Lombard Vehicle Management has won a new, exclusive contract for over 100 vans with existing client Whitefriars Housing Group.

Part of the agreement involves Lombard’s unique recycled equipment service, of which Whitefriars is the first customer to subscribe to.

The service involves the re-use of many components such as racking and interior lighting.

The parts are refurbished and fitted to new vehicles, providing customers with not only cost savings but the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact.

Recycled equipment is currently being trialled with several other Lombard clients.

“This is an important service,” says Matt Dale, general sales manager of Lombard’s van unit.

“We are constantly looking for at ways in which we can add value for our customers.

"With the ability to manage entire van builds and supply chains in-house it was a natural step to develop this service, especially at a time of increasing pressure on costs and environmental concern.”

Whitefriars follows strict public sector tendering guidelines but reappointed Lombard for a period of five years, following a 12-month extension in 2007 of an initial three-year contract.

The fleet of Volkswagen Transporters and Crafters will be run over the five-year term on a contract hire basis with full SMR.

The vehicles are coming through Lombard’s Van Plus+ in-house build facilities.

The vans will also be fully fitted out with racking, roof systems, bulkheads and sign-writing.