Production of stoves and ovens from the end of 2024
Miele is building its first American plant in Opelika in the US state of Alabama. According to the family-owned company’s press release, production is scheduled to start there at the end of 2024. In the first phase, 150 employees will work at the site.
Production close to the market
The provider of domestic appliances writes that there are several good reasons for the decision to also produce in the USA in the future. For example, the United States of America is Miele’s largest market outside Germany. At the same time, Miele says it still sees a lot of potential there.
According to the press release, the new site will enable the production of large-volume ovens and hobs, which Miele has added to its range specifically for the USA, Canada and Mexico, close to the market. The matching extractor hoods will also soon be manufactured there. “This reduces the delivery time from up to ten weeks today to just a few days in a customer-friendly way and also reduces the impact on the climate,” explains Stefan Breit, Managing Director Technology at the Miele Group.
Local supplier network
According to Miele, Opelika is a fast-growing and prosperous city in south-east Alabama with a current population of around 32,000. The neighboring city of Auburn is home to one of the state’s leading technical universities. As Uwe Brunkhorst, head of the Cooking business unit, explains, the region has a good supply of skilled workers, including highly qualified engineers.
According to Miele, the neighboring industrial companies provide good conditions for establishing a local supplier network. The company has also announced that the majority of parts that Miele does not manufacture itself will also come from the USA in order to achieve further CO2 savings.
Overall, Opelika offers the best conditions for a successful start to the new plant, including long-term prospects for further expansion stages, explains Brunkhorst.
Source: www.kloepfel-consulting.com