21/10/2014 B&B Attachments helps improve productivity at Thatchers Cider

Thatchers Cider is a fourth generation cidermaker based in Sanford, in North Somerset, England.

The company started making cider in 1904. It now has 360 acres of its own orchard in Somerset, as well as working closely with other apple growers in the area. Alongside its bush orchards, Thatchers has pioneered a method of growing its apple trees in a hedgerow style.  

In recent years the cider industry has changed immeasurably, and the drink which was once the preserve of Somerset farmers has enjoyed a boom in popularity and is now found up and down the country from rural pubs to city bars. Today, Thatchers makes a range of premium apple ciders in both draught and packaged formats.

To continue Thatchers’ rapid growth, and as an integral part of its end of line productivity,  B&B Attachments, the UK’s leading supplier of forklift attachments and the exclusive UK distributor of Kaup equipment, has supplied the cider makers with 5 innovative Kaup keg clamps, 2 double pallet handlers and a push pull forklift attachment.

The KegMaster keg clamps enable a secure grip of kegs and casks and allow for easy pallet handling without the removal of the centre tine.  They provide the driver with excellent visibility when approaching the load, whilst increasing driver confidence and ensuring the safe and secure handling of kegs and casks. The ultimate solution for improving product handling, the state of the art keg handling attachment decreases the risk of damage to lorries and other overhead obstructions, reduces maintenance costs and ensures less shock loading to trucks. 

 The Kaup Double Pallet Handler attachment has been designed specifically for transporting several pallets simultaneously, and can be quickly and easily altered to handle either single or pairs of palletized products.  It has two sets of hydraulically-operated forks, which function in a synchronized way, ensuring that the centre pick-up of the load is guaranteed. This motion provides a quick and efficient method of handling goods. Thatchers was also supplied with a push pull attachment which is a cost effective solution, ensuring optimum performance and maximum productivity when handling materials on slip sheets.

Jeff Janes, distribution manager at Thatchers Cider comments “We are delighted with all the attachments provided and the dedicated service B&B Attachments has delivered to us over the years of working together. The attachments provided by B&B are an integral part of our operation, enabling fast and reliable loading, unloading and end of line support. They have been chosen for their excellent visibility, optimum performance, maximum productivity and reliable operation.” 

Established over 30 years ago, B&B attachments Ltd offers the largest range of products from a single source. With customers throughout the UK and Europe, B&B continues to build on its reputation for offering the most comprehensive aftercare service available in the attachment and mast field. B&B has a unique post-order service team for specialist attachments in the UK, with 15 field based service engineers spanning the country.

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