Celebrate Europe's Oldest JEROS Machines

August 22, 2025 - News

WANTED 2025: Celebrating Europe's oldest JEROS machines and their proud owners

A campaign open to all – won by JEROS

When we launched the WANTED campaign, we hoped to uncover some amazing stories, but the response we received exceeded even our highest expectations. Across Europe, bakers, confectioners, and food producers stepped forward to show us their oldest machines still in daily operation, regardless of brand.

That's why the joy was even greater when the winners turned out to be JEROS machines.

What we discovered was more than just aging equipment. We found proof that with the right design, regular maintenance, and dedicated operators, a machine can remain a vital part of production for decades. And while the campaign brought plenty of smiles, it also carried a profound message:

Long-lasting machines are good for business and even better for the planet.

Please read along to meet the proud owners of Europe's oldest JEROS machines and to see why these stories matter ...

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Why we launched WANTED: Honoring long-lasting performance and driving sustainability

Some machines fade with time. Others – like our tray cleaners, utensil washers, and other hygiene solutions – keep going for decades, a testament to solid engineering, proper care, and the people who rely on them every day.

That spirit is exactly what we set out to celebrate with our WANTED 2025 competition, a Europe-wide search for the oldest machines still in use – no matter the brand. The entries we received were nothing short of inspiring, and today, we're proud to share the stories of the winners.

And the fact that every single winner turned out to be a JEROS machine made the recognition even sweeter – and a truly proud moment for us at JEROS.

Celebrating machines built to last and the people behind them

WANTED wasn't just a fun challenge – it was our way of shining a spotlight on something we believe in deeply:

Building hygiene solutions that are made to last.

In an industry where replacing machinery after only 5 to 10 years is often seen as the norm, JEROS machines prove that thoughtful engineering, paired with consistent care, can deliver reliable performance for 20, 25, or even 30 years.

Every extra year of service reduces the environmental footprint from manufacturing, shipping, and disposal – making each machine part of a smarter, more sustainable production cycle.

From the left: The winning machine – a JEROS tray cleaner Model 5011 from 1991 – vs. the grand prize, a brand-new Model 9015.

Just as importantly, the campaign gave us a chance to honor the skilled operators, maintenance teams, and business owners who keep these machines running smoothly year after year. While we design and build hygiene solutions, it's their dedication that turns long service life into reality.

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Winner of the grand prize: Bäckerei-Konditorei Andreas Beck

Germany's oldest JEROS tray cleaner retires to the JEROS Museum

In Landshut, Bavaria, tradition runs deep and so does the history of the Bäckerei-Konditorei Andreas Beck.

For decades, the bakery's production team has relied on a JEROS tray cleaner Model 5011, purchased in 1991, to keep hundreds of baking trays in top condition every single day. That kind of lifespan is remarkable in any industry, and it's what made the Beck family the clear winner of WANTED 2025's grand prize.

In July, JEROS's COO, Brian Jørgensen, and Product Manager, Per Rasmussen, travelled from Denmark to personally deliver their prize: a brand-new, state-of-the-art JEROS 9015/828 tray cleaner. Built for the same durability as its predecessor – but now with extra brushes specially designed to clean perforated trays – the new machine is set to take on the next decades of service.

The visit was more than a handover. While touring the bakery, the JEROS team discovered another surprise:

An older JEROS industrial dishwasher, Model 8120, which is still running smoothly and has never been officially registered with us: "It's always exciting to see our machines in places where we didn't even know they existed," smiles Per Rasmussen.

⇦ From the left: JEROS's Product Manager, Per Rasmussen, and the Beck family.

Winner of the grand prize: Bäckerei-Konditorei Andreas Beck

Germany's oldest bakery meets next-generation JEROS technology

Bäckerei-Konditorei Andreas Beck is no ordinary bakery. Founded in 1493, it holds the title of Germany's oldest bakery, with parts of the original masonry still visible today.

Andreas Beck took over the business in 2004, inheriting the faithful tray cleaner along with it. Since then, the bakery has maintained all service agreements – a key factor in the 1991 model's continued flawless performance after over 30 years.

