Case Study: Vending in a Manufacturing Facility
Explore how one manufacturing facility improved worker satisfaction and efficiency by installing modern vending machines.
Back to Vending for Manufacturing Resources
Explore how one manufacturing facility improved worker satisfaction and efficiency by installing modern vending machines.
Back to Vending for Manufacturing ResourcesBy offering convenient, reliable access to snacks and drinks near workstations, vending helps manufacturing employees stay energized, reduce offsite breaks, and feel valued. Learn how machine variety and smart tech play a role in workplace satisfaction.
Improved vending access reduces off-site breaks and downtime
Modern machines boost morale with fresh and varied options
Contactless vending supports busy shift environments
In this case study, we examine how a 24/7 manufacturing facility improved efficiency and employee satisfaction by implementing modern vending solutions. The facility, which employs over 150 production and warehouse staff across three shifts, faced persistent issues with food access and worker fatigue.
Before vending installation, workers either relied on limited breakroom supplies or left the premises to find food. This resulted in extended breaks, lost productivity, and safety concerns due to time spent offsite. Employee feedback also revealed dissatisfaction with snack variety, expired items, and outdated equipment from a previous vendor.
The facility partnered with a local provider through Vending Exchange, receiving two glass-front vending machines and one combo machine. These were stocked with high-demand items—bottled water, energy drinks, protein snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. Machines supported contactless payment and included smart diagnostics for fast service if issues arose.
Setup was completed in under a week, with no cost to the facility. Management noted an immediate drop in time spent off the floor during breaks. Employees appreciated the variety (including healthier options), consistent stock levels, and reliability of the machines. Importantly, the machines were also refilled and maintained on a regular cycle, resolving prior complaints about neglect and expired products.
Additionally, the machines were placed near high-traffic work zones to minimize walk time and serve all three shifts equally. With 24-hour accessibility, third-shift teams no longer felt underserved in terms of amenities—a common challenge in round-the-clock operations.
This facility's experience aligns with broader trends in workplace vending. As explored in our employee snack program guide, providing convenient food and beverage options can enhance morale, reduce turnover, and support shift-based productivity. For administrators in other industries, like schools, similar benefits are seen in education environments as well.
If you're exploring vending options for your business, Vending Exchange can help simplify the process. Delivery, Installation and Equipment is provided at no cost to you - vendors provide the machines, keep them stocked, and handle all servicing. Whether you need a provider or full-service management, just fill out the form on this page to get started.
Without on-site vending, many manufacturing employees must leave the facility during breaks to access food and drinks. This leads to extended downtime, lower efficiency, and higher accident risks due to return delays.
By placing vending machines near work zones and offering 24/7 access, employees save time sourcing meals and snacks, keeping breaks within limits and minimizing workflow disruptions.
Yes, installing 24-hour vending ensures third-shift teams have the same food access as daytime workers, improving morale and perceived fairness.
Worker favorites in manufacturing include energy drinks, water, protein bars, chips, and shelf-stable meal options—all of which are easy to vend and eat on short breaks.
Modern vending machines equipped with smart diagnostics alert vendors instantly to service issues, reducing downtime and ensuring minimal impact on workers.
Yes, most modern vending machines allow contactless payment through cards or mobile wallets—ideal for busy environments where workers may not carry cash.
For qualifying facilities, vending machines are typically installed, stocked, and ready for use within 7 days, minimizing delays in improving amenities.
Local providers handle all maintenance, repairs, and restocking as part of the vending agreement, ensuring consistent service without internal involvement.
Yes, vending machines can be stocked with healthier alternatives like trail mix, low-sugar drinks, and high-protein snacks based on workforce preferences.
If your facility faced issues like expired items or poor service before, switching vendors via Vending Exchange offers a chance to access more reliable providers equipped with smart, responsive machines.