The Rank Group PLC’s (Rank) long-standing relationship with NCS started in 1991
A referral by the then leading hot dog manufacturer ‘Westlers’ gave NCS the opportunity to prove their worth to Rank by providing reactive maintenance services to the ‘Top Rank’ and ‘Mecca’ bingo sites, supporting their cooking and hot hold equipment.
Things were quite different back then — it was 30 years ago after all. Sausages, burgers, pies, fish fingers were served canteen style from a Moffat Servery. A couple of Falcon, Lincat or Parry fryers in the kitchen churned out chips by the bucket-load. As the bingo clubs evolved from old theatre-style clubs into purpose built modern flat floor clubs, the food offering evolved likewise. With table service becoming the norm in the late 2000s, menus expanded and further developed providing the customer with a full evening’s dining and entertainment under one roof.
Within 12 months NCS were requested to look after all the catering and refrigeration equipment across Rank’s bingo estate.
The following year saw NCS providing the same level of support to all Rank’s Grosvenor Casino sites.
This estate utilised more complex equipment with chefs providing a more sophisticated menu, NCS were able to meet the technical demands while maintaining high levels of customer service.
In 2003 Rank approached NCS for assistance with managing their growing estate.
NCS sourced and provided bespoke software to track and trace Rank’s Assets across the estate and although it has been upgraded several times, this service is still being used today.
Accurate tagging and monitoring of equipment allows Rank to make informed safety and financial decisions relating to their catering equipment.
Having this detailed equipment history 20 years ago allowed Rank to pioneer, through NCS, the recycling of catering equipment. This made sure they got the best value for money from their capital expenditure whilst at the same time helping to reduce Rank’s impact on the environment.
“It’s been a pleasure and honour to work with such an iconic brand for the last 30 years.”
“Rank has worked with NCS for some time now, providing our out of warranty, planned and reactive kitchen equipment maintenance service.
NCS are a long-standing supplier for a good reason and we are grateful for their long-term support, ensuring that our kitchen equipment remains operational and safe at all times.”
In its 30th year, this relationship is as strong as ever. Both companies benefit from a close and trusting partnership.