BBS Fleet Logistics, which provides storage, logistical and refurbishment services to leasing companies and large national fleets, is making a major investment in its vehicle handling and refurbishment operation.

The investment includes new information technology systems and smart repair facilities.

BBS Fleet Logistics, part of the IFC Fleet Services Group, specialises in the movement and in-life handling of fleet vehicles, including managing the ‘re-home’ process between vehicle users within companies. As a result, it handles well over 6,000 vehicle movements per annum throughout the UK for some of the country’s largest leasing companies and independent, national fleets.

The new investment in its facility at Milton Ernest, Bedford, sees the storage capacity of the site increase to over 500 cars, with a new overspill development capable of taking another 2,000.

At the same time, the company has invested in the complete refurbishment of its onsite facilities, including new meeting rooms, rest rooms and upgraded offices for administrative staff.

It has also made a significant investment in new smart repair facilities for fast track, low cost fleet repairs, which has given the potential for doubling the capacity of vehicles that can be repaired and refurbished for fleet customers.

And a new online portal allows fleet customers to book in or modify vehicle movements, check on the progress of any vehicles going through the facility and then re-allocate the vehicles once the work is completed.

The new portal is easy to navigate and to use, and initial feedback from fleet customers has been very positive with increasing numbers switching over to online usage.

Colin Cripps, managing director of BBS Fleet Logistics (pictured), said:“Our culture is based on providing total reliability when collecting and delivering vehicles, complete security when fleet assets are in our care and absolute accountability when dealing with any repairs and refurbishments.

“This latest investment takes our facility to another level in its development with increased capacity, improved security and better infrastructure for staff and customers alike.

“At the same time, we have doubled our capability to handle smart repairs and refurbishments on behalf of fleet customers.  With end-of-contract charges at their current high levels, this is a very important consideration for both the leasing company provider and the end-user fleet.

Cripps said that the extra storage facilities would be particularly important for the ‘re-home’ and reallocation side of the business.

“The vehicle ‘re-home’ service is a core part of our business that justifies this additional investment. Many major fleets see this as an essential service when company car drivers switch vehicles due to a changed job function or location and their vehicle is reallocated to another member of staff. We will now be able to securely hold more of these vehicles than ever before,” he said.