Marcato History and Italian Pasta Machines Since 1930

For nearly a century, Marcato has been one of the world's most respected manufacturers of Italian pasta machines, pasta makers and pasta accessories.

Founded in 1930 by Otello Marcato in northern Italy, the company began in a small workshop behind his home. Today, Marcato products are sold in more than 80 countries worldwide, yet every pasta machine is still manufactured in Italy.

The Origins of Marcato Pasta Machines in Italy

In 1930, Otello Marcato built his first manual pasta machine and delivered it by bicycle to families in neighbouring villages, introducing them to the pleasure of fresh homemade pasta.

By 1938, increasing demand led to the opening of Marcato's first factory in Campodarsego, near Padua. Although expanded over the years, this historic site remains the heart of Marcato production, where every component of the product range is still manufactured in Italy.

This commitment to in-house production and Italian engineering sets Marcato apart from many mass-produced pasta machine brands.

The Atlas Pasta Machine and the Evolution to Atlas+

In 1965, Marcato introduced the Atlas pasta machine, which became an international icon of Italian kitchen design. The Atlas quickly became one of the most trusted manual pasta machines for home use, recognised for its reliability and consistent pasta thickness settings.

Why the Atlas Pasta Machine Became a Global Icon

For many years, the Atlas 150 was one of the most recognised manual pasta machines in the world, trusted by home cooks, chefs and cooking schools. Its precision rollers, consistent thickness settings and durable metal construction helped establish Marcato as a leader in Italian pasta machines.

What Makes the Atlas+ the Modern Standard

Today, the Atlas range has evolved into the Marcato Atlas+, continuing the heritage of precision rollers, consistent thickness settings and robust construction, with refinements for modern kitchens.

Whether you are making tagliatelle, fettuccine, lasagne sheets or fresh ravioli, the Atlas+ delivers reliable results at home. It is compatible with 13 cutting attachments and available in manual, motorised and bundle configurations.

Made in Italy: Quality and Innovation

Marcato has always combined traditional craftsmanship with advanced engineering.

In 1982, a second factory was opened opposite the original site to support growth and investment in research and development. In 2006, Marcato strengthened its commitment to user wellbeing through the use of high-quality materials, food-safe finishes and innovative product design.

Every Marcato pasta machine is designed and manufactured entirely in Italy, built using premium materials, engineered for long-term durability, and calibrated for precise and consistent pasta thickness.

Global Growth and Sustainable Manufacturing

Marcato's international expansion began in 1962 with its first export order to Philadelphia in the United States. Today, the company distributes to more than 80 countries worldwide.

By 2020, Marcato had achieved 70% of sales exported worldwide, production capacity of up to 2,500 pasta machines per day, and approximately 250,000 rollers produced per month, with extremely low defect rates throughout. Marcato also reuses much of its production waste as part of its commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Explore the Marcato Range

Browse the full Marcato pasta machine range at Pasta Kitchen, including the Atlas+, Regina and Pasta Fresca, all manufactured in Italy. Pasta Kitchen is an authorised UK Marcato retailer.

For help choosing a machine, see our buying guide. For cleaning, maintenance and warranty information, visit the Marcato information page.