Miele's most successful business year with sales up 7.5%
The world's leading premium supplier of household and commercial appliances is setting clear signs of sustainable growth: In the 2021 financial year, the Miele Group achieved sales of 4.84 billion euros worldwide, 7.5 percent more than in the previous year. The best business year in Miele's history was recorded in Switzerland. With its particularly durable and energy-efficient appliances, its entry into the processing of green steel and CO2 neutrality at its locations, Miele is at the same time stepping up its efforts towards the Paris climate goals.
The business of the Miele Group was characterized by strong contrasting developments in the past year. On the one hand, the historic special boom caused by Corona provided a strong tailwind. On the other hand, Miele is also feeling the effects of the disruptions in the global supply chains, particularly in the case of semiconductors. Nevertheless, more devices were produced and sold in 2021 than ever before in the 123-year history of the premium brand. The order backlog at the start of the new year is also higher than ever, so the signs point to growth for 2022 as well. In order to shorten the sometimes significantly longer delivery times, Miele produces in all plants with the greatest possible capacity.
On the other hand, the prospects for the further course of the year are shaped by the political and economic effects of the war in the Ukraine, where Miele, like in Russia, is represented with its own sales company. The management and staff of the Miele Group are deeply shocked by the suffering of the people in the war zone and on the escape routes. There is a great wave of willingness to help throughout the group, which starts with protecting the 54 Miele employees in Ukraine and their families, but also goes far beyond that. Due to the geopolitical situation and the resulting imponderables, the Miele Group has completely stopped supplying appliances to Russia with immediate effect and until further notice, in addition to the EU sanctions currently being imposed. Products for medical care are excluded unless they are also subject to sanctions. The company’s own shops (Miele Experience Center) and the web shop have been closed since last week and investments in the store have been frozen. The jobs of the more than 230 employees and their pay will be retained for at least six months.
Positive development in all regions and product areas
With the sales growth reported for 2021, the Miele Group has grown significantly faster than the long-term average, with Eastern Europe, China and the USA in particular making disproportionate contributions. In Germany, Miele achieved sales of 1.39 billion euros and thus gained a further 5.1 percent from a very high level. And Switzerland also played its part with the most successful financial year since it was founded. “We are proud that Miele Switzerland was once again placed with great confidence this year. It’s not for nothing that customers have voted us Most Trusted Brand for the fifth time in a row,” reports Rico Fallegger, Managing Director Miele Switzerland.
Further information at: www.miele.ch