Production begins at new £40 million JCB factory

JCB have started to transfer UK production of their excavator range to a new £40 million manufacturing site, next to the A50, in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The first machines to roll off the production lines of the new facility at the end of this month will be wheel and zero tailswing tracked excavators.

Building work on the 450,000 sq ft factory started last year, and its completion, says JCB chief executive officer Matthew Taylor, represents an opportunity for the company to capitalize on future growth potential when the construction equipment market recovers

JCB Heavy Products manufacture a range of 25 tracked and wheeled excavators from seven to 46 tonnes. The new factory, which is said to offer employees a very high-tech and modern environment, with improved working conditions, will increase the company's UK excavator production capacity by more than 60%.

‘Our range of JS excavators has impressed customers around world with its power, efficiency and design, and this substantial investment means we can build on that reputation,’ said Mr Taylor. ‘As part of the move, we have also invested heavily in new production equipment, which will enable us to take the quality of our excavator product to new heights.’

Around 155 office and shop floor staff have transferred from the Uttoxeter town centre factory to the new premises, with the remaining 400 due to move in phases over the next six months.