Coca-Cola signs up Zytronic

Jul 2 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

COCA-Cola has signed up Tyneside touchscreen specialist Zytronic to provide the technical know-how for its new generation drinks dispenser.

The Blaydon company’s touch sensors are being used in the soft drinks giant’s Coca-Cola Freestyle self-service machine, which can dispense more than 100 different drinks from a single unit.

The system has been under development for almost four years and is being piloted in US fast-food restaurants in California and Georgia, before being rolled out more widely early next year.

Zytronic, which employs almost 200 people, has provided its ZYBRID customised touch sensor for the project.

The sensor uses a matrix of ultra-fine capacitors embedded in a glass panel, which is covered by the dispenser’s wipe-clean polycarbonate fascia.

Zytronic chief executive Mark Cambridge said: “Zytronic is excited to be involved in such an innovative project.

“A touch-screen is an excellent solution for this application with such a broad selection of beverage options.

“The self-service restaurant environment in which Coca-Cola Freestyle will be used demands an extremely reliable touchscreen.

“Zytronic is able to provide accurate touch-enabled functionality that is not impeded by the overlying moulded front fascia.”

The hi-tech piece of kit is about the size of a domestic fridge freezer. Zytronic’s touchscreen displays the drinks information and collects data on which drinks are chosen.

Mr Cambridge said: “It’s a new development for them. We’re hoping it will turn into something substantial.

“This is very innovative by Coca-Cola. I’ve never seen any other type of drinks machine like this.”

Zytronic boosted its profits by more than half to just over £1m in the six months to March 31. It was originally founded in 1943 to make gas mask lenses.