Record year for Walsall vending machine business, with staff awarded an extra month's pay
It’s been a record year for Black Country based vending machine company Coinadrink Ltd which has been going strong for more than 60 years.
Under the direction of second generation family member Tom Williams, the business based in Walsall, has enjoyed award wins, an increase in turnover from £7.5m last year to £8m this year, and a rise in profits too.
It’s been three steady years of growth for the family-run firm, which has invested in cutting edge technology while endeavouring to maintain a human touch and unrivalled customer service.
Managing director Tom has worked tirelessly to keep alive the legacy of his father Roger Williams who founded the business in 1962 when vending machines were a relatively new technological invention in the UK.
Willenhall-born Mr Williams senior started the company from his bedroom after completing an apprenticeship with a local vending machine manufacturer.
He quickly decided he didn’t want to make vending machines but wanted to distribute them – and that marked the beginning of Coinadrink.
Having started out selling hot drinks machines issuing basic tea and coffee, he made sure to keep up with industry developments and make sure he included the latest technology in the portfolio of Coinadrink which was one of the first companies ever to offer fresh food from its machines. The introduction of the Smart Fridge in summer 2024 revolutionised fresh food vending by offering healthier options in the workplace.
The company’s first premises were in Bloxwich in the late 1960s and Coinadrink then moved to Leamore before moving in 1985 to the firm’s existing premises in Walsall where the business has been based for 40 years.
Sadly Mr Williams passed away in 2022 at the age of 81, while still at the helm of Coinadrink.
Son Tom, who has a background as a store manager for national toy company Toys R Us, had already begun working for the family firm in a marketing role and decided to step up and take over the reins as MD.
Today, with his step-mum Yvonne Williams and his partner Dani Pereira also working for the company as director and credit controller respectively, Coinadrink remains a family affair with a family oriented culture.
