herzebrock near Gütersloh, starts manufacturing cream separators, with a workforce of eleven employees.
The Meteor butter churn is added to the range in the second year and reduces the workload on farms, particularly on farmers' wives.
The Model A washing machine with a lid-mounted agitator facilitates operation quite significantly. The agitator has a flyweight which perpetuates motion and is much easier to move than a simple lever.
1910s
Miele's first washing machine with its own electric motor goes on sale in 1910. The same motor also powers the wringer. A release lever allows the wringer to be disengaged from the drive mechanism.
Encouraged by their huge successes thus far, the founding fathers venture into the production of motorcars. Between 1912 and 1914, a total of 143 cars are delivered at prices between 5,100 and 7,900 marks. Due to the extensive capital investment required by this line of business it is soon abandoned again.
Miele introduces its first water-powered washing machine (No. 40) even before the first world war. At that time, water was considerably cheaper than electricity and could also be collected afterwards and put to other uses (for instance for rinsing).
The third totally new model is a washing machine with an 'outboard' electric motor that can be plugged into a domestic power socket. This legendary Miele washing machine No. 50 is born.
Born of necessity during the war, Miele adds hand-carts to its production programme. This product was such a success that it continues to be manufactured well into the Fifties.
Miele is so convinced of the quality of its products even at that time that a 10-year warranty was available on request
1920s
Milking is already highly mechanised. Small dairies, consisting of two to three pieces of equipment, process milk all the way through to making butter, all powered by a single motor.
In the quest for a unique identity, Miele initially focuses its advertising efforts on conveying a clear profile of the brand with easily understood information.
The Miele washing machine No. 50 with an attached electric motor as a direct drive is a significant improvement and results in most washing machines being equipped with wringers a short while later.
In 1924 it finally happens: The expanded Miele factory in Bielefeld begins the long-awaited production of bicycles.
In 1925 Miele developed the first coal and gas-powered washing machines. With their large capacity, these machines are designed for in-house laundry facilities in hotels, restaurants, hospitals, etc. A large spin dryer to match is also delivered.
1930s
Miele's cradle washer arrives on the scene in 1930, emulating the age-old principle of washing: dragging laundry to and fro under running water and beating it by hand. Operation of such a large machine requires the use of an electric motor.
After the canister vacuum, Miele introduces its first vacuum cleaner in the "shape of a torpedo" with the Model L, a design that is still common today. New features, other than the shape of the floor head, include an attachment for gentle carpet cleaning, rubber bumpers and a Bakelite casing.
Bicycles are fitted with a motor. Especially for older people as well as doctors, foresters, vicars and postmen in rural areas who travel widely, the Miele motorised bicycle brings welcome relief.
Vacuum cleaner sales now reach significant volumes. New, advanced models, simple operation and attractive prices, supported by intensive advertising, result in rapid sales growth.
The development of bicycles continues at a rapid pace as well. A broad selection of models, ranging from light children's bikes to heavy cargo bikes offers the right solution for everyone.
1940s
The production of household appliances has to be drastically restricted during the war years. Only approximately 22,000 washing machines - about 10,000 of them model No. 55 - could be manufactured in 1940.
An important product in its day was the Miele bicycle for 'industrial service' - a bicycle built 'to withstand the roughest wear and tear'.
Stoves and feed cookers are urgently needed by the German food industry and Miele continues with their production.
The first advertising brochures are printed again.
The washing machine No. 122 KVJ is a new development with a lid-mounted agitator and a galvanised steel tub. The covered drive mechanism even features ball-bearings.
Miele's 50th anniversary is celebrated on a modest scale. Instead, all employees receive a substantial gift of money, all Miele pensions are increased by 20% and a considerable amount is placed into the company's benevolent fund.
1950s
In the Fifties, the washing machine leaves the outhouse or basement and moves into the home. This is accompanied by a change in shape as well - it becomes rectangular. This is what advertising says about washing machine No. 75s: An elegant, decorative exterior and an eye catcher in any kitchen or bathroom.
The front loading washing machine No. 307 is one of the first to feature a 'porthole door'. For the first time machines are loaded from the front. The washing machine has a new appearance. It is the sign of the advent of automation in laundry care.
The production of two-wheelers experiences peaks in the mid-Fifties. Mopeds, motorised bicycles and motorbikes are produced in ever increasing numbers. Miele advertising supports this trend with brochures providing in-depth information.
President S, the new Miele vacuum cleaner, takes the growing trend towards more carpeting into account. Apart from a modern plastic casing, it features a new three-way nozzle. Thanks to a thread catcher and an adjustable bristle strip, it is suitable for use on all types of flooring.
