Miele has highlighted its remarkable industrial heritage, tracing a journey that began with agricultural equipment in 1899 and evolved into one of the world’s established names in premium domestic appliances, commercial laundry and professional hygiene technology.
In a retrospective shared by Miele , the German manufacturer revisits some of its more unexpected products, including bicycles, cars and butter churns, demonstrating how innovation and diversification have shaped the family-owned business for more than 125 years.
From Agricultural Machinery to Washing Machines
Founded in 1899 by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann, the company began manufacturing cream separators in Herzebrock, Germany, with just 11 employees.
Butter churns followed in 1900, before Miele introduced its first washing machine in 1901, adapting the mechanical principles of its agricultural equipment to simplify domestic laundry.
The company’s early manufacturing activities extended well beyond household appliances.
Between 1912 and 1914, Miele produced 143 automobiles, while bicycles, motorised two-wheelers and agricultural machinery also formed part of its expanding portfolio.
However, laundry technology would ultimately become central to its long-term development.
A Century of Professional Laundry Innovation
Miele’s professional appliance business traces its origins to 1924, when the manufacturer introduced its first commercial drum washing machine.
Designed for hotels, hospitals and institutional laundries, these early machines represented an important step towards larger-capacity, mechanised laundry processing.
Innovation continued throughout the following decades:
- 1953: Introduction of the Model 307 front-loading washing machine, featuring a porthole door.
- 1961: Expansion into professional cleaning and thermal disinfection technology.
- 1977: Launch of the compact Little Giants commercial laundry range.
- 2001: Introduction of Miele’s patented honeycomb drum technology.
- 2021: Launch of the Miele MOVE digital platform for commercial machine management.
These developments helped transform Miele Professional from a commercial equipment manufacturer into a provider of integrated cleaning, laundry and hygiene solutions.
Beyond Laundry: A Broader Professional Business
Today, Miele Professional serves industries ranging from hospitality and healthcare to laboratories, commercial laundries and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Its expansion into medical technology has been particularly significant, including the acquisition of Italian specialist Steelco and the subsequent establishment of the SteelcoBelimed joint venture.
Digitalisation has also become increasingly important. Through Miele MOVE, commercial operators can remotely monitor equipment, access machine operating data and manage service requirements.
For professional customers, the emphasis has shifted beyond individual machines towards connected systems, operational efficiency and long-term equipment performance.
Durability Remains Central
Despite significant changes in technology and manufacturing, Miele continues to position product longevity as a defining characteristic of its brand.
Depending on the product category, its professional appliances undergo testing for up to 40,000 operating cycles.
The company has also highlighted its long-term spare parts strategy, supporting commercial customers who depend on reliable equipment and extended service life.
More than 125 years after its foundation, Miele’s transformation from agricultural machinery manufacturer to international appliance and professional technology group demonstrates how diversification, engineering expertise and product innovation have shaped its development.
Its founding philosophy, Immer Besser — Forever Better — remains at the centre of that story.
