Why More Manufacturing Facilities Are Using Vending Machines to Support Worker Productivity

Manufacturing plants have driven economic development since the Industrial Revolution, and behind every product is a factory silently working in the background. These warehouses are hidden in plain sight and mass produce and manufacture all the goods we use daily. But who is behind the plants themselves? Who is the backbone, to this backbone?

Within these plants are loyal, hardworking employees dedicated to transforming earth’s raw materials and components into finished goods that we need and use for today’s functioning society. Many of these employees work long and arduous hours, sometimes running unconventionally, such as the dreaded midnight shift. What makes things even harder is that many factories are in areas where food is hard to find. That means workers often must rely on bringing their own meals, and it’s possible to forget lunch or snacks, which makes for a long, miserable day on the job. 

So what’s the solution? How can we account for the occasional mishap? How can we address the much needed nourishment that these factory workers need, even if they bring their own food?

Many manufacturing plants are now turning towards supplying their lunchrooms with fully stocked on-site vending machines. These are a simple service, easy, and hassle-free way to address all these issues. Manufacturing plants employ hundreds, if not thousands of workers, and having the convenience to supply them with vending machines makes their implementation into these plants a no-brainer. Here are our top 5 reasons why manufacturing plants are choosing vending machine services:

How Vending Machines Improve Break Time Efficiency

Everyone needs a break. Even workers. Especially workers. And it is a given that they would like to spend their break as optimally as they can, which is precisely why vending machines are the ideal pair to this predicament.

Picture this:

It’s been a long first stretch of the shift, and Dan’s running on fumes. He’s craving a bag of chips, a candy bar, and an energy drink. Finally, his 30-minute break rolls around. Dan steps out to the nearby dollar store to grab what he needs. By the time he gets back, settles in, and unwraps that candy bar... Break’s over.

What a common story for workers of all places. What was the problem?

Convenience. That’s what was missing in Dan’s story. Now if we switch up the narrative so that the shift is past midnight, then we have a whole other slew of issues, the biggest one being that the dollar store wouldn’t even be open!

With vending machines on site, workers have fast access to snacks, drinks, or meals without ever having to leave the premises. This allows workers to fully optimize the time they are on break, keeping them rested, energized, and on-site, especially during night shifts. Additionally, vending machines allow workers to avoid long lines in cafeterias or during off-site food runs. The result? A rested, energized team that’s ready to get back to work.

Low-Cost Vending Solutions for Manufacturing Employers

Most vending machine services are free to install and stock, at least, that’s what you’d be expecting when you work with Snack Kingdom Vending. The only real cost that plants would have to do is dedicate an hour or so supervising the initial setup of the vending machine into the lunchroom. After that, it becomes an absolutely free amenity.

There is no need for stipends, catering, or bulk ordering for vending machines. Simply have the installation and that’s that! Allow the vendors themselves to take care of all the filling and maintenance needs, without any worry from the factory employers at all.

Boosting Employee Morale with Convenient Snack Options

Small gestures have a big impact, and this impact is massive when taking morale into consideration. Morale and retention is everything to both the employee and the employer. One of the many things that an employer can provide for their workers are small perks, such as vending machines. Small perks as such can contribute to long-term job satisfaction. How does it do this?

This allows for the employee to see that the company is looking out for their well-being. Small items such as the vending machine, recognizing that the employer considers their comfort and needs, looking out to optimize their break time, indirectly but majorly affects workers’ morale. A well-stocked vending machine adds to this positive workplace culture, allowing the workers comfort in knowing that there will always be a snack or drink option for them should they need it.

Healthy & Customizable Vending Machines for Factory Workers

The ability to customize selections in vending machines is a major reason why manufacturing plants are choosing to implement them into their workspace. Everyone is different when it comes to food preferences. Depending on the day, anyone would have a craving for a protein bar, or a candy bar, an energy drink, or just plain old water.

Having the customization and flexibility to choose what snacks and drinks to provide gives factories all the incentive to partner with vending machine companies such as Snack Kingdom Vending. Whether it be healthy options for those tracking their diets, energy-boosting drinks to get that boost during a shift, or even dietary-specific items to cater for every and all employees.

Machines tailored to worker preferences means a higher usage and satisfaction for employees, as they know in confidence there will always be something in it for them.

Supports Productivity and Focus During Long Shifts

Shifts at manufacturing plants can be, like I said earlier, long, hard, and arduous. And there’s only so much an employee can bring to their shift. That’s why it’s important to have the option for employees to keep their energies up while preventing fatigue during physically demanding shifts. Vending machines are the perfect solution to this. Whether a worker needs on-demand caffeine, a bag of chips to keep them nourished, or just something to drink while they are on duty, these options will keep them sharp and filled while they are hard at work.

Why Snack Kingdom Vending Is a Smart Choice for Your Facility

When it comes to keeping workers happy and productive, sometimes it’s the little things that count the most. Employers may underestimate how impactful a convenient snack can be, but you’d be surprised. Vending machines deliver what matters most: nourishment, morale, and unmatched convenience, all with minimal effort required from the company.

In an ever-growing workplace with employees running in and out of shifts, sometimes all they need is a little boost to make their day a little sweeter.

Ready to enhance your factory’s breakroom experience? Contact Snack Kingdom Vending today for a free consultation and discover how our fully managed vending services can support your team.