ENGINEERING firm Leymac is claiming a 15% improvement in vehicle fleet utilisation by using an internet-based satellite location service.

The Liverpool-based company installs energy management systems and provides a 24-hour rapid response service for heating breakdowns, gas leaks and other emergencies within public buildings such as schools, hospitals and council offices. It is using a Masternaut Web service that automatically locates vehicles using satellite tracking systems.

A company spokesman said: 'Cost effectiveness is increasingly important in our market and Masternaut has really highlighted the terrific cost of transport. It has shown how much time and cost is wasted through inefficient job planning and unnecessary travelling. Since installing the system we have seen an immediate improvement in productivity and between 15% and 20% reduction in fuel costs.'