This tote has absolutely nothing to do with 'The Tote' that was founded in 1928 by Winston Churchill when the Racecourse Betting Control Board was set up. Oh no, this tote most likely has an American origin via West Africa where the word 'tota' means to pick up in Kikongo, or 'tuta' meaning to carry in Swahili and that it was brought to the deep south by way of the slave trade back in the 16th century.
The full swing of the Industrial Revolution in the early 1800's saw materials handling techniques being employed on a widespread basis to facilitate the movement and storage of manufactured component parts as a recognised practise. Tote pans were and still are important items of equipment that can effectively store a wide range of component parts and finished goods.
Tote pans are constructed from galvanised sheet steel, made in all shapes and sizes with variations including wire mesh versions which are suitable for easy drain of 'wet goods' or vista bin style with a half front opening to identify stock. The pans have reinforced rims, easy grip looped handles and are normally fitted with a card holder at each end for identifying the contained stock. They are extremely strong and offer a good alternative to plastic containers. Plus they are fully recyclable as apposed to many plastic bins that are more often not. The design allows for easy stacking of full pans when needed, along with easy nesting when empty in order to save space.
There are a range of standard sizes available: L x W x H from 305 x 305 x 90mm up to 610 x 305 x 150mm, but non standard sizes can also be supplied to order. The standard capacity is 25kg but special variations can be produced if required.
Benefits:
- Robust and strong
- Low unit cost
- Flexible storage use
- Nesting and stacking
- Galvanised for protection against the elements
- Handles and cardholders
- Easily transported
- Easily stored on racks
Tote pans can be stored on steel racks. The traditional rack stores 3 or 4 pans across the width, stored to any height on 200mm shelf centres. Racks can be flat or angled to enable the pans to be arranged in an orderly fashion to facilitate pick and despatch methods or to store goods for more long term purposes.
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