Vendorlator Manufacturing Corporation (VMC) History

Founding and Early Years

• Established: 1937 in Chicago, Illinois.
• Founders: The company was founded by mechanical engineers with experience in vending equipment who wanted to produce reliable bottle vending machines for soda companies.
• Early Focus: VMC initially produced compact countertop and upright bottle vending machines, targeting small businesses, diners, and soda fountains. These machines primarily held 6.5 oz glass bottles.

1940s – Expansion

• World War II Impact: Production was slowed during the war due to metal shortages. VMC adapted by focusing on parts and repair services for existing machines.
• Post-War Growth: After the war, VMC ramped up production to meet the soda boom in the United States. The VMC 27 and 33 models became very popular for small and medium-sized locations.

1950s – Golden Era

• Major Models Introduced: VMC introduced upright machines capable of holding 44, 56, 72, 81, 88, and 110 bottles.
• Coca-Cola Licensing: VMC became a licensed manufacturer for Coca-Cola-branded vending machines. Their machines were painted Coca-Cola red (#60807-A) and white (#6731-A) with chrome accents.
• Innovations:
  • Split Door Design (VMC 33 Split Door): Allowed easier restocking and maintenance.
  • Dual-Chute Models (VMC Dual 27A): Could vend two types of beverages.
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• Cooling Systems: Transitioned from ice-cooled units to electric refrigeration using Tecumseh compressors (VT10, VT15).

1960s – High-Capacity Machines

• VMC began producing high-capacity upright machines, such as the VMC 126, 139, 154, 238, and 340, designed for high-traffic locations like theaters, train stations, and large stores.
• Machines continued to be manual coin-operated, typically accepting 10¢ coins, with reliable dispensing mechanisms.
• The company also produced specialized models like the 3D-33, although limited information exists on these units.

1970s – Decline and Transition

• Industry Competition: By the late 1960s, VMC faced stiff competition from companies like Vendo, Cavalier, and National Vendors, which introduced can vending machines and automated features.
• Focus Shift: VMC continued producing bottle machines but eventually declined in market share as the industry moved toward automated multi-beverage machines and larger can vending units.
• Legacy: Many VMC machines from the 1940s–1960s remain collectible today, prized for their durability, classic styling, and Coca-Cola branding.

Notable Contributions

• VMC machines were widely used across the U.S. in diners, small stores, and large venues.
• The company pioneered the split-door upright design, which influenced later vending machine designs.
• VMC machines are highly sought after by collectors, especially models like VMC 44, VMC 110, VMC 139, and VMC 33 Split Door

Year	Model	Capacity (bottles)	Approx. Dimensions (H×W×D)	Coca-Cola Color (Red/White)	Notes
1920s	VMC Junior 23	23	36”×14”×15”	Red #60807-A / White #6731-A	Compact countertop; small establishments.
1920s–1930s	VMC 27	27	40”×15”×16”	Red/White	Early upright; popular in diners.
1940s	VMC 33	33	52”×16”×17”	Red/White	Upright; widely used post-WWII.
Early 1950s	VMC 33 Split Door	33	52”×16”×17”	Red/White	Split-door design; easier loading.
1950s	VMC 44	44	57.5”×15.5”×16”	Red/White	Slim upright; precursor to Vendo 44.
1950s	VMC 56	56	58”×18”×18”	Red/White	Mid-size upright; moderate traffic.
1955	VMC 72	72	60”×20”×18”	Red/White	Rare dual-chute machine; limited production.
1955	VMC 81	81	62”×20”×20”	Red/White	Advanced upright; improved vending mechanism.
1950s–1960s	VMC 88	88	64”×21”×21”	Red/White	High-traffic upright machine.
1952–1959	VMC 110	110	68”×25”×27”	Red/White	Heavy-duty upright; popular.
1960s	VMC 126	126	70”×26”×28”	Red/White	High-capacity machine for large establishments.
Early 1950s	VMC 139	139	68”×25”×27”	Red/White	Classic Coca-Cola styling; upright machine.
1960s	VMC 154	154	72”×28”×28”	Red/White	Very high-traffic locations.
1960s	VMC 238	238	78”×32”×30”	Red/White	One of the largest upright machines.
1960s	VMC 340	340	82”×36”×32”	Red/White	Extra-large capacity; extremely high-traffic areas.
1950s	VMC 3D-33	33	52”×16”×17”	Red/White	Specialized model; limited information.
1940s–1950s	VMC Dual 27A	2×27	58”×18”×18”	Red/White	Dual-chute version of VMC 27.