The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in
New Orleans, LA
February 27 - 29, 2012
at the Ernest Morial Convention Center
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The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in |
Successful Miele 2007/2008 business year Significant progress on international front EUR 2 bn mark hit outside Germany Miele continues to grow around the globe. Miele, manufacturer of domestic appliances, achieved its highest turnover ever in the 2007/2008 business year which ended on June 30. The family-run company, headquartered in Gütersloh, Westphalia, and founded in 1899, increased turnover in the period under review by 2.5 percent to EUR 2.81 bn compared with EUR 2.74 bn the previous year. “We have made great inroads toward internationalization,” said Miele board member and Managing Director Horst Schübel, responsible for finances, controlling and administration. Whereas the Miele group as a whole topped the EUR 2 bn mark some five years ago, turnover outside Germany alone this year exceeded the same figure for the first time. Over that same five-year period, Miele’s foreign turnover share rose from just under 69 2.5 percent to over 73 2.5 percent. Staff levels over the past five years have risen worldwide by 1041 to a current 16,163 employees. Miele subsidiaries increased their headcount in marketing, sales and service by 990. “Miele is currently well positioned on all five continents as the premium brand,” said Schübel. Miele group investments total EUR 182 m, including EUR 110 m in Germany Miele achieves growth through sustainable strategy With a model range including premium cooking, baking and steam cooking appliances alongside refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers, laundry care machines and floor care products as well as commercial machines and medical devices, Miele is well positioned to grow. With 80 2.5 percent of products selling to European markets including Germany, Miele intends to further improve its position in the current business year. Growth at Miele will reflect a sustainable business model with a focus on the quality and durability of its products. “All the products we develop and produce are built to last 20 years and are designed to meet the needs of a stable and discerning customer base,” explained Dr. Eduard Sailer, the board member responsible for technical development. “Steady, sustainable growth here at Miele stems from our position as technology leader.” Thanks to the newly launched ‘Generation 5000’ series comprising innovative built-in appliances such as ovens, cooktops, steam ovens and coffee makers for demanding customers, Miele has opened up a new platform for further growth. The same applies to laundry care products, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners. Miele is also helped on its way by excellent test reports, superb quality and a whole host of unique selling propositions such as the honeycomb drum on washing machines and tumble dryers or the third-level cutlery tray and the in-door salt dispenser on dishwashers. Above-average performance outside Germany “We have made clear progress in consolidating our position as premium brand at our 42 subsidiaries,” said Dr. Reto Bazzi, board manager responsible for sales and marketing. Foreign sales grew by almost five percent to EUR 2.04 bn compared with EUR 1.95 bn in the previous year. Consequently, Miele’s foreign turnover share grew from 72 percent to 73 percent. Germany heads the league table of the 10 strongest Miele subsidiaries worldwide, followed by the Netherlands, Great Britain, the United States, Switzerland, France, Austria, Australia, Belgium and Russia. The largest percentage growth, though, came from Eastern Europe. All Miele subsidiaries there, from Russia, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Ukraine, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia to Slovenia, reported healthy two-digit growth. Pleasing, too, was progress made overseas. This not only applies to the stronger countries such as the United States, Australia and Canada, but also to regions in South America and Asia where Miele sees great potential for future growth. A weak U.S. dollar slowed growth in euros, but Miele nevertheless managed to grow in local currency as well. Notwithstanding the ongoing real estate and banking crisis, Miele subsidiary in the United States achieved double-digit growth even in dollars during the 2007/2008 business year, indicating the market for premium, quality appliances in America is stable. Within Europe, Miele achieved high double-digit sales growth in the north and the south. Success was spearheaded by Turkey, followed by Norway and Finland, but healthy growth also came from Miele subsidiaries in Denmark and Ireland in the north down to Greece, Portugal and Italy in the south. Great Britain, too, reported strong growth in local currency, although this was unfortunately not reflected to the same degree in sales in euros. General consumer reticence on markets in Spain, France and Germany coupled with a downturn in the residential construction industry left its mark on sales. However, Miele grew on all European markets, even clearly outperforming the general market in many cases. Sales growth in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland helped Miele consolidate its leading position in these countries. Sales volume at Miele Germany suffered a slight decline in the past financial year, dropping 3 2.5 percent from EUR 770 m to EUR 744 m. However, during the first six months of 2008, Miele in Germany saw turnover rise by 11 percent. Miele performed significantly better than the industry average, with competitors experiencing stagnant sales during the first half of 2008. About Miele There are only a few brands in the world that have sustained their vision, traditions and quality for more than a century. Fewer still can claim consistent family ownership and international brand name integrity. And only one that is recognized for creating the world’s most innovative appliances. Founded in 1899 with a single promise of Immer Besser, a German phrase meaning Forever Better, Miele has dynamically grown to become the world’s largest family-owned and operated appliance company with over 16,000 employees in 40 countries. As a premium appliance brand represented on all five continents, Miele is steadfastly committed to the highest quality, performance and environmental standards. The company’s innovative heritage, state-of-the-art design and engineering aesthetic have inspired comparison to other German brands synonymous with innovation: Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Miele’s range of exceptional consumer appliances includes: vacuum cleaners; laundry systems; rotary irons; dishwashers; built-in convection, speed and steam ovens; cooktops; ventilation hoods; coffee systems; wine coolers; and build-in refrigerators. In addition, Miele Professional offers commercial cleaning equipment such as laboratory glassware washers, industrial parts cleaning systems, dental disinfectors and commercial wet cleaning systems. Reprinted From Floor Care Professional, November 2008 |