The bakery focuses primarily on bread and pastries for hotels and restaurants. Still, it maintains a strong local connection through the weekly town market, where visitors can purchase specialties such as traditional German Lebkuchen, similar to the Danish honey cake.

As for the 1991 tray cleaner, it's not heading for the scrap heap. Instead, it will make the journey to JEROS headquarters in Denmark, joining the company museum as a proud reminder of what thoughtful engineering, proper maintenance, and daily dedication can achieve.

"We're just as happy to welcome the old machine into our museum as Andreas Beck is to have their new one," says Per Rasmussen: "It's proof that quality and care go hand in hand and that a JEROS machine can be part of a bakery's story for decades."

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While touring the bakery, the JEROS team discovered another surprise: An older JEROS industrial dishwasher, Model 8120, which is still running smoothly and has never been officially registered with us.

Meet the runner-up in the WANTED competition

A 1992 JEROS tray cleaner earns Bäckerei J. Kerner an Apple iPad

In the small town of Herxheim, Germany, tradition and community come together at Bäckerei J. Kerner – a third-generation family bakery with deep local roots.

For WANTED 2025, the bakery proudly entered their JEROS tray cleaner Model 5011 from 1992, still faithfully running after more than 30 years of daily use. That dedication earned them a runner-up spot in the competition and an Apple iPad as recognition.

The prize wasn't just a cause for celebration among the bakers. The owner's children were especially thrilled, eager to get their hands on the new iPad.

A bakery with French flair and local pride

Though firmly German, Bäckerei J. Kerner stands out with its cross-border influence. Located close to France, the bakery employs a French baker who brings a touch of French pastry tradition to the assortment – offering customers a unique mix of German breads and French classics. It's a reflection of their open-minded approach to baking and their strong sense of place.

Inside the narrow, historic building, the bakery proudly showcases its heritage.

Old photos and stories of past employees decorate the walls, reminding visitors that Bäckerei J. Kerner is more than a place to buy bread – it's part of the community's shared history. Alongside their own baked goods, they also stock select products from local producers, strengthening the bond with their region.

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A 1992 JEROS tray cleaner earns Bäckerei J. Kerner an Apple iPad

A team spirit that lasts – just like the machines

The 1992 tray cleaner is still a reliable part of daily production. While it may not be the most visible machine in the bakery, the team knows just how valuable it is:

Only when it's missing do you realize how much easier it makes the work. Like many of the bakery's older machines, it reflects a philosophy of care, maintenance, and making the most of what you have – rather than replacing equipment at the first sign of age.

That same philosophy is visible in the bakery's close-knit team. Everyone supports one another to keep production running smoothly, and when JEROS handed over the award, it was clear how much pride they take in both their craft and their people.

As a final gesture, the JEROS team left not just with smiles but with arms full of bread and pastries, gifted by the generous bakers themselves. "It was almost the other way around," laughs Brian Jørgensen. "We came to give them a prize, but in the end, they sent us home with gifts."

⇦ Old photos and stories of past employees decorate the walls, reminding visitors that Bäckerei J. Kerner is more than a place to buy bread – it's part of the community's shared history.

When durability becomes a daily tradition

Norwegian bakery retires JEROS tray cleaner after 30+ years of service

On Norway's west coast, one bakery proved that true durability is possible. Their JEROS tray cleaner from 1995 had been running faithfully for more than three decades before they finally decided it was time for an upgrade.

The nomination came from our local partner, Horni Baketeknikk, who has serviced JEROS machines across Norway for decades. Their close collaboration with bakeries has helped extend the service life of countless machines – and in this case, ensured that a 1995 tray cleaner could keep performing long past its expected lifespan.

While the bakery didn't win the grand prize, their entry earned them an Apple iPhone as recognition for their commitment to keeping quality equipment in service for as long as possible. For JEROS, it's a perfect example of how thoughtful design, consistent care, and strong local support can make a machine last far beyond expectations.

30 years of service: Reducing waste and maximizing value

By keeping their tray cleaner in operation for over 30 years, the bakery avoided the environmental impact of multiple replacements. Every extra year a machine runs means fewer raw materials used, less waste generated, and a more substantial return on the original investment.

