Celebrations as award-winning JCB business hits milestone
In-house component manufacturers JCB Drivetrain Systems mark 40 years in business
AN award-winning JCB business, set up to sell in-house manufactured components to external customers, is celebrating a milestone birthday.
JCB Drivetrain Systems are marking 40 years in business and to commemorate the landmark invited one of their largest and longest-standing customers – Canada-based family business Sellick Equipment – to join in the celebrations.
During the visit, the team from Ontario-based Sellick, who manufacture rough-terrain forklifts and attachments, were presented with a mounted model of an axle component by JCB chairman Anthony Bamford to recognize four decades of partnership.
JCB began manufacturing axles and transmissions in Wrexham in 1978 as part of a strategy to make more major components themselves. In 1985, International Transmissions Ltd (ITL) were founded and began selling those same high-quality axles and transmissions – originally developed for JCB’s own machines – to other equipment manufacturers.
Lord Bamford said: ‘When we started supplying drivetrain components to external customers in 1985, we knew we had something special to offer. Today, the scale and reputation of the business is testament to the hard work of the entire team and the loyalty of our customers.’
Now trading as JCB Drivetrain Systems Ltd, the business has grown into a global leader, providing drivetrain components to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers in more than 150 countries.
JCB Drivetrain Systems supply complete, fully integrated powertrain solutions – from engines and axles to transmissions, cooling packages, and hydraulics – to leading OEMs in construction, materials handling, and agriculture.
In 1985, the first of JCB’s OEM customers benefitted from simple synchromesh transmissions and axles. Today, JCB Drivetrain Systems offer a full range of eight-speed powershift transmissions with lock-up torque converters and DualTech options, which provide customers with hydraulic drive, low-speed, high-torque manoeuvrability while retaining the characteristics of a mechanical transmission for maximum roading capabilities.