'Mum does it with Miele' – the new slogan that Miele uses toward the end of the Fifties in advertising vacuum cleaners. The result is spectacular: More than 100,000 vacuum cleaners are sold every year.
In 1958 Miele begins a new chapter in the history of laundry care: The first electric tumble dryer for the home leaves the factory.
1960s
The production of two-wheelers slowly comes to a halt. The Miele moped K 52/2 Sport is the last new development in this area. The moped has a 47 ccm Fichtel & Sachs motor with pedal kickstarter and is equipped with a three speed transmission as a standard feature.
Illustration of an advertising campaign for Miele vacuum cleaners.
Miele is seeking its way into hospital markets with special washers. The first model is called G 15 OP Special for cleaning surgical instruments.
A new dishwasher, the Miele G 45, is introduced to the market in 1963. Its exceptional features are: Enlarged capacity (12 standard place settings), can be built under thanks to standard kitchen dimensions, stainless steel wash cabinet, measured detergent dispenser.
In 1965/66 Miele's very extensive production programme is publicised everywhere with large-scale regional advertising campaigns. For the 'lucky ones' promotion questions regarding the various appliances must be answered.
1970s
The newly constructed central spare parts depot utilises the new technology of high-bay warehousing. About 35,000 storage locations with approximately 50,000 spare parts are managed via computer and loaded automatically by 18 service vehicles.
Vacuums get a facelift with models S 180, S 200 and S 204. High suction power of 1000 W as well as electronically controlled suction power are the most prominent features of the S 204 shown here.
A new generation of built-in ranges enters the market along with the new kitchen generation from Miele's Warendorf plant. For the first time, the construction of appliances is precisely coordinated with the kitchen cabinetry and their design also complements the Miele kitchen splendidly.
Kitchen production at the new Warendorf plant reaches full speed. The new cabinet fronts made from solid oak, stained in different colours, are a big attraction. But laminate fronts in modern colours are very popular as well.
The microwave era begins. Miele's first product, the Model M 690, is initially a countertop unit that finds enough space anywhere thanks to its small dimensions. Later on, the appliance is also offered as a built-in option.
1980s
A new generation of computerised washing machines and tumble dryers enters the market in 1981. The important benefits of the new Miele class are: 5 kg increased load capacity, faster spin speed and more environmental friendliness thanks to energy saving programmes.
A new style of advertising is introduced for Miele products: dialogue advertising.
A new rotary ironer with roller speed control is introduced in 1982 with the model B 864 E.
The new Miele museum is opened in 1987. As the oldest washing machine manufacturer in the Federal Republic of Germany Miele thereby offers, among others, a history lesson on the development of the washing machine that is unique worldwide.
'Top-level dishwashing' is the motto Miele uses to bring the first dishwasher with a cutlery tray to the market. Cutlery is washed thoroughly and gently on a third level above the two crockery baskets.
New built-in ranges and ovens with integrated microwaves are now being shipped from the new factory in Oelde.
1990s
A fully automatic distribution centre is opened at the Gütersloh plant. This new link in the supply chain, with a computer operated storage system for around 100,000 domestic appliances, ensures the targeted and efficient shipment of goods.
Cooking is now faster than ever before. Induction hobs ensure ultra-fast heating inside pots and pans, making for short cooking times and optimum power control.
Miele also takes a giant step toward satisfying the desires of its customers by becoming involved in manufacturing fitted kitchens. All customers can now select the colour of their kitchens from a broad range of RAL colours. Customers can order their kitchens in exactly the colour they desire.
The legendary Miele motorcar returns. Following a world-wide search, one of the first Miele motorcars, built in 1912, is located in Norway. After a mechanical overhaul, the car is the pride and joy of Miele's new museum.
'Update' is the buzzword around Miele's new automatic washing machines. The electronic controls are designed in such a way that programme configurations, taking changes in fabrics, detergents or fashions into account, can be adjusted even years after purchasing a machine.
2000s
The Miele washing machine celebrates its 100th birthday and revolutionises laundry care with a world premiere: in the patented* Miele honeycomb drum, laundry glides gently on a film of water. *European patent: EP 0 935 687
At the TexCare trade show, Miele presents the new generation of washer-extractors and tumble dryers with the freely programmable Profitronic M controls. The machines with load capacities of 10 to 20 kg are available in a variety of versions. The washer-extractors and tumble dryers with the well-known shield design are awarded various design prizes. WfK* confirms exceptionally gentle laundry care. Particularly the woollens programme in combination with the honeycomb drum is as gentle as washing by hand. *WfK – Krefeld Laundry Research Institute.
The perfect vacuum cleaner for every household: Whether particularly light and manoeuvrable, equipped with convenient features, powerful in operation or even cordless - each model series has its own charm.
