Briggs wins MoD handling equipment contract

Briggs Equipment will supply, manage and maintain a mixed fleet of mechanical handling equipment for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) under a new contract announced on 25 June.

The seven year contract is worth an estimated £87 million, and was awarded following a tender process during which Briggs demonstrated its ability to manage approximately 3000 assets across 302 locations both in the UK and 13 other countries, as well as Royal fleet auxiliary ships. The company has also worked with the armed forces through its Defence Logistics Support (DLS) Division for the last 15 years.

The contract will see the company handle 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.

Gary Clements, strategic development director, Briggs, said: 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 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. 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.

Richard Close, CEO, Briggs, 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.’