Fracino History

The powerful success story of multi award-winning Fracino, a third generation family business and the UK’s only manufacturer of cappuccino and espresso coffee machines – spans over five decades.

1960’s – The story began in 1962 when machine tool designer Frank Maxwell – hailed as ‘the godfather of espresso’ – stripped down a second hand coffee machine bought on a family holiday in Italy. A year later Frank launched the business in a garden shed and started importing and supplying coffee machines to retail outlets in Britain.

1990 – The company has traded under the Fracino brand since 1990. Based on the Wyrley Trading Estate in Birmingham, Fracino’s 60 plus product portfolio is now enjoyed and respected worldwide. Its powerful machines are tailored to suit all budgets, with customised equipment meeting technical and aesthetic requirements.

2000 – Fracino is recognised as one of the UK’s fastest growing inner city enterprises, scoops a Millennium Product Award for design for the Roastilino counter top roaster and is the first company of its kind to gain the ISO 9001 quality standard.

2009 – Fracino wins the Equipment & Supplies Excellence Award from the Caterer and Hotelkeeper for the Cybercino bean to cup machine.

2011 – In a speech on exporting and growth in November 2011, British Prime Minister David Cameron said: “It’s not just the film industry where Britain is excelling – Fracino in Birmingham is selling coffee-makers to Italy.”

2012 – Fracino expands its manufacturing facility to a new purpose-built headquarters close to its current site to meet increased demand – bringing the total size of the company’s premises to 50,000 sq ft.

2013 – A momentous year in which Fracino celebrates 50 years in the coffee industry and is invited to supply 11 of its Piccino machines to the G8 summit in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. The machines were available in the world leaders lodges – promoting British innovation and manufacturing expertise. Prime Minister David Cameron also has a machine at number 10. In the same year Fracino was tipped next to Mini and Jaguar Land Rover as one of 5 Super-Brit brands taking over the world in 2014 (LondonlovesBusiness) and clinched the following awards:

• Winner of Winners Award – (manufacturer’s association, the EEF).

• Outstanding Export Award – (manufacturer’s association, the EEF).

• New Frontiers Award (UK Red Ribbon Awards – Family Business Place).

• Excellence in International Business (Birmingham Chamber of Commerce).

• Manufacturer of the Year (Essential Café).

2014 – Fracino founder, Frank Maxwell receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from Essential Café and Fracino’s trailblazing success continues.