A GROWING Hampshire van hire company has expanded its fleet and premises.

Callvan Hire, of Ringwood, is seeing a healthy increase in business despite the economic downturn.

Managing director David Bundy has just purchased ten new VW Transporters, three of them specialist refrigerated vehicles. It brings the company’s overall fleet to more than 90. Meanwhile, the firm has also moved into an additional unit of 3,000 square metres on the Millstream Industrial Estate, in Ringwood.

“It shows that even in a recession you can win business and expand if you get your product right and keep putting your name out there,” said David, who established the company 20 years ago with his wife Debbie.

The Ford and VW fleet includes everything from small panel vans and 7.5 tonne lorries to fridge vans and trailers.

David says in the prolonged downturn, some companies have found it more cost-effective to hire a van or lorry several times a week than run their own vehicles. The fridge vans are proving especially popular – several new customers have signed hire contracts for between three and five years.

The fridge trailers are increasingly being used for festivals, weddings and other large events. The company will deliver the trailer, set it up to the required temperature and collect it at the end.

Callvan Hire also offers a “run and repair” service, which enables companies to bring in their own vans and lorries for maintenance at the firm’s own garage, which has all the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment.

They can use Callvan Hire vehicles while the work is done – meaning no disruption to their own operation.

“We have continued to make substantial capital investment in the company, and that faith in our business is paying off,” added David.