Ascaso

Ascaso has been active for more than 40 years in the espresso machine world, working to build not only a reputation based on quality, which is unheard of with espresso machine manufacturers in Spain, but also a reputation in world-class leadership in espresso machine manufacturing.

Jesús Ascaso, the founding father of Ascaso, was born in a humble mountain town in Spain’s north. He was a man with an entrepreneurial spirit, which meant integrity and good old-fashioned hard work. Since his small town offered him very little opportunity, Jesús left for Barcelona with the equivalent of $30 in his pocket and a head full of ideas.

In the 50's, when espresso started to become popular in Spain, this popularity led to a flourishing industry in Barcelona. In 1950, Ascaso began to work for an espresso machine spare parts supplier. His main task was chrome-plating parts. Between 1952-1962, Jesús worked on the Gaggia production line making espresso parts for consumer espresso machines throughout the world. In 1962, Jesús opened his own espresso machine spare parts supply company in Barcelona. Today, Ascaso sells spare parts in more than 50 countries.

José Luis Ascaso, son of Jesús, has been the current leader in the last decade’s diversification of Ascaso. He created an espresso machine factory to unify his knowledge of espresso components and design and espresso culture. "For coffee lovers" was born. 1st-line Equipment had the opportunity to evaluate sample models from about 2003. To make an interesting story short, 1st-line Equipment did not like the sample machines, intended for the US market, in terms of internal design and performance for that market. The other importer seemed to Ascaso an easier company to deal with.

After approximately four importers in as many years, Ascaso came back to 1st-line and inquired again about importing. Our first question was whether the changes we requested were made. We received an astounding yes! 1st-line Equipment, LLC and Ascaso now work hand-in-hand to bring about high-quality home and office espresso machines.

Today, Jesús Ascaso works in his factory about 18 hours per day for six months of the year. For the remainder of the year, he lives in the town he left over 50 years ago - taking care of his tomatoes and honey.