LEADING information technology provider Kalamazoo has awarded a five-year pan-European contract hire deal for its 438-vehicle fleet to GE Capital Fleet Services. The solus deal replaces a previous arrangement with a range of contract hire suppliers, including Jessups Vehicle Contracts, BCH Vehicle Management and Lease Plan.

A full maintenance arrangement is included, along with accident management and full driver contact for the fleet, which covers much of Europe, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Finland. Vehicles are supplied on a dual-badge policy from Ford and Vauxhall under a three-year, variable mileage replacement cycle. A five-year deal was arranged to allow time for GE Capital Fleet Services and Kalamazoo International to work together on implementing the pan-European arrangement.

Kalamazoo International has an annual turnover of more than £65million and employs about 900 staff and is expecting its fleet to grow by up to 40% during the length of the contract. Jonathan Burr, managing director at GE Capital Fleet Services, said: 'Kalamazoo's expansion in Europe means it needs to grow its fleet and seek more cost-effective solutions, which we can provide.'