UK Vending Ltd was formed in 1969 under the name, Southern Automatic Catering Limited.

The highly successful company has grown from humble beginnings, where John Button, who has an engineering background, started the business from home !!
He then progressed quickly to new premises in Duncan Road, Gillingham, and in 1969, Southern Automatic Catering became a Limited company.

In 1982 the company was appointed distributor of the Mars Group range of Klix in-cup and Flavia drinks systems, and are now the Mars Group's largest distributor in the South East.

In 1985 Martin joined his father as Operations Director and introduced the Water Cooler side of the business, which has gone from strength to strength and now accounts for 50% of the companys' turnover, thereby adding to the complete vending service

After almost 40 years in the vending industry with an excellent reputation for providing quality products and a professional vending service, the company has invested over £500,000 into the new spacious and high tech building which sits proudly over the River Medway.

In line with the new building, Southern Automatic Catering Ltd has changed its name to UK Vending Ltd.

John Button comments, "We are now the leading vending company in the UK, and the success of the business is down to the easy hassle free delivery, installation, maintenance and after sales service we provide".

"Our sales team covers Kent, Essex, Sussex & London, we provide the option to purchase, lease or rent vending machines and water coolers on flexible terms."

"We supply vendors for hot & cold drinks, cans, food and snack vendors, water coolers and water."

"As well as the vendors and water coolers, we supply fresh, brand named ingredients and bottled mineral water with frequent free delivery to our customers. Our staff are professional and highly trained to deal with all enquiries quickly and efficiently."

"At UK Vending Ltd, we understand the importance of customer requirements and provide the after sales service they need to ensure a successful operation within their company."

BLOCKHEAD vending machine

The Tate modern approach Uk Vending Ltd to meet their unique requirement to vend the "Blockhead" rock. UK Vending sourced and tested the chosen vending machine.

The snack vendor choose was able to be adapted and installed giving viewers to the sculpture an opportunity to purchase a souvenir of their visit.

Viewers can walk into the sculpture, where they are greeted by a blank of vending machines selling sticks of black rock that read "Blockhead".

Visit Tate Modern - Paul Mccarthy