The newly expanded facility, known as the Rational iVario Business Centre, will significantly increase production potential to 25,000 units annually, with further expansion capability to more than 75,000 units per year in the future.

Rational said the development was driven by growing worldwide demand for the iVario Pro, which is supplied to more than 120 countries. Around 270 employees from 11 countries now work at the Wittenheim facility.

The Wittenheim site has produced the iVario Pro and its predecessor models for over two decades. Annual production has grown dramatically, from around 500 cooking systems in 2005 to more than 10,000 units by 2025.

Rational invested €35 million in the project, which now integrates the full iVario value chain at the site, including product development, manufacturing and worldwide distribution. The expanded complex includes 10,000 square metres of production space, a customer experience centre with three training kitchens, modern office facilities and a staff restaurant.

The company also highlighted the building’s sustainability features. A highly insulated steel structure, heat pump technology and intelligent LED lighting are designed to reduce energy consumption, while a photovoltaic system is expected to provide around 25% of the site’s annual electricity needs.

Thomas Hoch, chief product officer for iVario, said: “The new building is an important milestone for the team in Wittenheim. It creates modern working conditions and underlines the importance of the iVario within the Rational product portfolio. It also lays the foundation for us to continue supplying professional kitchens with the best possible solutions in the future."