Face mask vending firm Maskey is to provide free face mask vending machines to independent shops, according to company founder Adam Freeman. 

A new deal with Nisa offers retailers 12.5% commission on any sales made through the units. Freeman told RN: “We’re looking for high-footfall locations – we’ve got them in shopping centres, the Science Museum and Hamleys. The units are 1.5 metres and some locations are providing £5,000 a month in commission. We’ve got just short of 100 machines out there and are aiming for 250 by December.” 

For stores that are too small for machines, freestanding and counter display units are available, with the firm rolling out the vending units starting in London and the south-east. Asked about plans for the network once demand for masks reduces, the company founder said: “The next six months are really important for masks, but for the next quarter we’re working on further products, we’ve got two-to-three in the pipeline.” 

He explained the firm has grown from inception at the start of lockdown to a 70-strong workforce producing 45,000 masks per week at its London factory. “People don’t want masks from China with no packaging, no instructions and no quality control. We check 60% of all masks, they are sustainable and all profits go to charity.” 

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