Hufsa Tahir
Staff Writer
A new vending machine contract has emerged in the gap left after the York-Pepsi contract ended late August 2011.
—complete with remote monitoring systems which will track when supplies are low—at a total cost of $524,000, Imperial Vending has committed to covering the cost.
They have been approved for a 69-month contract due to expire June 30, 2017.
“We are very excited,” says Scott Turner, president of Imperial Vending Services. “We have a wireless modem and remote [attached to each vending machine]. The machine will report back to us about problems and what it needs refilled.”
Due to this, he says, the company plans to use Ford vans and much smaller trucks to transport products to York.
“It’ll reduce redundant trips and traffic on campus because stock levels [will be] remotely monitored,” agrees Anthony Barbisan, York’s director of food services.
According to Turner, this will reduce the carbon footprint by 50 per cent from when Pepsi trucks used to deliver its wares.
“We think it will be a convenience for students to have more choices, says Barbisan, noting that it will improve and enhance student life overall. “It’s standard practice to have beverage contracts to cover expenses. We’ve had one before the Pepsi contract.”
York will earn a 30 per cent commission of income generated by these machines, where the proceeds earned via Imperial Vending will go toward improving campus food services and to cover operating expenses and renovations.
The machines will offer roughly 50 different cold beverages and snacks from a variety of labels.
