Travis Perkins, a leading supplier to the United Kingdom building and construction industry with a growing rental program, last week signed a 5 million pound (about U.S. $10 million) contract with JCB to add 500 compact and micro excavators to its rental fleet.

Travis Perkins, which has more than 750 branches in the United Kingdom, recently began a tool and equipment rental program to enhance its one-stop shop capability. It recently invested in a national service center and plans to expand tool rental to about 180 branches by the end of 2007.