McKlaren Group’s Approach to Security, Growth, and Consistency with VDMS

Running a network of regional service stations presents plenty of challenges, but for Aaron Hill and the team at McKlaren Group, one thing has remained constant: their commitment to staying in control of high-value stock and investing in the systems that support long-term growth. With seven sites already operating across regional Queensland and an eighth in the pipeline, McKlaren Group has turned to VDMS as a trusted solution for cigarette dispensing and security.

“We have five machines across our network,” Aaron says. “It has solved the theft and stock control issues we used to face, and it gives us consistency across all our stores.”

Building Security into the Foundation

As many operators know, tobacco remains one of the highest risk product categories in a service station. For McKlaren Group, introducing VDMS vending cabinets has allowed them to lock away that risk, replacing vulnerable shelves with a secure, point-of-sale controlled system.

“The biggest attraction for us was being able to put all high-theft items into a lockable cabinet that only dispenses after a sale has gone through,” Aaron explains. “That immediately stopped our stock losses. We just do not deal with those issues anymore.”

The integration with their POS system ensures a seamless customer transaction. The sale is processed, and the corresponding item is released automatically. There is no manual handling, no guesswork, and no opportunity for error or theft.

“Middlemount was our first site to roll out with the VDMS system, and every site since then has included one of these machines.”

More Than Just Security

While security was the starting point, McKlaren Group has also embraced the digital media capabilities offered by VDMS. Several of their sites feature cabinets with built-in screens, allowing the team to display promotional content and partner messaging.

“It used to be a big blank wall filled with cigarette packs,” Aaron says. “Now we have something dynamic that actually adds to the customer experience.”

In partnership with the New Sunrise Group, McKlaren sites use the screen space to promote in-store offers and brand campaigns. In some locations, VDMS Vision has become an important visual touchpoint during transactions, helping draw attention to deals at the moment customers are making purchase decisions.

Although McKlaren Group has not yet used the screens for third-party advertising, Aaron acknowledges the potential. “Our sites are mostly regional, but the opportunity is there, and the screens are a great platform regardless.”

Managing Growth with Confidence

With seven operational sites and more in the pipeline, McKlaren Group continues to grow steadily. Their most recent location in Farleigh, just north of Mackay, came online a few months ago. Another site in Bowen is currently under development in partnership with Chevron, and is expected to open before the end of the year.

McKlaren sites have historically carried a mix of branding, including BP and Shell. But more recently, the group has committed to Chevron across the board, citing improved support and better opportunities for independent operators.

“Chevron is giving us the right kind of support at the moment from funding to equipment and overall brand investment. It has been a good move for us.”

Aaron says the level of detail Chevron puts into each rebrand and store rollout has set a new standard compared to what they had experienced in the past.

Operations, People, and Systems

Behind the scenes, McKlaren Group is a family-led business. Aaron is supported by his father-in-law Mark, who focuses on site development, and a solid leadership team including Jamie, Nathan, and Ben who help manage daily operations across the network. The business also has a central office in Bundaberg with full-time staff managing accounts and administration.

This team structure has allowed the business to grow while staying agile. Aaron and his family still spend time on the road, visiting sites and staying connected to the front-line operation. A recent school holiday trip doubled as a working tour, with the family in tow and Aaron visiting several stores across the state.

“It is good for the family to be involved,” he says. “We get to balance business with a bit of adventure, and the kids love it.”

Simplified Training and Staff Control

Training staff to use the VDMS system has been straightforward. McKlaren limits access to the machines to store managers only, meaning responsibility is clear and processes remain consistent.

“It is not something we need to refill every day,” Aaron explains. “Usually, every few days is enough. That helps us maintain control, and there is no confusion over who is responsible.”

Jamie and Nathan, two of the operations managers, now oversee the training of new site managers and team members when new stores are opened or systems are introduced.

“Once they understand the system, it is easy. The integration is smooth, and we get good support from the VDMS team.”

A Strong Foundation for the Future

For Aaron Hill and the McKlaren Group, systems like VDMS have made it easier to grow with confidence. From security and stock control to improved staff training and brand integration, the vending solution has become a key part of their retail operation.

“It has solved our theft problems and added real structure to how we manage tobacco,” Aaron says. “That is a win in any store.”

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