Successful first year for flagship Fraikin branch
Sep 21, 2011
Commercial vehicle fleet services company Fraikin is celebrating a successful first year for its flagship workshop and rental facility in Coventry the largest ever branch established in the company's 33-year history in the UK.
The company has enjoyed strong growth since Coventry Oaktree opened its doors just under a year ago following a 1 million investment by Fraikin, one of the UK's leading fleet management, contract hire and rental specialists.
During the first 12 months of operation the centre, which services over 1,000 vehicles , has not only been upgraded but new staff have been taken on and Fraikin has recently moved its central call centre (DMSC) for national accounts, headed by Sarah Mountjoy, to the premises to further streamline operations with 55 staff employed at the premises.
There is space for further expansion and the future looks promising: from August 2011 the centre will become responsible for managing Fraikin's landmark contract with GEO Amey PECS Limited (GEOAmey) for the next seven years.
The vehicle solutions contract is to provide 401 custodial cell vehicles to GEOAmey which has won three contracts with the Ministry of Justice in the UK for the provision of Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) for England and Wales with the exception of London and the East of England.
The specialist vehicles were delivered to the 20 GEOAmey locations before the contract commencement on the 29 August.
The management of each of the 401 GEOAmey vehicles will be managed through Coventry Oaktree, with the actual maintenance work being carried out by Fraikin facilities and sub-contractors across UK, including Coventry Oaktree. Fraikin Warrington will service 96 of the vehicles.
The Coventry site is also responsible for managing and maintaining express parcels carrier City Link's fleet of 380 tractors and trailers.
The management team at Coventry Oaktree has been boosted with several new appointments including General Manager Shane Saliba, Operations Manager Paul Kellett and Workshop Controller Roger Harris.
The DMSC, which also employs a team of engineers to ensure optimum levels of service at all times, has also recently extended its opening hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to align itself to GEOAmey's operating hours.
Mick Harrison, Chief Operating Officer, Fraikin said: "Coventry Oaktree has had a fantastic first year and is going from strength to strength, reflecting the success that the company has experienced nationwide.
"Fraikin enjoyed significant growth last year despite the recession and the company is poised for further expansion. Winning the GEOAmey contract is a testament to Fraikin's reputation for reliability, flexibility and expertise in providing complete vehicle solutions.
"Exciting times lie ahead for Fraikin and Coventry Oaktree will be playing a key role in the company's expansion. I would like to thank the staff there for all their hard work and dedication over the past year."