And for Horni Baketeknikk, this recognition is a reminder of the vital role local service plays in keeping machines alive for decades. Want to see how they do it? Visit Horni Baketeknikk in Norway and experience JEROS up close.

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Turning dishwashers into crate washers and smiles into stories

Creativity and craft at Bäckerei Zachery earn the Apple Watch

In Stuttgart, Germany, creativity runs deep at Bäckerei Zachery. The third-generation family bakery entered the WANTED 2025 competition with their JEROS industrial dishwasher Model 5120 from 1993, still meeting their daily needs after more than 30 years. That dedication earned them the Apple Watch prize.

During the JEROS team's visit, Product Manager Per Rasmussen couldn't help but smile at the bakery owner's unique approach: He had personally rebuilt the old industrial dishwasher into a crate washer.

"A very special solution but not one we would recommend others to try," Per says with a laugh. Alongside the modified machine, the team also spotted an older JEROS tray cleaner still in operation – another sign of the bakery's resourceful spirit.

From Stuttgart to North Korea and beyond

The current owner is more than a skilled baker; he's also a seasoned traveler. In 1993, he joined one of JEROS's long-time service technicians, Kurt Jähnert, on an extraordinary trip to North Korea, where they installed a complete bakery for the Swedish oven manufacturer, Sveba Dahlen.

Over the years, his journeys have taken him far beyond Stuttgart, including a memorable trip to Rio de Janeiro in 2018, where he spent four weeks teaching a Brazilian pastry chef and his team how to bake German classics after a spontaneous invitation to his shop.

The Apple Watch may be a small token compared to a brand-new machine, but for Bäckerei Zachery, it's a reminder of the long-standing partnership with JEROS – and of a well-built machine that's still going strong three decades later.

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Creativity and craft at Bäckerei Zachery earn the Apple Watch prize

Nearly 30 years of clean dishes – and counting ...

Tradition and care at Konditorei Hummel earns the Apple AirPods

In Stuttgart, Germany, Konditorei Hummel is a charming bakery and café known for its warm atmosphere and carefully crafted pastries.

Down in the building's compact basement bakery – where stone ovens still bake much of their bread – a JEROS industrial dishwasher Model 5115 from 1997 has been faithfully handling the daily washing for nearly three decades. That reliability earned them the Apple AirPods prize in the WANTED 2025 competition.

From 1997 to 2025: Konditorei Hummel's upgrade journey

While the old dishwasher is still performing well, its lifting mechanism has started to show its age. The original spring system for the lid is no longer produced – a natural challenge after 28 years of service. Rather than compromise on efficiency, the bakery has already ordered a brand-new JEROS industrial dishwasher Model 9115.

The upgrade will not only speed up washing but also reduce water and energy consumption, giving Konditorei Hummel a modern solution without losing the trusted reliability they've come to expect from JEROS.

For the team at Konditorei Hummel, the AirPods are a fun bonus, but the real win is knowing their washing process is ready for the future, backed by the same quality and service that kept their 1997 model running for so long.

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A celebration of stories, people, and machines

Thank you to everyone who took part ...

The WANTED 2025 competition was more than a search for Europe's oldest JEROS machines. It was a celebration of the people, stories, and dedication behind them. We were inspired by every single entry, from bakeries that have kept their machines running for over 30 years to those who shared memories of the role their JEROS machines have played in their business journey.

To all the bakers, confectioners, food producers – and our dedicated JEROS dealers – who entered or nominated their customers: Thank you for taking the time to share these stories with us. Your passion, commitment, and collaboration remind us why we do what we do and why we continue to design hygiene solutions that are built to last.

The winning machines have now been honored, but the spirit of WANTED lives on in every JEROS still running strong. We're already looking forward to discovering the next generation of stories in future WANTED competitions.

Ready to write your own JEROS story?

Whether you're upgrading to a new model or keeping an old favorite in top shape, we're here to help you get the most out of your machines and hygiene solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, and how we can support your production for the long term.

Evita Rosdahl, CEO & owner of JEROS, and Brian Jørgensen, COO.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation