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St Helens company North West Vending is helping to keep
a large chunk of the area’s workforce and student
population refreshed their lunch and tea breaks.
The
company provides everything from water coolers to fully
automated restaurants to some of the largest employers
in the Merseyside area. Littlewoods, Pilkingtons and
Vernons are among the company’s clients, as well
as St Helens College, Proctor and Gamble and the University
of Liverpool.
Based
at Dairy Farm Road, Rainford, North West Vending began
in 1972, supplying ingredients for hot drinks to companies.
Current managing director Mike Cowley took over the
business 12 years ago and has since developed it into
a ‘one stop shop’ for vending products including
coffee percolators, water coolers, vending machines
selling snacks and drinks, table top machines and fully
automated restaurants.
The automated restaurants, which stock everything from
bread rolls to lasagne and chips, include a cashless
system of payment where employees can access meals and
drinks by using a special key. This has helped companies
with 24-hour, seven-day week operations, save many thousands
of pounds as they no longer have to employ round the
clock canteen staff.
“Our clients include small, medium and large companies
and we believe our success is down to openness and honesty,”
explains Mike, who employs 35 people.
“We pride ourselves on our relationship with the
client and try to develop a partnership which brings
mutual benefits. We maintain this relationship long
after the vending machines have been installed and ensure
an after sales and support service.
“If there is ever a problem with any of our machines,
we have a three-hour response time. The importance we
place on customer service has helped us to retain current
customers and win new ones.”
North West Vending has now grown to such an extent that,
with the help of the Chamber, it is looking for bigger
premises with plans to employ more staff.
“We are keen to stay in the same area as the road
networks and close motorway links are fantastic,”
explained Mike.
The company is part of the Chamber’s successful
Supply Chain Initiative, which has, says Mike, proved
to be “extremely helpful” in actively networking
with other businesses in the Borough.
For more information on North West Vending, telephone
on 01744 885070 or visit their website.
Read
success stories about other successful St Helens companies
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