Briggs Equipment has been awarded a multi-million pound contract that will see it supply, manage and maintain a mixed fleet of mechanical handling equipment for the UK Ministry of Defence.
Worth circa £87 million over the next seven years, the announcement follows an extensive tender process during which Briggs demonstrated its ability to manage approx. 3000 assets across 302 locations both in the UK and 13 other countries, as well as Royal fleet auxiliary ships. The company also drew on 15 years’ experience of working with the armed services through its Defence Logistics Support (DLS) Division.
Gary Clements, Briggs’s Strategic Development Director explained: “We are delighted to have been awarded the new contract which demonstrates our ability to provide solutions that deliver exceptional value for money, flexibility and operational cost reductions. We are looking forward to continuing and strengthening our long standing relationship with the MoD.”
A significant element of the contract is the replacement of 1,046 assets as part of a projected capital spend of around £31.5 million over the next seven years. Approximately 84% of these assets will be sourced in the UK, providing a major boost for the country’s industry.
Forklifts, tractors, trailers, side loaders and container handlers are all within the agreement, as is warehousing equipment and other products from a total of 23 different manufacturers, chosen for their performance and reliability.
“A significant volume of the equipment will be manufactured by NACCO Materials Handling Group, which has supplied the MoD with Hyster equipment for the last 40 years,” Gary continued. “Briggs has one of the largest and most skilled engineering teams who can provide a complete service solution and we will be responsible for routine maintenance and repairs both in the UK and overseas.”
In addition to providing and maintaining the equipment, Briggs has also developed a bespoke Management Information Portal for effective fleet management within a military environment. Briggs will continue to work closely with the MoD throughout the contract to drive further efficiencies as they restructure in response to changes within the Armed Forces.
Details of the agreement were discussed last week by Philip Dunne MP, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology at the DVD Show, which is one of the most important armed services procurement events, held at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.
Richard Close, Briggs CEO, added: “This is a very significant contract award which demonstrates our unique flexibility and the ability to respond to the changing needs of the Ministry of Defence. We have an experienced team who understand their complex needs and the skills and dedication to deliver the highest levels of service.”
