Fracino: UK Manufacturer of Coffee Machines
“Fracino is the UK’s sole manufacturer of traditional espresso machines. Based in the industrial heartland of Birmingham, this third-generation family business fabricates over 90% of their components in-house - from copper boilers to stainless steel chassis - proving that world-class coffee engineering is not the exclusive preserve of the Italians.”
1. The Heritage
The company was founded in 1963 by Frank Maxwell, an engineer who began by importing Italian machines before realising he could build them better himself.
Started in a garden shed, Fracino (a "Italianisation" of Frank's name) has grown into a global exporter. Today, they are a dominant force in the British hospitality sector, supplying major chains and independent cafes alike, all while remaining family-owned and fiercely proud of their Birmingham roots.
2. The Location
Fracino’s 50,000 sq ft manufacturing facility is located in Aston, Birmingham. This is a true end-to-end factory. Unlike brands that simply assemble imported parts, Fracino invests heavily in raw manufacturing. The site houses multi-million pound fibre laser cutters, robotic welders and CNC machining centres, allowing them to transform raw sheets of copper and steel into finished machines under one roof.
3. The Difference
In-House Fabrication: They manufacture their own copper boilers and brass group heads on-site. This vertical integration allows for rigorous quality control and ensures that spare parts are always available domestically, without waiting for shipments from Milan.
Dual-Fuel Innovation: Fracino is a world leader in "Dual Fuel" machines (LPG and Electric). These are the standard for mobile coffee vans across the UK, allowing baristas to serve high-grade espresso in remote locations without a generator.
UK Steel: The chassis and body panels are laser-cut from high-grade stainless steel in Birmingham, polished to a mirror finish that rivals any continental competitor for aesthetic appeal.
Repairability: Because the machines are built in the UK using standard engineering principles, they are famously robust and easy for British engineers to service, making them a workhorse choice for commercial venues.
4. The Hero Products
The Piccino (Home): A compact, dual-boiler machine designed specifically for the domestic kitchen. It features the same professional brass group head as their commercial units, allowing home enthusiasts to steam milk and pull espresso simultaneously.
The Classico: A bridge between home and commercial use, this manual-fill machine requires no plumbing. It is a stunning "prosumer" unit often found in small offices or luxury home bars.
The Contempo (Commercial): The polished stainless steel icon seen in coffee shops nationwide. Available in 1, 2, 3, or 4-group configurations, it is the definition of a UK industrial classic.
5. The Essentials
Accreditations: Made in Britain Member; ISO 9001 Quality Management.
Product Index: Espresso Machines, Coffee Grinders, Dual Fuel Machines, Home Coffee Machines, Coffee Roasters, Water Boilers, Knock Boxes.
