Currency Handling Equipment Makers to Have Upgrades Ready for the New $5

Currency equipment manufacturers will offer vending operators tools to update their bill acceptors to accept the new $5 bill before the new currency is introduced to circulation next year. Vending equipment manufacturers said they have secured prototypes of the new currency in order to develop software upgrades in advance of the new bill's introduction. The Bureau of Printing and Engraving recently introduced the design, which includes more secure features to prevent counterfeiting.

Craig Lewis, director of product marketing for Crane Payment Systems, said his company will be issuing “SIM” cards that will allow operators to update their bill acceptors in 10 seconds. Lewis said one SIM card will enable a vending operator to update as many machines as necessary. He said the SIM cards will cost $25.

Tom Mattingly, national sales manager at Coin Acceptors Inc., said vending operators will need a handheld device to update their bill acceptors. He said operators will be able to get this at a Coinco service center. He said there will be a fee for downloading the upgrade, and at this writing, he wasn't sure what the fee will be.

Chuck Reed, director of marketing at MEI, said his company will offer a free upgrade to operator customers, but the operators will need to have a handheld computer to perform the upgrade.

Dave Elich, vice president of commercial sales at JCM American Corp., said his company will make software upgrades available free to operators. The software will be sent to operators in an electronic file via e-mail. It will also be available for operators to download over the Internet.

NAMA seeks to revise dollar coin requirement on federal properties
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) is working with Congress to revise a requirement that all vending machines in federal properties accept dollar coins.

When Congress enacted the law providing for Presidential Dollar Coins that are now available, a section was included to encourage the removal of barriers to circulation of the coin. This section basically said federal agencies and businesses on federal properties, including vending machines, should take appropriate action to ensure that by Jan. 1, 2008, business operations involving coins or currency are fully capable of accepting and dispensing dollar coins.

Signs and notices indicating such capability are to be displayed, including on each vending machine.

NAMA reported that it is working with congressional staff to address recent concerns that have been raised about this requirement. Most vending machines on federal property should have the capability to accept dollar coins, but not all can dispense the coin in change and this raises questions about the actual extent of the requirement.

Vending operators are encouraged to refer questions to Brian Allen, NAMA senior director and counsel, government affairs/Central Area; phone: 312-346-0370 ext. 222;
e-mail: ballen@vending.org.

Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (CCE) has entered into an agreement with The Coca-Cola Co. to distribute glacéau brands smartwater, vitaminwater, and vitaminenergy. CCE will carry all major package sizes and flavors of each brand in the majority of its U.S. territories and channels beginning Nov. 5, 2007. The glacéau brands further enhance CCE's beverage portfolio, which was recently strengthened through the portfolio additions of FUZE, Campbell's, and Dasani Plus enhanced waters.

“Adding these highly successful brands demonstrates significant progress against our first key strategic objective, which is to strengthen our brand portfolio,” said John F. Brock, president and chief executive officer, in a prepared statement. “The Coca-Cola Co.'s acquisition of glacéau is a powerful boost to our system, and we are committed to helping maximize the growth of these industry-leading brands.”