Founded in 1974 by Esther and Domenic Steiner in Weggis, Switzerland, Thermoplan initially made whipped cream machines before switching to fully automatic coffee makers in 1995. Fueled by coffee machine innovation, the company became a global player, exporting 98% of its products to over 80 countries.
Founded in 1974, Swiss-based Thermoplan shifted from whipped cream machines to coffee makers, now exporting 98% of products to 80+ countries.
Its modular, super-automatic espresso machines, known for reliability and high-quality output, powered global market expansion through partnerships with Starbucks, McDonald’s, IKEA, and others. The partnership introduced models like the Verismo 801, a super-automatic machine tailored for Starbucks’ high-volume needs before its 2008 discontinuation. The firm now employs over 500 people in Switzerland, producing 80% of components domestically.
Thermoplan’s growth accelerated after securing an exclusive deal with Starbucks in 1999. This breakthrough propelled its reputation, leading to contracts with brands like Costa Coffee and Nespresso. By 2004, it supplied McDonald’s, demonstrating engineering adaptability with custom production lines.
Its global footprint expanded alongside five production plants in Weggis, including the tech-driven “unique” facility, which added six integrated production areas to meet rising demand. Over 200 certified service partners worldwide guarantee customer support aligns with Swiss quality standards.
Recent moves signal a strategic shift. Thermoplan announced the acquisition of Mikafi, a Swiss coffee roaster, marking its entry into the roasting sector. While details remain scarce, this step broadens its offerings beyond machine manufacturing. This will likely enhance quality assurance in the sourcing and roasting processes, ensuring a premium product for customers.
The company’s history of tailoring solutions for corporate clients suggests potential synergies, such as integrated coffee systems pairing Thermoplan machines with Mikafi beans. Analysts view this as a natural extension of its ecosystem, though the firm hasn’t disclosed specific plans.
The deal follows years of infrastructure investment, including sponsoring the Thermoplan Arena in 2006 and expanding facilities. With 98% of sales from exports, entering roasting could strengthen its supply chain control.
Thermoplan’s focus on digitalization and modular design might also influence Mikafi’s operations, though neither party has confirmed this. The company’s adoption of Solid Edge software and ERP integration has streamlined production processes, enabling precise tracking of components and enhancing quality assurance across its Swiss manufacturing facilities. The purchase reflects Thermoplan’s pattern of calculated risks, mirroring its 1995 pivot to coffee machines.
While immediate impacts are unclear, the move positions Thermoplan to compete more broadly in the coffee industry. For now, observers await further details on how roasting fits into its Swiss-engineered vision.
