History/Milestones

The Curtis name is synonymous with a full line of the world’s most advanced, top-of-the-line commercial coffee brewing equipment, iced tea brewing systems and specialty beverage dispensers. Founded in 1941, Curtis has remained a family-owned business that is committed to the principles of quality workmanship, personal loyalty and family values. The company has also embraced new innovations and technologies to better meet the needs of an ever-changing market. Its impressive list of company milestones include:
  • 1940's

    1941
    Wilbur Curtis founds the Wilbur Curtis Company located on Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA USA.
    Wilbur Curtis
    1946
    Wilbur Curtis Company is moved to larger facilities on Indiana Street, Los Angeles, CA USA.
    Indiana Building
  • 1950's

    1955
    Wilbur’s son, Robert A. “Bob” Curtis joins the company.
    The “Low Boy” Pour Over Coffee Urn is introduced.
    Low Boy Pour Over URN Introduced
  • 1960's

    1964
    Margaret (Peggy) Curtis Named President and CEO.
    Mrs Curtis
    1969
    DB-12 Decanter is introduced.
    DB-12 Decanter
  • 1970's

    1971
    RU Series Automatic Coffee Urns are introduced.
    URN
  • 1980's

    1980
    The Gemini® Satellite Brewing System is introduced. This unit provided the speed of a brewer with the quality of an urn and allowed for remote coffee stations, an industry first.
    Gemini Brewer
  • 1990's

    1991
    Bob Curtis Named President & CEO
    Bob Curtis
    1994
    Primo Cappuccino™ analog specialty powdered drink dispenser is introduced.
    1996
    Curtis ADS (Advanced Digital System) is introduced, a first in true digital controls of coffee brewers.
    Curtis was the first commercial manufacturer to receive ISO 9001 Certification.
  • 2000's

    2000
    Curtis consolidates four smaller separate facilities and opens its global headquarters/manufacturing facility on Acco Street, Montebello, CA USA.
    Wilbur Curtis in Montebello, CA
    2001
    TLP and Café Pour Over brewers introduced.
    TLP
    2002
    G3 (Generation 3) Digital Technology is introduced and applied to the entire line of brewing systems.
    2003
    PCGT (Generation 3 Primo Cappuccino) Digitally controlled specialty drink dispenser is introduced.
    PCGT
    2004
    G3 ThermoPro™ Systems and Iced Tea Brewers are introduced.
    ThermoPro and Tea Brewer
    2006
    Curtis Milano™, a highly-styled, thermal brewing system is introduced.
    G3 Milano Brewer
  • Early 2010's

    2010
    G3 Gemini® Intellifresh® introduced.
    Gemini IF
    2011
    Curtis celebrates 70 years of operation.
    G4 Digital Technology introduced providing advanced diagnostics and intuitive touch screen controls.
    FreshTrac™ Coffee Freshness System introduced.
    2012
    The Curtis Gold Cup, single cup coffee brewer is introduced.
    Curtis Cold Cup
    2013
    G4 Gemini Intellifresh Coffee Brewing System is introduced.
    G4 Gemini IF
    Omega Ultra-High Volume Thermal Brewing System for Banquets and Hotels is introduced.
    Omega
    2014
    Seraphim® Single Cup Brewer is introduced. Advanced design breaks the barrier between the barista and customer; adds theater to the brewing process.
    Seraphim
  • Mid 2010's

    2015
    Kevin Curtis Named President & CEO
    Kevin
    Mike Curtis Named Executive Vice President
    Michael
    2016
    Curtis Celebrates 75th Anniversary at Bonaventure Hotel.
  • Late 2010's

    2018
    GemX™ Introduced providing new freshness technology in a satellite brewing system. More Info
    GEMX
    Curtis Nitro Infuser is introduced to quickly nitrogenate cold brew coffee, tea and other beverages. More Info
    Nitro Infuser
    Chill-X™ Frozen Drink Dispenser is introduced. More Info
    Chill-X
    ThermoProX™ Stylized Thermal Brewing System is introduced with Thermal FreshTrac Dispensing System. More Info
    ThermoProX
    2019
    Groupe SEB acquires the Wilbur Curtis Company. Establishes SEB Professional Coffee Machines – The Americas. The division consists of WMF, Schaerer and Curtis.
    SEB Professional