Coffee machine maker Fracino brews up more success

BIRMINGHAM-based espresso and cappuccino machine manufacturer Fracino has been recognised for its pioneering work with a new award.

The Aston business, which was launched in a garden shed 50 years ago and has grown to employ 40 people, has received the title of Manufacturer of the Year from drinks trade publication Essential Café.

The award comes less than three months after the firm was crowned the UK’s Winner of Winners Award and Outstanding Export Award from the UK manufacturers’ organisation, EEF.

Judges in the latest competition praised the third generation family business for continuing to buck the trend at home and abroad. Claiming a 50% market share in the UK, the business has marked double digit growth for four consecutive years and now exports to over 50 countries.

Producing over 3,000 products annually to customers which include John Lewis and Costa Coffee, Fracino posted a £3.6m turnover at the end of March 2013. The firm is predicting further new jobs if growth in the business continues.

Managing director Adrian Maxwell, a former Rolls-Royce engineer, said: “This wonderful award from Essential Café acknowledges the inroads we’ve made across the UK’s vibrant and ever growing café and coffee shop market. To receive a hat trick of top awards in such a formative year for us is a fantastic ‘thank you’ for our committed team as we continue to expand and innovate while drawing on world class manufacturing techniques.”

In addition to founder Frank Maxwell and MD Adrian, the Maxwell connection continues with Adrian’s wife Marion, who is the credit controller and their daughters Rebecca and Katrina, who are service coordinator and purchase ledger respectively.

Close