The London Borough of Ealing has appointed Go Plant Fleet Services (GPFS) a major vehicle maintenance deal that will help cut vehicle downtime.
The five-year contract, worth in the region of £5m, was awarded by the borough’s Local Authority trading company – Greener Ealing Limited – and provides a comprehensive repair and maintenance facility for Ealing’s 370-strong fleet. This includes refuse collection vehicles, sweepers and electric vans as well as an extensive grounds maintenance fleet.
The annual maintenance plan will ensure scheduled maintenance and inspections are carried out as well as ongoing repairs.
A key part of the deal has been the flexible working hours implemented at GPFS to maximise vehicle uptime, which will ensure Greener Ealing’s specification for 95% refuse collection fleet availability is met. The deal also includes an agreement on a 98% MOT-test pass rate for all HGV and class IV/VII vehicles.
Go Plant Fleet Services has committed to increasing staff provision by working with local recruitment channels for additional workshop staff along with providing an apprenticeship scheme for an individual to work alongside the team based at the authority’s Greenford depot.
It will also support two student work placements in collaboration with local schools and colleges to deliver knowledge and skills outcomes for students.
The contract has been put in place despite the challenging times brought about by changes to working practices due to the Covid-19 pandemic; including work by GPFS to ensure mobilisation was completed within the 10-week timescale originally agreed.
Kevin O’Leary, managing director of Greener Ealing, said: “The decision to partner with Go Plant Fleet Services was based on a number of factors including their proven experience in providing a similar service to our colleagues at London Borough of Harrow.
“Managing the maintenance of our vehicles and giving us access to their fleet management system gives us complete visibility of ‘in-life’ vehicle management.
“Their willingness to provide a flexible working hours platform and engagement with local stakeholders will ensure over 341,000 residents in our borough continue to benefit from the services Greener Ealing provide. We look forward to working with the company for the next five years.”
