Convotherm Elektrogeraete GmbH

Convotherm – the Original Eglfing, Germany - In the beginning there was an idea: chefs in professional kitchens need special equipment! With this in mind, Frank Dittmann and Werner Schwarzbäcker founded the Convotherm company in the German town of Wolfratshausen in 1976 for the purpose of manufacturing combi steamers. These highly-specialized appliances, which combine convection oven with steamer in one unit, can be used to prepare practically any meal quickly while preserving quality. The company is now based in the Upper Bavarian town of Eglfing, Germany and employs approximately 300 people, producing 250 different models. Chefs from some 100 countries now regard the distinctive red C on the door as a mark of quality. The history of the company is an impressive success story. Numerous patents are central to this success. For instance in 1982, a Convotherm combi steamer was the first in the world to be fitted with the energy-saving Closed System. Other impressive technical innovations included the addition of a hand shower in 1987, the disappearing door in 1994 and the CONVOClean fully automatic cleaning system in 2002. A reason to celebrate in 1990 was the delivery of the 2.500th appliance. Convotherm continued to enhance its market position by becoming the first combi-steamer manufacturer to gain ISO 9001 quality certification in 1995 and then ISO 14001 environmental certification in 2000. In 2004, the +3 appliance range pioneered new technology as the first appliances fitted with the Advanced Closed System (ACS) and the Crisp&Tasty™ moisture-removal feature. The mini appliance range was launched in 2006 to great international interest. In response to strong demand, the appliance range was expanded into an entire “mini world” some three years later. Worldwide interest was again sparked in 2007 by two innovations: easySystem and the first full touchscreen panel for programming a combi steamer without additional controls. In 2010, the ecoCooking energy-saving program also created quite a stir! As Convotherm has grown and expanded into international markets, there have also been some changes in the ownership of the Convotherm name. A milestone was reached in 1998, when Convotherm became a subsidiary of Enodis plc, London. Since 2008, Convotherm has been a subsidiary of Manitowoc Foodservice, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional kitchen equipment with 24 market-leading brands. In 2012, work began on converting the entire Eglfing site to 100 percent green energy, which has already saved one million kg of CO2 to date. The latest chapter in this success story is the 2014 launch of the new Convotherm 4 generation of combi steamers. This product family combines aesthetics with functional design. With the introduction of ACS+, the third generation of the Closed System, and a new, highly versatile and fully automatic cleaning system, plus a spotlight on energy and water consumption, the Convotherm 4 combines the tradition of innovation with customer focus. The fundamental principles of customer satisfaction, quality, authenticity and sustainability continue to steer Convotherm towards the future. These principles underly the company’s core values of respecting employees, customers and suppliers, responsibility for the environment, aspiring always to find the best solution, a team spirit that encourages diversity and solidarity, and commitment that everyone can depend on. Firmly rooted in these foundations, the company story will continue along the path of developing energy-efficient and ecological appliances combined with optimum service and social engagement. By close cooperation with Manitowoc, we are able to share common strengths. The Convotherm brand stands for the distinctive identity of the company, for pioneering solutions under the motto: Convotherm – Your meal. Our mission. For more information, visit www.convotherm.com