Akoona Attends 2009 NAMA Vending Machine Expo
April 30, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The NAMA Expo in Chicago is the world stage for the latest in automatic vending technology and a little island in the West Indies is poised to make the biggest debut.
Nevis-based Akoona, LLC introduced its fresh ice and water vending machine this week some 2000 miles away from its home in the South Atlantic. With one moving part the patented machine can produce an unlimited supply of fresh filtered ice and water while using only 15% of the energy used by the traditional ice industry.
Like most innovations, Akoona inventor Michael Jennison had a problem that spurned a solution. “Our family lived on a catamaran for almost two years in the Bahamas, stopping in ports and harbors to refuel and re-stock. Fresh water, let alone ice, was a constant treasure hunt. In the States it was easy to get, but through the rest of the world it really was a challenge.” Two years later Jennison perfected and patented the technology, licensing the production to Pittsburgh Africa VP to build and sell machines throughout the United States.
The Akoona machine is a completely self-contained production facility and commercial-quality filtration system only requiring a 220v power supply and water feed to operate. Its web-based monitoring system tracks power, water, plastic bag supply, and transactions. Accepting cash, coin and smart cards the machine alerts the operator remotely to any issues with production, quality control or servicing.
Akoona currently has machines operating in New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. Chief Operations Officer Chris Lemmer is excited for the formal launch of their full operation. “We’ve been working with vending operators to learn their business and what we’ve learned is that we’re their perfect product. The water industry is over $12 billion a year, and ice is over $3 billion so there’s plenty of market. Our machine doesn’t require product, transportation or very much manual labor – how many vending machines can you say that about?” Lemmer expects leasing and revenue sharing options to make investors even more receptive to the new opportunities.
Television
- National Vending Show Hits Chicago – WGN-TV / Chicago
- Vending Machine Snacks Expo / Chicago Sun Times / Chicago
Internet
- National Vending Machine Show Hits Chicago – WGN Blog
- Vending Machines of the Future – Chicago NOW