The detergents and care products from Miele create a system solution that, together with our high-quality domestic appliances, guarantees perfect results every time. The cleaning products and detergents are perfectly matched with the respective appliances, ensuring outstanding results.
Miele presents the new built-in ranges and ovens with Moisture Plus. A combination of fan heaters and moisture keeps roasts succulent and bakes bread with a fine crust. Additionally, all new Generation 5000 built-in kitchen appliances complement each other perfectly in terms of design and ease of use.
For the most discerning of customers, Miele develops the FIRE and ICE series – with surface finishes in titanium or aluminium, trimmed with chrome or gold plating. Standard design worlds in stainless steel, Brilliant White Plus and black also remain convincing and attractive options.
2010s
The more economical EcoLine washing machine models are characterised by special eco-friendly wash programmes. At the same time, they have the globally unique Eco Feedback function through which consumption values can be called up any time. In this way, environmentally conscious consumers can have a direct influence on energy consumption.
To the delight of those who love perfect coffee, exquisite design and superior ease of use, Miele introduces its first fully automatic countertop coffee makers. Thanks to their compact design, there is ample space for them on every worktop. On the inside, their technology corresponds to that of the proven built-in units.
With Miele's 'InfoControl Plus' all household appliances are conveniently in view at the same time. Using wireless LAN technology, users are able to check on the status of appliances throughout the home by calling up the selected programme, the operating mode or the remaining cycle time. An additional new feature is that appliances can now also be remotely controlled: Switching them on and off from every location in the home is no problem. Functions with safety relevance are excluded, of course. Consequently, it is not possible to turn on the hob or turn off the refrigerator via your mobile device.
Miele is introducing its first rechargeable handstick in the form of the Triflex HX1. It excels in terms of its excellent suction power, a battery running time of up to 120 minutes and, in particular, its exceptional flexibility as embodied in the 3-in-1 concept: The PowerUnit, consisting of motor, rechargeable battery and dust box, can be converted in a matter of seconds to adapt to the job in hand – for example vacuuming under furniture, cleaning larger surfaces or, in solo mode, cleaning tables or upholstery.
Miele takes over the vertical farming specialist Agrilution. Vertical farming is a term used by futurologists to denote multi-level greenhouses providing a local and space-saving supply of fresh produce, for example in urban conurbations. With the Plantcube from Agrilution, this revolutionary concept is now finding its way into private homes. Fully automatic, small-scale vertical farms are no larger than a standard refrigerator, offer perfect growing conditions combined with minimal effort – and are a design highlight in any kitchen or living room.
2020s
The family-owned companies Miele and Steelco have joined forces: Both companies are among the world's leading manufacturers of washer-disinfectors and sterilizers for hospitals, medical and dental practices and laboratories. The Italian medical technology manufacturer Steelco is also highly represented in the special segment - new to Miele - of reprocessing components used in pharmaceutical production. In April 2021, Miele acquired the majority of Steelco shares. The overarching goal is to provide customers with an even more powerful product portfolio and the best possible service, both before and after the purchase.
For many years, Miele Professional has stood for dependable hygiene in the medical sector as well as in hotels and restaurants. This expertise in the field of hygiene is now being transferred to air purification – in the form of Miele AirControl, available in three sizes and manufactured at Miele’s own Lehrte production plant. Five-fold filtration removes 99.995% of all air-borne particulates, viruses, bacteria and fungi. After each operation, pathogens are thermally deactivated by Miele ThermoControl. With a capacity of up to 3000 m³/h (depending on the model), these models are able to replace and filter the entire air in a room six times in a single hour.
Rebecca Steinhage joined the Executive Board of the Miele Group on July 1, 2022. The former Senior Vice President Human Resources has been with Miele since 2019. In her role as Executive Officer, she will take over the newly created area Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, which, in addition to Human Resources, includes the departments of Sustainability, Communications and Internal Audit. The photo shows the now six-person Executive Board with (from left) Dr. Markus Miele (Executive Director and Co-Proprietor), Dr. Stefan Breit (Technology), Dr. Axel Kniehl (Marketing & Sales), Rebecca Steinhage, Dr. Reinhard Zinkann (Executive Director and Co-Proprietor) and Olaf Bartsch (Finance & Administration).
The Miele plant in Bürmoos underwent a reorganization to mark its 60th anniversary. In Bürmoos, high-quality stainless steel components are manufactured for almost all appliance factories of the Miele Group as well as for the Italian subsidiary Steelco. In addition, Miele's new subsidiary Otto Wilde Grillers now has its most established product series produced in Bürmoos. Miele made investments in a new cutting center with a fully automated high-bay warehouse and laser machining as well as in the most modern manufacturing technology for surface finishing.