Miele’s Bünde plant recently produced its one-millionth steam oven, celebrating 20 years of story. Two decades ago ago domestic steam ovens were rarities in the kitchen and now Miele offers a wide range of this kind of product, manufactured just in Bünde (Germany) using the latest communication technology. «Bünde is the birthplace of steam cooking as it is known today – says the plant manager Uwe Brunkhorst – One million units is quite a milestone, but we intend to reach the 2 million mark far faster.» In 2016 alone Miele is set to build almost 90,000 steam cookers and combination units using steam. 20 years ago, there was no indication that sales would rise to such heights, with annual unit sales languishing in the four-digit range. From 2001 onwards, Miele set about establishing its Bünde plant as a competence center for steam ovens, hob units and warmer drawers by concentrating the development and production of these products there. Miele Bünde employs a staff of around 600, including 35 apprentices. Approximately 400,000 kitchen appliances a year are produced in a production area covering around 40,000 m².
