Benchmark Grounds Maintenance has completed its full fleet renewal programme with TOM Vehicle Rental, with 39 Citroen Relay vans now in service for its nationwide grounds and interior plant maintenance operation.

The Stratford-upon-Avon grounds maintenance, design and installation specialists opted for Relay 350 L3 H3 Enterprise vans to deliver an increase in available payload versus its outgoing Ford Transits as well as improved technology.

The decision was made after TOM ran a fleet demonstrator program for Benchmark to allow the business to test what was the best van for their operation.

The vans have been converted and are tailored to Benchmark’s particular needs with towbars, roof vents, slamlocks and modified ramps for access all being added to the vehicles. Additionally, the fleet features new livery.

Jeremy Rodway, managing director for Benchmark, said: “I liked TOM’s approach and customer service culture, it wanted to know what was important to our business and customised our new vans to a specification that works for us.

"We’ve got a knowledgeable account manager we can call at any time which makes for a good working partnership.”

The contract hire deal includes repairs, servicing, maintenance, road fund licence, worn tyre replacement and replacement vehicles.

Joanna Pilgrim, head of sales (midlands and south) for TOM Vehicle Rental, said: "Benchmark had some very specific requirements and it was great to be able to work with them to provide a new fleet that’s the right for their business."