Worksop's open market has been around since the 13th Century and today functions as one of the country's most respected local markets with a reputation for high quality and competitive prices.
It currently operates under the control of Bassetlaw District Council - a strong supporter of the market along with that of nearby Retford. The association has brought many advantages in the weekly grind to compete with local supermarkets, typified by its adoption of modern handling practices.
Manhandling - a thing of the past
Traditionally traders were required to manhandle produce and support equipment to and from delivery vehicles to their pitches for market days four times a week. Bassetlaw initially provided buffer storage facilities on the site, followed by the provision of purpose designed four-wheel box trolleys. This has been further enhanced by the acquisition of a ROBUR TR90 Tug from Stanley Handling which has improved handling efficiency still further and significantly improved safety on the site.
The tug has a load capacity of 1000kg which makes it capable of handling multiple trolleys in single trips to and from the holding warehouse. Its powerful motor enables it to cope easily with a significant incline. Connecting up is simple, through a towing hitch that is a standard fitting.
The TR90 benefits from the inherent features within the ROBUR family of safety handling aids, namely electromagnetic braking and electronic speed control which make for smooth acceleration and deceleration, powered drive in forward and reverse and a heavy duty all-weather 24V electrical system.
To ensure full personnel safety, the Tug is fitted with a flashing beacon, an electric horn, an operator's fail-safe safety button and an all-weather drive tyre. Paint finish is safety yellow. The raised operator position gives excellent vision.
Competing with Supermarkets
Much of the credit for ensuring that the market which received its Royal Charter as long ago as 1246 has moved with the times must go to Market Manager David Atkinson who has overseen the introduction of a system in which, for a nominal hire charge, the traders can use communal equipment to go some way towards competing with the professional handling methods of the local supermarkets. "No longer is it necessary for traders to undertake the tedious job of pushing and shoving trolleys day after day - the new system is better for them and safer for customers."
A service contract under which the Tug is regularly maintained by experienced Stanley Handling field engineers formed part of the contract.
For more information, please contact :
Mark Stanley at mark@stanleyhandling.co.uk or tel 01582 767711 fax 01582 765994