In 1969, Michael Harrington saw something that steered his life into a new direction and the creation of a new engineering business.  Harrington, a carpenter was working in a pub in Nass, when a man walked in and began to install a cigarette machine. 

He said, " 'There's going to be a huge market for this in the years to come'" said Harrington.  "So we started talking!"

Harrington soon joined the man in building the machines, which were then mostly wooden cabinets with small, sliding drawers.  In 1975, Harrington went out on his own as a self-employed manufacturer of the machines, finally setting up Harrington Vending Machines as a limited company in 1984.

Harrington is still the only manufacturer of vending machines in Ireland, making a range of coin-operated machines for cigarettes, snacks, condoms and other items.

He said that the greatest challenge over the years was the introduction of the pound coin in 1990. "They made the pound coin identical in size to the old decimal penny, and people were ending up with pennies instead of pound coins in their machines."

The demand grew for electronic machines which, unlike mechanical machines, could tell the difference between a penny and a pound.  Mechanical machines quickly became unpopular.

Harrington feels that his company has bridged the transition well, particularly with the help of a new electronic cigarette machine.  The machine, which was developed with help from DCU and electronic engineer Kevin Alcock, was unveiled two weeks ago, and the response has been overwhelming.

And in February of this year Harrington moved into a 5000sq ft premises in Glasnevin, a big step up from the 800sq foot where the company had previously resided. 

"We can play football in here now!",  joked Harrington.

For anyone considering setting up their own business, Harrington said that perseverance is the most important quality.

"If you have an idea in your head, you go for it!", he said.  "If you can stay in business for three to four years, you build up custom.  We got our biggest customer two years ago, who just walked in off the street."

Customers say that Harrington is a good listener and provides solid back up for his machines.

"He'll come out after hours, which not too many people do"' said one customer, who purchases cigarette machines from Harrington.  "He'll also talk you through the problem, so you'll know what to do if it happens again."

Harrington has received a range of financial assistance over the years - from his first £50 pound loan from Bank of Ireland in 1970, through various loans from AIB, ICC Bank and a recent employment grant from the IDA.

And Harrington does anticipate hiring more staff.

"I have to fill this factory with something", he joked.

First published in The Sunday Business Post - November 1995

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