Vending Machine Manufacturing

Heidi Chico CEO of the Wittern Group, named one of the leaders in the vending manufacturer by Automatic Merchandiser, has a unique marketing perspective forged by her strong spirit and extensive knowledge in the convenience service industry. These experiences are the basis for her conviction that enduring customer service and quality are created through continuous process improvement through lean manufacturing of equipment that creates convenience throughout the controlled dispensing spectrum.
 
She spent more than three decades dedicating herself to the family business, The Wittern Group founded by her grandfather back in 1931. Today still owned privately and operated by FA Wittern Sr. decedent.  Heidi in conjunction with the vision of the family shared the drive to deliver solutions in the controlled automated and foodservice industry. Powered by that positive mission and under their leadership established itself as the industry leader in innovation. 
 
Heidi began her career at The Wittern Group after earning her Bachelors of Science from Iowa State University. While at The Wittern Group, she led the team that introduced the recent development of the Open connectivity solutions, regulation in hardware, American Disability Act requirements, and new ways to deliver controlled solutions for the self-serve industry. 

Heidi has served on local board like the Greater Des Moines Junior Achievement Board, and Drake University, and on the Iowa YPO chapter. Currently she is a board member of the Wittern Group, as well as the Des Moines Cold Storage. 

Heidi is very active in the National Automatic Merchandising Association. She has served as Chair in 2018 as the first woman, as well as a culmination of leadership positions she’s held on the NAMA Board of Directors since 2006 involving Government Affairs; WIN (Women in the Industry); NAMA Executive Forum; the Executive Committee and the NAMA Foundation.