Richard Close (in the middle) says the contract shows his company's "unique flexibility and the ability to respond to the changing needs" of the MoD.

Briggs Equipment has been awarded a major contract to supply, manage and maintain a mixed equipment fleet for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Worth about GBP87 million (USD134 million) over seven years, Briggs says it won the tender by demonstrating its ability to manage approximately 3,000 assets in 302 locations, 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.

Briggs will replace 1,046 assets as part of a projected capital spend of around GBP31.5 million (USD48.6 million) over the next seven years. About 84% of the assets will be sourced in the UK.

Forklifts, tractors, trailers, side loaders and container handlers are included in the agreement, as is warehousing equipment and other products from 23 manufacturers.

Gary Clements, Briggs's strategic development director, says a significant volume of the equipment will be made 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."

Briggs has also developed a bespoke management information portal for effective fleet management in a military environment. The company will continue to work closely with the MoD throughout the contract to achieve further efficiencies as it restructures in response to changes in the Armed Forces.

Philip Dunne, the UK Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, discussed details of the agreement at the DVD Show last week. The DVD Show, an armed services procurement event, was held at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.

Briggs CEO Richard Close says the contract demonstrates his company's "unique flexibility and the ability to respond to the changing needs" of the MoD. "We have an experienced team who understand their complex needs and the skills and dedication to deliver the highest levels of service."