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From its beginnings to international expansion
The history of ASCO began in Switzerland in 1975, when founder Thomas M. Trachsel recognized the potential of carbon dioxide early on—not just as a commercial gas, but as a valuable resource. He began supplying CO₂ and accessories to local beverage manufacturers. Through a combination of determined entrepreneurship and excellent customer service, ASCO has gradually expanded its expertise and range of CO₂ applications over the years. In the 1980s, ASCO developed its first dry ice pelletizer, the C500, laying the foundation for its core business today.
In 1987, ASCO entered the international market with the acquisition of New Zealand-based Carbonic Industries Ltd, later ASCO New Zealand. This made ASCO one of the world's leading suppliers of CO₂ recovery systems and CO₂ processing technologies. Just a few years later, in 1993, ASCO began series production of the “ASCOJET 2001 RS” dry ice blasting machine, expanding its product range to include another forward-looking segment.
Growth through partnerships and innovation
With the acquisition of the French company Diffusion Hydraulique S.A.R.L. in 2005, later renamed ASCO France, ASCO strengthened its expertise in dry ice production. Two years later, the next major milestone was reached: in 2007, ASCO joined the globally active Messer Group and took on the role of competence center for CO₂ within the family-owned group.
In 2011, Remco AG, a Swiss specialist in dry ice blasting technology, was integrated into the ASCO Group. This made dry ice blasting one of the company's core business areas. Three years later, in 2014, ASCO and BUSE Gastek combined their expertise in CO₂ processing and dry ice technology. Since then, their combined know-how has grown to over 130 years of industry experience.
Digitalization and globalization
ASCO continued its global expansion with the founding of its North American subsidiary ASCO Carbon Dioxide Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2016. At the same time, the digitalization of its products was consistently driven forward: since 2020, ASCO pelletizers have been delivering production and machine data digitally in real time. Remote support and remote monitoring have been standard features ever since. Finally, in 2024, the headquarters moved from Romanshorn to Wittenbach—a step that underscores the modernization and further development of the company.
50 years of passion for CO₂
Today, ASCO stands for innovative, sustainable, and customized CO₂ solutions—from recovery and processing to utilization. Whether dry ice production, dry ice blasting, or CO₂ dosing technology, the company offers technologies worldwide that make CO₂ usable as a valuable recycled raw material.
“We look back with pride on 50 years of innovation, challenges, and successes. Our strength lies in the combination of technical expertise, close cooperation with our customers, and the commitment of our team,” says Ralph Spring, CEO of ASCO. “We are grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us over the decades and look forward to shaping the next 50 years together.”
An exciting future
Well equipped for the future, ASCO continues on its growth path. The focus is on further developing dry ice production technologies with the EVO-Series, expanding CO₂ recovery and dosing systems, and digitally networking all systems. The aim is to further increase efficiency, sustainability, and customer benefits. “The journey is far from over, and rarely has it been as exciting as it is today,” adds Ralph Spring. With this vision, ASCO is continuing its success story – for the next 50 years and beyond.
About ASCO CARBONDIOXIDE LTD
ASCO CARBONDIOXIDE LTD, headquartered in Wittenbach (Switzerland), is a leading global supplier of CO₂ and dry ice technologies. As part of the Messer Group, ASCO develops and manufactures CO₂ recovery, dry ice production, and dry ice blasting equipment for a wide range of industries. Since 1975, the company has stood for innovation, quality, and the sustainable use of CO₂.