Milestone for Meiko as 10,000th M-iQ machine is built
German hygiene specialist Meiko marked a major milestone at the start of this year as the 10,000th machine from its successful M-iQ range rolled off the production line. The flight and rack type dishwashing machine was originally launched in 2009 with a spectacular live show. Since then, it has been developed to serve numerous industries and continues to set the technical standard for conveyor dishwashers today – a worthy cause for celebration.
Last December, production of the 10,000th M-iQ unit was completed at Meiko’s headquarters in Offenburg, Germany. The anniversary model will be deployed as a M-iQ Cup machine at Gate Gourmet in Copenhagen Airport, where it will wash up to 10,500 reusable cups an hour. Returning items to service quickly and hygienically is crucial in airline and event catering – and the M-iQ certainly does the job.
The 2010 market launch of the M-iQ range is still talked about in industry circles today: the Ehrlich Brothers – a world-renowned German magic duo – conjured the massive machine onto the stage live at Europa-Park, in front of an international audience of industry experts.
Since then, the M-iQ series has undergone a wide-ranging technical evolution, with versions specifically designed for the many industries looking to benefit from its features. Recent additions such as the M‑iFlow IPB automation module have been introduced to address staff shortages while boosting efficiency and profitability, and further studies into AI-supported automation also point to promising future applications.
The anniversary machine was honoured in style at a "warewashing festival" on 22 January, when employees from all areas came together to celebrate the 10,000th M-iQ. Despite wintry temperatures of -2°C, a winter barbecue and a festive get-together in the company restaurant kept spirits high. In his speech, Dr.-Ing. Thomas Peukert, CEO of the Meiko Group, recalled the M-iQ’s origins: "Internally, the project was known as MGM, which in German stands for the 'mother of all large machines', whereby “mother” referred to the platform concept realised for large machines. And the launch was a truly memorable event – technically challenging, it attracted international attention and kept the audience in suspense until the very last moment." He extended his thanks to everyone involved in design, development, production, sales and service. "The M-iQ is an example of teamwork at its best," he added.
The official handover of the festively decorated machine took place in Denmark at the end of January. At the beginning of February, representatives from Gate Gourmet's headquarters in Zurich were invited to Offenburg, where they were presented with a miniature model of the machine and a certificate of appreciation. "We were keen for Gate Gourmet to share in the celebrations," says Thomas Peukert. "And we wanted to thank them for the close partnership between our two companies."
