There can be few people involved in vending in the UK or, for that matter, that are unfamiliar with the name ‘Crane.’
Crane Merchandising Systems is a leading global manufacturer of innovative solutions for vending machines, cashless systems, software and wireless communications. The company has a rich history spanning more than 80 years and the Crane brand has become synonymous with vending durability and reliability.
‘As a pioneer of vending’, Gillian White said, ‘we continually look for new ways to enhance the interactivity of both operators and consumers with our vending machines. We pride ourselves on treating people fairly, dealing honestly and ethically with customers, suppliers and shareholders, and working hard to meet or exceed the expectations of our customers.’
But there’s more to the US based giant than that, as visitors to AVEX witnessed. Crane was established in 1855 by entrepreneur and philanthropist R.T. Crane and these days, the Crane Fund For Widows and Children is the biggest single shareholder. Each year, the fund supports charities and organisations nominated by Crane employees.
In 2017, Crane’s UK operation is backing three vending related charities – namely The Point Foundation, The Gallagher Trust and the Diamond Blackfan Anaemia Trust – together with three organisations that are part of the community around Crane’s UK base in Chippenham.
Presentations were made at AVEX on the 18th, by Crane’s Mike Kane and Brad Tedder.
‘Most people have no idea that doing good works in the community is and always has been an integral art of our corporate ethos’, Gillian said, ‘so we thought for a change that this year, we’d use AVEX to demonstrate to the industry as a whole that we give back to the community that supports us.’