GAP purchases FPS fleet

UK-based GAP Group has purchased Kier Fleet & Passenger Services' (FPS) internal hire fleet, amounting to more than 5500 units of equipment.

The deal, made official on 1 July, followed a tender process and includes small tools, lifting, fusion equipment, survey equipment and plant. The purchased items are to be stored in GAP depots and will support Kier Services contracts all across the UK.

GAP will be given the opportunity for extended hire arrangements on the contracts involved with the purchase and remains FPS’s preferred supplier for hire.

Also included in the deal is the transfer of 21 FPS employees to GAP. These include plant fitters based across the UK in addition to the existing Kier FPS office staff in Wymondham, Norfolk. GAP has also taken over the running of the Bodmin depot as part of the acquisition.

John Wilkinson, executive director responsible for Kier Services, said: “GAP are specialists in the field of equipment hire and we chose them to take on the ownership of our internal plant fleet based on this.

"The strategic improvement will provide customers of Kier FPS with an enhanced service and quality equipment, while also offering greater control, improved safety and better reporting capabilities.’’

Iain Anderson, joint managing director at GAP, added: “The process to transfer ownership of the Kier FPS assets started in April when they issued their formal competitive tender. Following an audit of over 2,000 items, GAP is delighted to have won this contract with Kier. We are looking forward to establishing a long-standing relationship with them and are confident that the partnership will provide benefits to both of our companies going forward.”