Thermomix Vorwerk-Semco factory is expanding! Why?
Vorwerk-Semco is expanding the world’s only Thermomix manufacturing plant to meet increasing global demand for the super kitchen machine.
(If you follow this blog, you already know that Thermomix is made in France, at the Cloyes-sur-Loir factory of Vorwerk-Semco)
French industry trade news L’usine Nouvelle (February 15, 2013) reports that the German manufacturer of Thermomix kitchen appliances is investing 16 million Euros to expand the world’s only production facility for this popular kitchen machine.
Reasons for expansion (as reported)
This article informs us that Vorwerk sold 750,000 Thermomix in 2012 and popularity of the kitchen machine continues to grow each year around the world. (See 2011 sales report here.)
The 16 million euros will allow for an expansion of 1200 square meters and acquisition of additional machines, including injection molding. Not only is the factory floor at Vorwerk-Semco being extended, but also production lines and the labour force which will grow to about 200 employees. The factory expansion is set to begin next month and progress through the summer.
Reasons for expansion (? could there be more)
Long time fans of Thermomix are always curious about when the next model will be released. Speculations abound and release dates of previous models are scrutinized so that predictions might be made. It’s a valid question! When we invest in a valuable machine of any kind, we want assurance that it will not be superseded by next year’s model any time soon.
TM21 was introduced in 1996
TM31 was introduced in 2007
Common questions are:
- What changes will Vorwerk introduce with the next version of TM?
- When will it be introduced?
- Will I still love my TM31 once I see the next model? Will a newer version render my current TMX obsolete?
- How much will the next version cost? Does it matter?
Nobody knows yet! Not even the people who work for Vorwerk know this yet. I’ve been told that when the TM31 was launched it was kept a secret until a few days before the machine actually shipped out. Consultants did not know ahead of time!
More questions:
- Can the next Thermomix remain a secret in today’s world? With 200 employees at the factory, in the age of social media?
- If word leaks out about a new Thermomix in development, will new customers stop buying TM31, preferring to wait?
- Is the new equipment at Vorwerk-Semco being introduced to accommodate new design features and functions for the next model of Thermomix?
- Is the factory at Vorwerk-Semco preparing for the next model of Thermomix?
- Does the possibility of a new model of Thermomix make you excited (about the possibilities) or nervous (about your investment in TM31)?
Want more?
- See more about the Vorwerk-Semco factory in “Who Made Your Thermomix”: part 1 and part 2
- Watch a Thermomix promotional video about the Varoma steamer (also made at Semco-Vorwerk).
- See Vorwerk/Thermomix Annual Reports for 2011 and 2010
Great post – looking forward to meeting you at the FBC in Toronto, Helene!
:)
Valerie
Thanks Valerie, see you there!
It’ll be very interesting if the news does leak out.
I’d be very worried if I was a consultant.
Perhaps you should put a post up asking what everyone would like to see in the next model?
I’d like a higher temperature to make caramel, the ability to turn off the blade to stop it spinning, an attachment similar to the butterfly, but shaped like a balloon whisk, a more sensitive scale – able to weigh in 1 x gram quantities and maybe some auto programmed recipes.
Thanks for the post Helene
MJ
Having just bought one, still waiting for delivery, I am extremely concerned that it will soon be out of date. It’s a LOT of money to shell out.
Hi Joy! Please, please, please do NOT worry. The Thermomix has been around for more than 30 years now and each time there is an upgrade people who bought the previous model are more than happy to keep using it. It’s only the die-hard fans and consultants who would maybe want to move up to the newer model. There are millions of people around the world today using older models. There are thousands of older models still in great shape, working hard in restaurants too. These machines are built to last! Remember too, that they hold their value and if needed, can be sold for nearly the price of new.
I am SO SORRY that I gave you cause to worry. Please don’t. The new model won’t come out any time soon. By the time it does you will be so in love with your current machine that you won’t consider superseding it. Best thing is probably not to read my blog, and then you can rest assured, with no worries ;-)
You are right, it IS a lot of money to shell out, but I have never met a person who regretted doing so. It’s the same with the ipads and iphone which also cost a LOT of money compared to the alternatives. These tools are so well designed for form AND function, that they’re worth every penny. I have an ipad and iphone too. When newer models came out they too appealed to me but didn’t make me want to trade in the current ones. I love those tools, even though they are not the newest edition… they make life more fun and interesting and I can’t live without them, but I don’t NEED the newest model. Hope this helps to reassure you. You are on your way to a whole new world of culinary discovery, I guarantee it will be a lot of fun. Please enjoy!
Hey, I can’t not read your blog – I’m learning all I can about my new baby! :-)
Thank you for the reassurance. I’m sure I will very much enjoy getting to grips with a new way of doing things, it’s just a little frustrating to think that there might be new tools that could be very useful. That’s progress though, isn’t it?
I’m definitely going to carry on reading!
Joy
I know this is old and tired question. BUT how do I get one in the US????
I just visited my German friend who brought hers to the US and bought a converter for it. We used it all week and I fell in LOVE with it.
This is meant for Joy, although I know she’s probably past her worries now: You will always love your Thermomix. Even if you do want to get the new model when it comes out, eventually, your TM31 will last for life and will always be an amazing machine. I know this from experience because my mum still has her TM3300 in use (that’s 2 models ago, she’s almost 20 years old, I believe) and she still adores it. Although, she does have the TM31, too.
Yes, I get so many private emails about this but sadly they are simply not sold in the US… It is EXTREMELY frustrating! I can’t wait for this to change because there will be a LOT of very happy US residents on that day! It sounds like you are one of us Lauri, you too fell in love. Like me, you didn’t really have any idea about Thermomix till you used it HANDS ON. The HANDS ON factor is vital to understanding and ‘clicking’ with Thermomix. That’s why it continues to be sold by demonstration only, not in stores or online. Hard to appreciate it without actually trying it.
Mara, you are an INTERNATIONAL treasure in the world of Thermomix. I hang on your every word, your tips, and expertise.. and I’m sure I’m not alone. The picture of your mother with her 20-year old machine in Spain, was a lovely one for me to imagine… and when you mentioned she also had the new model it made me laugh out loud. It sounds like your mother is a busy cook with one foot in tradition and one food in the modern world… wow, what a woman!
For Mara:
Yes, you are absolutely right, I love my thermomix, it’s brilliant. I wouldn’t be able to afford a newer model, but that’s OK. I just wonder how I managed without it! :-)
Thank you for your kind comments.
J x
Hi Folks, very interesting reading your blogs, thought you might like to know that my first Thermomix was bought in the early 70s when I was catering for a large family of 3 children two students, my husband and myself. We bought the TM31 four years ago as the lid of the original had split, been glued together three times but decided it was time to get the newer one which is absolutely brilliant.
PS. I only had to have the original one serviced once!
Wow Shirley!!! I loved reading your note, sorry it took so long to reply. Stories like yours are always SUCH a pleasure to hear about. For me, it confirms that Thermomix is built to last. Imagine how little it costs, when you factor in all the meals made in all those years!