Briggs FlexiHire scheme covers counterbalance trucks, reach trucks and powered pallet trucks

UK materials handling equipment supplier, Briggs Equipment has launched a new hire scheme promising lower hire costs and greater contract flexibility.

The new FlexiHire scheme will allow customers to hire trucks at long-term hire rates (five years or more) while taking on only a one-year commitment.

Briggs anticipates hire costs should be reduced by 5% to 10%.

Tony Rooney, sales and marketing director, says the scheme bridges the gap between long- and short-term hire and recognises the prevalent dissatisfaction over forklift hire.

"The market is changing and we have been listening to our customers and have identified a gap in the market that offers complete flexibility. We feel this will provide all our customers total solutions to meet their business needs.

"Briggs' decision to accommodate market needs follows a lot of research," Rooney says. "(FlexiHire) clearly reflects what the market has been seeking for years."

Briggs approached its existing customer base and potential customers to determine the best format for the new scheme. Rooney says Brigg's customers have stressed that it is hard to forecast five years.

"Five years is often too long to commit to a product, but the forklift industry has resisted five-year contracts with one-year break clauses because of the financial risks involved if many customers return their trucks after one year."

The FlexiHire scheme will cover Briggs' range of counterbalance trucks in the 1.5 tonne to 5 tonne range, reach trucks and powered pallet trucks.