Bringing you quality appliances for four generations: Dr Markus Miele

December 6, 2023December 5, 2023 by Metropol No Comments

Forever Better, known in German as Immer Besser, is a philosophy that drives Miele and the two founding families to this day.

As passionate about the brand as his great grandfather Carl Miele was, Markus Miele, Executive Director and Co-Proprietor of the brand, feels a glowing sense of pride every time he sees the company’s name. That pride was to the fore in Christchurch in November, when Markus cut the ribbon to officially open Miele’s new Experience Centre in the central city.

Dr. Markus Miele, second from left , cuts the ribbon to open the company’s new central Christchurch Miele Experience Centre in November 2023.

In Christchurch to personally see the new store, and meet the team, Markus is excited to see what the future holds. “We are so happy to welcome this extraordinary Experience Centre in the very heart of Christchurch – in such an impressive location we are looking forward to inspiring and delighting our New Zealand customers. “I really like to see how our brand is presented, and to see it at such a high standard, makes me so proud.”

The fourth generation Miele to assume the position (along with co-proprietor Dr Reinhard Zinkann, from the other founding family), Markus never took it for granted that he would join the family business, nor did his father. “My father always said, ‘Do what you want in life; be happy’. “I was happy studying, gaining my MBA in industrial engineering first, then a PhD in Switzerland, where I wrote my thesis, and gained my doctorate.”

His first role was with the international automotive supplier HELLA, a company with more than 150,000 employees at over 300 locations. Time there prepared Markus well for when it came time to join his family’s business, in its 100th jubilee year, 1999. Next year Miele celebrates its 125th anniversary and is still performing well. When Markus joined the team, its annual turnover was €2 billion. By last year that had increased to €5 billion.

The business has stayed true to its value of Immer Besser (Forever Better) and remains in family ownership. As a technology expert, Markus says the owners are all extremely passionate about the products they make, the people they employ, and the customers they touch with their appliances. Now Cantabrians are also included in that extended family.

Then…
In June 1899, Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann sign a contract, with the aim of establishing Miele & Cie., a factory for making cream separators. The young company, housed in an old saw and corn mill in the community of Herzebrock near Gütersloh, Germany, started manufacturing cream separators, with a workforce of 11 employees. The ensuing 10 decades saw Miele expand in size and appliances, including development, design and production of washing machines, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, hand carts, motorcycles, and latterly modern conveniences.

Now…
Miele has been an independent family-owned company since its establishment, equally committed to its owners, employees, customers, suppliers, the environment, and society. The company focus is on manufacturing domestic appliances for kitchens, laundries, floor care, and machines for use in commercial operations and medical facilities (“Miele Professional”). Its strategic vision is to be the world’s most trusted and desirable premium brand, setting the standards for durability, performance, ease of use, sustainability, design, and service.

Visit your home of Miele

Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, and Saturdays, 10am-3pm at 2 Cathedral Square.

Carolina Romero Bahamondes, is the Miele Experience Centre Manager, tasked with teaching you about their appliances. Assisted by a culinary expert, and two sales staff, Carolina enjoys educating people about the multiple benefits, functionality, and longevity of Miele. “We host appliance demonstrations and events, showing off both the art of cooking, and how to use our appliances. We demonstrate all our products from coffee machines to steam ovens, dishwashers to laundry, and everything in between,” she explains. “Don’t be afraid to come in and visit; no appointment is needed. Currently we are hosting Christmas MasterClasses, one of many events and everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be a Miele owner to enjoy a beautiful Kiwi Christmas feast.”

Exceptional, ongoing customer service is an integral part of the package, one reason why Christchurch home and kitchen designer Davinia Sutton (Detail By Davinia) is a huge fan. A Miele ambassador, and NKBA’s 2023 Designer of the Year, Davinia praises the brand’s appliances for their performance, craftsmanship, sustainability, and longevity. “Miele works for small through to high-end budgets,” she says, adding that the cost of the appliance is counter-balanced by their longevity and sustainability. “I love that it is such a fantastic product on multiple levels. The appliances are expertly designed, they are innovative, and sustainably manufactured, and Miele is a family-owned company that continually strives to maintain its quality.”