Pendum LLC Launches Fleet Replacement Plan; Places First Order for New Vehicles

DENVER, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Pendum LLC, the only company able to deliver both ATM cash and maintenance services on a nationwide scale, announced today a plan to replace and upgrade its fleet of more than 700 armored and maintenance vehicles.

With the backing of Bayside Capital, a private equity firm which, along with affiliates, manages more than $7.5 billion, and in partnership with Automotive Resources International, a leading fleet leasing and management company, Pendum is embarking on a multi-year investment program to replace its current armored fleet with Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with a Cambli International armored upfit, and its maintenance fleet with Chevrolet Colorado trucks with a MidBox storage upfit.

"Our fleet is one of the most critical aspects of our operations," said Brad Browder, President, Pendum.  "Well-maintained, secure vehicles are integral to the safety of our employees, the protection of our customer's assets and the efficiency of our operations."

Safer and More Secure

The new vehicles feature improved exterior safety and security, such as heavy duty axles, brakes, suspension and shocks, as well as state-of-the-art armored body design and manufacturing. The vehicles also offer an interior design that allows for more secure cash/coin and part storage, increased work space and ergonomically correct configurations.

In addition, the armored vehicles will be equipped with Pendum's proprietary Total Protection System designed to protect Pendum employees and customer liability.  The TPS system includes state-of-the-art tracking and reporting capabilities, sophisticated alarms and notifications, a secure galvanized steel locker system and exterior and interior cameras.

"Built with four-layers of protection, our TPS system is one of the most advanced security systems in the industry," said Mike DeVille, Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer, Pendum.  "No other cash-in-transit provider offers a system as robust or secure as ours."

Improved Service

Both the armored and maintenance vehicles will be tracked via GPS, which will enable Pendum not only to route and track vehicles effectively, but also to provide more accurate onsite ETAs for customers.  Maintenance vehicles in regions that experience inclement winter weather or have rough terrain also will be equipped with four-wheel drive so that Pendum technicians can more easily reach and service ATMs in all weather conditions.  Furthermore, the new maintenance vehicles are configured in such as way so that it is easier for maintenance technicians to store and locate parts, and in turn, provide more efficient service.

Reduced Environmental Footprint

"Because our fleet travels more than 26 million miles per year, we also wanted to reduce our environmental footprint," said Browder.  "Our fleet replacement program will help us continue these efforts."

Both the new armored and maintenance vehicles are lighter, more agile vehicles allowing for 20% better fuel efficiency. The new armored vehicles will also comply with 2010 EPA diesel emissions regulations.

Prior to placing the first order of vehicles in mid-February, Pendum assembled a team of field operations employees, including vice presidents of field operations, operations center managers, cash technicians and maintenance technicians, to review both the armored and maintenance vehicle specifications.

"We asked a cross section of field operations employees to participate in the specification review as they spend a large portion of their work day in our vehicles," said Jeff Gardner, Chief Operating Officer, Pendum.  "It is paramount that the new vehicles are not only safe and secure, but also provide a comfortable working environment for our technicians.  The feedback provided by the cash and maintenance technicians was an invaluable part of the design process."

Pendum will start receiving the new vehicles by early June; a second delivery is expected in early 2011.  Pendum will continue to take delivery from Mercedes-Benz/Freightliner and General Motors on a regular basis, ultimately replacing its entire existing fleet.

"Pendum's management team has driven significant operational improvements with current resources," said Sean Ozbolt, Managing Director, Bayside Capital.  "The significant investment we are making in the fleet replacement plan will accelerate Pendum's transformation, providing improved safety and comfort for our employees and improved security and service levels for our customers."

About Pendum LLC

As the only company in the ATM services market able to deliver both ATM maintenance and cash services on a nationwide scale, Pendum LLC delivers The Value of One™ to national and community banks, credit unions, and independent ATM service providers. By focusing on improving uptime, increasing efficiencies and enhancing the end-user experience, Pendum is able to reduce the cost and simplify the management of ATM networks for its customers. For more information, please visit www.pendum.com.

SOURCE Pendum LLC