DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wittern Group, a leading global vending and controlled dispensing equipment manufacturer and services provider, celebrates its 85th Anniversary this October. This major milestone is being celebrated with an open house event on the 7th of October and an awards program that recognizes company employees.
The Wittern Group was founded by F.A. Wittern Sr. in 1931 with an investment of $12.50. During the first few years of its existence, the company operated out of a garage on the East side of Des Moines, Iowa. As the Wittern family grew, so did the legacy of The Wittern Group.
Since its founding 85 years ago, The Wittern Group has manufactured tens of thousands of dispensing machines, with its machines being placed in locations nationwide and across the world. Today, The Wittern Group is a major full-line vending equipment provider manufacturing everything from traditional snack and drink vending machines to controlled dispensing solutions for inventory management and asset accountability applications. The company prides itself on embracing an entrepreneurial spirit while remaining true to its deep Midwest roots as it continues to manufacture all of its vending equipment at its 375,000 square foot facility in Des Moines, Iowa and employs over 475 individuals.
"The Wittern Group is proud to be a family-owned company that is also family-centric," said Ms. Heidi Chico, Chief Executive Officer and third generation member of the Wittern family to lead The Wittern Group. "While we are proud of our rich history as an Iowa-based, third generation family owned company, we look forward to the next 85 years of innovation and profitability."
In celebration of The Wittern Group's 85th anniversary, the company is honoring outstanding employees who 'Live the Wittern Way'. This is a company-wide award to honor team members who have made exceptional contributions to the company.
"True with the company's mission statement, The Wittern Group has been driving force in the vending industry for 85 years by being a leader in quality products, customer service, innovation, and technology," said Ms. Chico. "We realize that our success is the result of people taking action and that our true power is in the continuous flow of initiative, skill, and insight from our employees. The Live the Wittern Way award is a way to recognize individuals that have made significant contributions to the company and its culture."
The Wittern Group cares deeply for the vending industry as well the community, which is evident through its commitment to The Wittern Family Foundation that supports various non-profit organizations including the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), the Mayo Clinic, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, and United Way among many other organizations. The company also facilitates The Wittern Family Scholarship Foundation which provides post-secondary educational financial assistance to children of company employees.
Learn more about The Wittern Group in the newly launched online video that highlight's The Wittern Group's celebrated story – the early years, today, and looking ahead by visiting http://wittern.com/About_Us/.
