North Manchester General Hospital, part of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, has implemented Hupfer’s VARIOCART trolley to enhance its catering services. The hospital’s catering and hospitality manager, Michael Eastham, reports that the VARIOCART is already enhancing service quality, handling, and load efficiency for his 65-member team, who serve up to 2,500 meals daily.

Designed for demanding environments, the VARIOCART boasts a robust 300kg load capacity, with 100kg per shelf, reinforced by extra-strong welded seams. The trolley also features adjustable shelves with 11 configuration levels and an optional ergonomic handle that encourages better posture for staff of all heights. Eastham highlighted the benefits for his team, stating: “It’s already evident that Hupfer’s VARIOCART is much smoother to manoeuvre, and the handle positioning allows for easier movement across the hospital site, reducing strain and improving staff wellbeing.”

Supporting NHS Sustainability Goals
Beyond its performance, the VARIOCART stands out for its sustainability features, which align with NHS targets for reducing carbon emissions. The trolley is made from approximately 85% recycled materials, and its flatpack delivery reduces transport space by 75%, cutting both storage costs and the hospital’s carbon footprint. Hupfer also offers climate-neutral shipping to further enhance its environmental credentials.

The VARIOCART is supported by Hupfer’s innovative Buy Back Guarantee. This program ensures that at the end of its life, the trolley can be recycled, with Hupfer buying it back or arranging local recovery. The scheme helps hospitals participate in the circular economy, with rebates available when purchasing replacement products. “This is a brilliant initiative for life cycle works, knowing the product will be recycled rather than putting the responsibility on operators,” Eastham added. He has already recommended the VARIOCART to other NHS Trusts and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust sites.

Marc Sumner, sales and marketing director for Hupfer UK, emphasised the product’s market-leading features, saying: “We were always confident that VARIOCART would stand out for its load capacity, handling, and ergonomic design. The added sustainability benefits, including our Buy Back Guarantee, make it a game changer in the catering sector, especially for hospitals with high-volume operations.”

As the VARIOCART continues to gain traction in healthcare settings, its combination of performance, durability, and eco-friendly credentials makes it an essential tool for modern catering teams.

For more information, visit https://uk.hupfer.com/en/commercial-catering/transport-solutions/variocart/