VTL secures Bunnings deal

Vending franchise company VTL Group has secured a deal to supply vending services to the Australasian home improvement chain Bunnings.

The deal is for five years, and VTL said it was believed to be one of the largest Australian vending contracts put out to tender.

The Bunnings account will see the placement of about 600 VTL smart technology vending machines over the next 12 months.

These machines will be operated by 24seven franchise operators.

VTL managing director Mervyn Doolan said the 24seven business was gaining market share.

"The 24seven brand is now well recognized as a quality vending service provider by key sites and the major grocery companies who seek a strategic vending partner."

In the 2004/2005 financial year Bunnings' annual sales exceeded A$4 billion ($4.7 billion).

In New Zealand, Bunnings operates its smaller stores under the Benchmark brand.

Shares in VTL were up 8c at 64c in early afternoon trading today, having ranged between 45c and 95c over the past year.

- NZPA