Northgate Vehicle Hire has partnered with Aughton Automation, an engineering services provider that works with clients such as National Grid, to assist in reducing its capital outlay on its 40 plus fleet of commercial vehicles.  The new partnership sees Northgate provide Aughton Automation with a flexible fleet solution, which includes up to 40 rental vehicles in addition to fleet services such as maintenance and repair, a direct driver line and breakdown and recovery.

Additional benefits of the partnership include Aughton’s ability to access the latest fuel-efficient vehicles, reducing its carbon emissions, and take advantage of Northgate’s regular fleet replenishment, enabling the company to operate a lighter and greener fleet.

Jane Forshaw, a North West account manager for Northgate, commented:  “Our partnership with Aughton Automation is unique as the company’s requirements involve vehicle features such as fitted shelving, hand wash units and fire extinguishers. As working vehicles it is paramount that these features are fitted to the highest standards to ensure a safe and clean working environment, as a result we outsource the installation of the additional specifications on our vehicle to national companies VanLiners and The Signbox, which ensures a consistent level of quality at all times. This is just one of many features we deliver to Aughton as part of our partnership. In short, our aim is to deliver a cost effective flexible fleet package that meets the needs and requirements of the business, be that fitting bespoke vehicle features or providing additional vehicles within a short period of time.”  Chris Clayton, operations director at Aughton Automation, commented: "The service Northgate has provided has been ideal for our business needs. Vehicles are delivered promptly and to our requirements, and the service is nothing but professional, cost effective and efficient. Our business has ever-changing requirements, which results in varying fleet needs, something Northgate has delivered to date without hesitation."

Clayton continued, “Northgate has also helped us to achieve additional cost effective benefits via regular vehicle replacement, which has resulted in better fuel economy, with modern, lighter vehicles. This is key to our operation as our principle clients in the gas utilities sector place particular emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions. Our most recent batch of vehicles provided by Northgate should enable Aughton to exceed its 2013 CO2 reduction targets yet again.”