Technivorm Tour

I am in the Netherlands, specifically for the 45th Anniversary of Technivorm.  The festivities don't start until tomorrow, but the North American contingent had the pleasure of a factory tour today.  The party is happening somewhere else in the NL, about a 90 minute drive from the factory.

We started the day off in Gerard's office where we were warmly greeted and served some coffee.  Then it was down to the factory where we were walked through every aspect of the Technivorm brewers assembly.  Each brewer is carefully manufactured and assembled by hand at the factory.  About 100 people work the factory floor and do everything from assembling wire harnesses, to cutting metal for the brewer.  Each machine is thoroughly tested, and is brought up to operating temperature with water in the reservoir and boiler to ensure that the unit is both safe, and sound in its construction.  I was very impressed with the operation of the factory and the care and attention paid to the assembly of these great brewers.  I think from now on, one of the marketing tag lines for Technivorm should be "it's NOT made in China".

People often chide at the price of the Technivorm, complaining that it is too simple a brewer to justify its price.  Having been to the factory, I am more convinced than ever that we sell the brewer too cheap.  For the simplicity of its design and the reliability of the brewer, it is truly one of those things that should be given as a wedding present, as it is an appliance that will last and last.  These brewers work, and not only work, but brew amazing filter coffee, through their consistency and reliability.  If you don't have a Technivorm yet, and are a fan of brewed coffee, than I would encourage you to make the investment.  It will be one that you won't regret, and it will be one of your appliances that you will have and never have to worry about it.  We also got a sneak preview today of a couple of new changes to the brewer, which will make it even better than it currently is.  I shot a lot of video today, so hopefully we can do a video on the Technivorm brewer in the near future.

OK, enough from me for now.  I am still pretty tired, trying to get my body used to being a half day ahead, and I am on the patio of a nice hotel in Europe drinking a Dubbel Ale, so I think I will turn the computer off.  Proost!