Fracino Time For U6th Design Technology Pupils

Our U6th Design Technology group took a well-earned coffee break from revision at world renowned cappuccino and espresso coffee machine makers, Fracino.

Managing Director Mr Adrian Maxwell kindly devoted his morning to give the group a first-hand tour of the Fracino headquarters and design and manufacturing facility in Birmingham. Naturally, the visit started with a cappuccino produced from one of their machines, while the group told Mr Maxwell about their coursework projects and he linked their achievements with the processes used throughout his factory.

There followed an extremely interesting tour showing some of the latest technology in manufacturing and the flexibility of machinery used to produce a world beating espresso machine. The knowledge gained during the visit will obviously stand the group in good stead for their forthcoming Theory examination. 

Head of Design Technology Mr Chris West said: 'Industrial visits are always useful but this was unusual and exceptional in that the development of an entire product could be seen and followed from design through the manufacture of individual components to a completed and tested product under one roof.

The group could not have asked for a better or more informative and relevant visit just before their examination. I would also like to thank Mr Maxwell for giving one of the group, Blake Hatfield, the chance for invaluable work experience during the school holidays last year.'

Photography by Mr West.