Nov/Dec 2003

ByBox, a UK pioneer of the use of "intelligent" box banks for parts deliveries, has emerged as a leading player in the market, following its acquisition of the Hays group's field support division.

Having originally launched its box-bank system into the consumer market, ByBox quickly brought the field service market into its sights, and then earlier this year joined forces with Hays to develop the concept further. Hays was already a leader in box systems, operating a network of 10,000 "dumb" lockup boxes at 500-odd locations around the UK.

Now ByBox has taken over control of the combined operation, and will market its lock-up box and electronic-box networks as an integrated solution. Mark Garritt, previously sales director for Hays Field Support, becomes ByBox UK sales director.

Hays group is known to be looking for a new owner, and this move appears to represent a step to divest itself of non-core operations.