2021 marked The Wittern Group’s 90th year in the automated dispensing
industry. Delayed one year due to the COVID pandemic, the company officially celebrated its 90th year in business this past Friday at its headquarters in Clive, Iowa.
“Less than 1% of companies make it to 90 years and the fabric behind those that do are the people. At The Wittern Group, we celebrate our diverse workforce,” said Mike Meinecke, Chief Financial Officer.
In 1931, F.A. Wittern Sr. started The Wittern Group out of his garage on the East side of Des Moines with an original investment of $12.50. One of his first machines was a penny peanut dispenser. Following the success of his peanut vendors, the company began manufacturing matchbox dispensers and other small vending and novelty devices.
Today, The Wittern Group is one of the largest global manufacturers of automated dispensing equipment and smart lockers. The company is in its third generation of family leadership and fourth generation of ownership. Throughout the years, The Wittern Group has diversified and transformed its product and service offerings to adapt to advancements in technology, changes in consumer preferences, and evolving markets.
“As a company, we will build on the creativity this company has demonstrated for the last 90 years. We will continue to develop technologies that change the way our equipment operates and the way our consumers interact with it. There is so much to be excited about as we head into the next 90 years,” said Ted O’Brien, Vice President of Traditional Sales.
The Wittern Group is often involved in the community and an active member of the industries it serves. Through The Wittern Family Foundation, The Wittern Group supports various nonprofit organizations, including the National Automatic Merchandising Association, the Mayo Clinic, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, and United Way.
As one of Iowa’s premier and oldest privately held companies, The Wittern Group prides itself in its employees and culture. “As a family-owned business, we believe our employees are a part of our extended Wittern family and value their diverse backgrounds, talents, and perspectives,” said Heidi Chico, CEO and granddaughter of F.A. Wittern, Sr.
About The Wittern Group – Based in Des Moines, IA, The Wittern Group is a leading global dispensing solutions provider, offering the industry’s most comprehensive range of integrated, full-line automated dispensing equipment, services, and technology. Family owned and operated, The Wittern Group has served the convenience services industry since 1931.
For more information: Call 800-247-1787. Visit Wittern’s website.
Share this Story
Related Posts
