The Miele story
Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann founded Miele in Herzebrock, Germany, in 1899, starting with cream separators. They soon moved into washing machines and in 1907 moved to Gütersloh, where the company is still based. The two founding families still own the business.
What makes Miele powerful
Miele's "Immer Besser" (Forever Better) promise sums up its appeal. It builds premium washing machines, dishwashers, ovens and vacuum cleaners designed to last, and tests key appliances for a 20-year service life. That durability gives Miele some of the highest trust in home appliances.
Miele today
Miele & Cie. KG remains owned by the Miele and Zinkann families. It makes most of its products in Germany and other European countries. Miele has invested in connected appliances and in reducing the energy and water its products use.
What comes next for Miele
Miele's task is to keep its premium position while managing costs and competition from lower-priced brands.
Why Miele ranks #46
Consumer Trust & Sentiment (78.0) and Product, Innovation & Delivery (72.0) carry Miele's Power Score of 70.08.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
7 Industrials & Engineering brands are in the Europe 100. Miele is #6 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Miele in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Miele ranks #46 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 70.08 out of 100.
When was Miele founded and who founded it?
Miele was founded in 1899. Founder(s): Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann.
What is Miele's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Miele's lowest pillar is Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0 out of 100.
Who leads Miele today?
Executive Board led by the Miele and Zinkann families. The brand is owned by Miele & Cie. KG (owned by the Miele and Zinkann families).
Where is Miele headquartered?
Miele is based in Gütersloh, Germany. Its country of origin is Germany.
What is Miele's revenue?
€5.16bn turnover (2025, +2.3%), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Miele?
Miele tests its washing machines for a service life equal to 20 years of use.
Key facts
| Brand | Miele |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Miele & Cie. KG (owned by the Miele and Zinkann families) |
| Headquarters | Gütersloh, Germany |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Founder(s) | Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann |
| Leadership | Executive Board led by the Miele and Zinkann families |
| Latest revenue | €5.16bn turnover (2025, +2.3%) Source |
| Sector | Industrials & Engineering |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Signature fact | Miele tests its washing machines for a service life equal to 20 years of use. |
| Official website | miele.com |
Miele is ranked #46 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 70.08).