How many of us buy a snack on the go and never think about the company—or the remarkable technology—behind that moment of convenience? That vending machine likely came from one of the leading vending companies, Seaga Manufacturing. Seaga/AMS is a customer centric partner of choice for food, beverage, industrial and healthcare product dispensing technology. Let’s crack open the story of Seaga/AMS that’s changing the global vending landscape.

Where It All Began

38 years ago, the idea to create a vending machine company began in a one stall garage in Shannon, a rural town in Illinois. Steve Chesney, the founder of Seaga built the first vending machine, SUPERVEND 2000. Its features were simple: a dual dispenser, a sturdy build, and a focus on reliability.

Fast forward to today, Seaga Manufacturing’s growth in 2025 is nothing short of impressive. In 2022, the acquisition of AMS (Automated Merchandising Systems) in Kearneysville, WV and a manufacturing plant located in Mexico, expanded its reach, both locally and globally now employing close to 200 people.

A lot of this evolution comes down to leadership. Mike Freund, Seaga CEO, has been at the helm of manufacturing automation for 2 decades. Freund’s background in industrial automation has shaped the company’s focus on integrating new technologies—like temperature sensors, energy-efficient components, and even built-in advertising screens—into their machines.

Of course, none of this would be possible without a dedicated team. One notable is Dennis Hammer, Vice President of Engineering. He has spent 25 years at Seaga, driving the company’s push into new markets and technologies. Every team member from the janitor to the corner office, has a hand in Seaga Manufacturing’s global success!

Current State of Seaga

Seaga’s journey isn’t just about snacks anymore. The company now designs solutions for a wide range of industries including Industrial and Healthcare. The software used in the industrial and healthcare machines enables companies to track their valuables, such as hand-held scanners, tablets, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Seaga’s brands; Automated Merchandising Systems, Intelligent Inventory Control, and ScrubStation are the leading force behind their company growth. Let’s break these 3 down!

AMS: offers innovative vending machines and has an expanse of distributor partnerships.

IIC: Industrial solutions enable companies to track and manage their high dollar assets such as a hand held scanner.

Scrubstation: A cloud-based solution in linen management that uses RFID technology.

One of the most noticeable upgrades is in the payment systems. Today’s advanced payment systems options include contactless cards, mobile wallets, and even QR code payments. And then there’s the advertising. Modern vending machines double as digital billboards, displaying promotions, nutritional info, or even video ads right on the machine’s screen. This not only helps brands connect with customers but also gives operators a new revenue stream.

The Future of Vending:

Seaga’s quiet innovation has set a high bar for what’s possible. Their machines already allow operators to change prices online, adjust languages for local markets, and even offer specialized solutions—like medical locker solutions for healthcare professionals. These are more than just vending machine user experience enhancements; they’re glimpses into a future where vending is woven into the fabric of everyday digital life.

As digital technology continues to push boundaries, the future of vending is wide open—and Seaga Manufacturing is quietly leading the way, one innovative machine at a time.

In the end, Seaga’s story isn’t just about selling more machines. It’s about rethinking what vending can be—how it fits into our lives, our workplaces, and even our hospitals.

TL;DR: Seaga Manufacturing isn’t your typical vending machine maker—they’re rewriting the rules for automation, sustainability, and everyday convenience in ways you’ve probably experienced without even noticing.

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