Meiko reaches 10,000 M-iQ machines
Meiko has completed the 10,000th machine in its M-iQ range, with the anniversary unit set for use at Gate Gourmet in Copenhagen Airport.
The machine was completed last December at the company’s headquarters in Offenburg, Germany.
It will operate as an M-iQ Cup machine capable of washing up to 10,500 reusable cups an hour.
Rapid and hygienic turnaround is important in airline and event catering where reusable items must return to service quickly.
The M-iQ conveyor dishwashing range was first launched in 2009 and introduced to the market the following year at Europa-Park.
During that launch event the Ehrlich Brothers, a German magic duo, presented the machine live on stage to an international audience of industry experts.
Since then the series has been developed with versions designed for different sectors that require high throughput washing systems.
Recent additions include the M iFlow IPB automation module, which was introduced to help address staff shortages and increase operational efficiency.
The company is also studying applications of AI-supported automation within the range.
Meiko technology is also used in sectors that require high standards of hygiene for specialist equipment, including systems used to wash firefighter personal protective equipment and breathing apparatus components.
Meiko marks the milestone in Germany and Denmark
Employees gathered in Offenburg on 22 January for a “warewashing festival” to mark the completion of the 10,000th M-iQ machine.
The event included a winter barbecue and a gathering in the company restaurant despite temperatures of -2°C.
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Peukert, CEO of the Meiko Group, said: “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.”
“The M-iQ is an example of teamwork at its best,” he added.
The anniversary machine was formally handed over in Denmark at the end of January.
At the beginning of February, representatives from Gate Gourmet’s headquarters in Zurich visited Offenburg where they received a miniature model of the machine alongside a certificate of appreciation.
Peukert said: “We were keen for Gate Gourmet to share in the celebrations.
“And we wanted to thank them for the close partnership between our two companies.”
The visit connected the production milestone in Offenburg with the machine’s installation for catering operations at Copenhagen Airport.