By Martin Vedris
MELBOURNE, VIC: Miele has reported record sales in the local region and attributes the growth to substantial recent investments in local infrastructure and support systems.
At the end of September, Miele Australia reported growth for all divisions of the company (Domestic Appliances, Miele Professional and Service), with Miele’s latest range of cooking appliances and refrigeration products being some of the strongest drivers of the growth.
Also, despite major economic challenges, Miele continued to maintain double digit growth on the New Zealand market.
“I am delighted that we have weathered these economically challenging times to achieve such excellent results,” said managing director Miele Australia and New Zealand, Michael Jeanes.
“Our commitment to such aspects of our business as the growth of our galleries around Australia and more effective service systems have allowed us to most efficiently respond to the demands of our customers and added to our success,” he said.
Miele’s success in Australia and New Zealand reflects strong results on the global front. The German manufacturer of premium domestic appliances reported sales of €2.77 billion (AUD $4.47 billion) for the financial year ending 30 June compared to the €2.81 (AUD $4.53 billion) billion for the same period last year.
The company’s home market business, Miele Germany, where the brand was established 110 years ago, grew by eight per cent with turnover reaching €801 million (AUD 1.29 billion). This marks it as the second highest turnover to be attained in Germany, second only to the results achieved in its 1999/2000 centenary year.
Miele also reported two new all-time highs. One was record investments within the company, reaching €188 million (AUD $303 million), and the other was an increase in worldwide employment to 16,859 compared with 16,163 the previous year.
Miele Australia issued a statement that the growth reflects the company’s sustainable business model with a focus on the quality and durability of its products.
“Our results at home and globally prove that consumers place their trust and confidence in strong brands and high-quality, long lasting products in times of general uncertainty,” said Jeanes.