CUSTOM Fleet has picked up one of its biggest contracts with a Western Australian government fleet deal for more than 900 vehicles following the privatisation of the fleet operated by the WA electricity network supplier Western Power.

The authority has outsourced its fleet leasing and management that will see a $30 million sale and leaseback arrangement to be implemented in August.

Custom Fleet, a subsidiary of Element Financial Corporation, is to establish a sole supplier agreement for the funding and management of the fleet.

The company said the management would comprise the sale and leaseback arrangement, managed-operating leases, fleet managed services, telematics and a pool car system.

In a statement, Custom Fleet CEO Aaron Baxter said his company had worked closely with Western Power and were excited about establishing a longer term relationship.

“Our deep expertise in strategic consulting, our market leading product suite and our proven history of execution is what got us over the line,” he said.

“This is a historic win for Custom Fleet under the Element Financial ownership.

“Custom Fleet is proud to be part of this trend in governments outsourcing the management of their fleet to free up capital and invest in frontline resources and infrastructure.”
Western Power executive manager of corporate services Simon Walsh said the partnership with Custom Fleet would enable the company to more efficiently provide transport solutions for employees.

“Western Power owns and operates a vast electricity network that is spread across 255,064 square kilometres, with employees based at more than 20 depots in southern Western Australia,” he said.

“Western Power is focussed on continuous improvement as customer needs and economic conditions change, and this partnership will assist us in reducing costs while providing efficient transport solutions for our employees.”

By Neil Dowling