Nottingham based GEM Vending Ltd. is celebrating 50 years of service to the East Midlands.
Gem has presided over some amazing changes in vending. The style of the machines, the quality of the coffee they provide and even the cups used back in the 70s is chalk and cheese fifty years on. Another example of change is in technology. Back then, GEM had 15 field operators servicing 300 machines every day – without any kind of management software backup. It was a lot like walking the high-wire without a safety net.
GEM’s current owner, Steve Gallagher, joined the business in February 1972 as Operations Manager. When he finally got the opportunity to lead a management buyout in 1993, he knew every element of the vending trade inside out. He’s not alone: these days, six member of his original team still work at GEM – that’s over 160 years of combined experience, right there.
The 1980s and 90s saw the industry develop substantially. The company started to manufacture machines that bore the ‘Diamond’ brand. Much of the amazing technology they introduced still forms the basis of today’s machines. You may recall that the Diamond 8 series won an international award for design and innovation in 1995 .
Following the management buyout though, GEM focused on operation and servicing. Manufacture was dropped in favour investing in the best machines British manufacturing had to offer. Many of those suppliers remain strong partners today, thanks to the innovation and reliability they continue to bring to the business.
The move to a new head office in 1999 gave GEM Vending the opportunity of further expansion. Subsequently, 4 smaller local companies were acquired and smoothly integrated into the operation, creating and securing much needed local jobs.
2011 saw the introduction of a unique and innovative approach to healthier choices in vending. For instance, QR codes were placed on 1,500 machines to give consumers easy access to nutritional information so they could make informed purchases.
Today, vending is facing many external challenges, many of which, such as the introduction of new coins and notes are being driven by central government. On top of that, there’s an ever increasing preoccupation with health and well-being, and a huge debate on recycling and the environment.
“Our membership of the AVA gives vending a strong united platform and what’s more, it gives GEM Vending the opportunity to ensure our voice is heard in the industry”, Steve Gallagher told PV. “Our innovative management team is already moving us into cashless 
vending with mobile and card transactions and when it comes to coffee, I’m proud to have our quality compared with anything the High Street coffee shops have to offer.”
More on GEM Vending Ltd? Access Planet Vending’s GEM archives by clicking here.
More on the Gallagher Trust on Planet Vending is here
