Burnley tractor firm supplying equipment at Olympic equestrian events (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Burnley tractor firm supplying equipment at Olympic equestrian events

7:00pm Friday 15th June 2012 in London Olympics 2012 - Latest News By Chris Gee , Reporter

EQUIPMENT from Burnley is to be used during the Olympic equestrian events after a firm won a contract to supply tractors and muti-terrain vehicles.

The vehicles will be used during construction of the show jumping and eventing venues and then throughout the Games to transport jumps, hay and equipment around the arenas.

Balmers, in Trafalgar Street, Burnley, has supplied John Deere tractors and multi-terrain gators to two separate companies responsible for building Olympic equestrian event venues.

Balmer’s sales representative Darren Barker clinched the deal to supply three John Deere HPX diesel gators, a John Deere 3036E tractor with 305 loader and a John Deere 4720 compact tractor.

Darren, from Hapton, almost joined the vehicles in the capital when the wagon driver drove off with him still sitting on one of the gators.

He said: “People were saying I was so delighted about winning the contract that I was determined to go down with them – but luckily a colleague shouted to the driver to release me before it set off down to London.

“We feel honoured to be involved in such a historic event as the London Olympics – it’s an exciting time for Great Britain and a huge boost for our business.”

The machinery was delivered to Greenwich Park, where dressage, show jumping and cross country events will take place from August 2.

Balmers have been established in Burnley since 1979.