Chippenham-based logistics and supply chain group Wincanton has been appointed by supermarket giant Asda to look after around half of its fleet of 1,800 home shopping vehicles.
The contract with Wincanton’s specialist repair and maintenance provider Pullman Fleet Services includes dedicated round-the-clock, 365 days a year repair and maintenance cover for the 3.5-tonne vans in the East Midlands, Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 
The announcement follows a successful two-year trial by Pullman to provide a nationwide defect management programme for Asda’s fleet of large goods vehicles.
Traditionally a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) repair business, Pullman has been transformed in recent years by expanding its mobile repair capability as well as becoming a market leader in commercial vehicle fleet management. The business distinguishes itself from other fleet management providers by having its own technicians and facilities across the UK.
Pullman managing director Graham Hunter said: “Clearly both businesses share a common value of delivering excellent customer service and we are of course delighted to be expanding our relationship with Asda.
“We look forward to using our expertise to bring further efficiencies to Asda’s fleet, and to providing Asda with certainty of cost, helping it maintain its promise of providing value and savings to its many customers.”
Asda multichannel fleet contracts manager Sean Clifton added: “We were adamant that we required a partner that could help us meet our promise of saving our customers money every day. Pullman already provides a comprehensive and successful defect management programme to our nationwide fleet so we were well aware of its capabilities.
“The new repair and maintenance contract announced today provides us with further certainty of cost as well as creating even more efficient working practices.”
