Miele closed 2024 with revenues of €5.04 billion, up 1.7% from the previous year, thanks to the acquisition of the SteelcoBelimed joint venture , which specializes in medical technologies. Without the acquisition, sales would have fallen by 2.9% and the number of employees would have fallen by 4.2%.

According to Markus Miele , managing partner, the market presents itself as a “ mosaic ” with variable trends in the sectors of floor care, linen care and household appliances.Miele’s transformation program, with a total investment of 500 million euros , has so far been implemented at 50 percent . A significant point is that, according to Rebecca Steinhage , Head of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, the threat of forced layoffs no longer looms over regular employees. Instead, the company has opted for a socially sustainable reduction in staff , through early retirement and voluntary resignations.

Regarding the partial relocation of washing machine production to Poland, which will lead to the reduction of around 1,400 jobs in Germany in the coming years , Steinhage emphasizes that the other German plants are not at risk . Overall, the company is more optimistic about 2023/2024 and looks confidently into the new fiscal year.

500 million euros for growth and development
Despite the market challenges, Miele is focused on growth and maintains a positive attitude. The first half of 2024 was particularly difficult, with a recovery in the second half. The built-in appliance sector has yet to recover, while the free-standing appliance sector only recovered in the third and fourth quarters of 2024.