JCB doubles Loadall production capacity

JCB has doubled telehandler production capacity in the UK and begun manufacturing handlers at its Savannah, Georgia facility in the US. It is the first time JCB has produced Loadall handlers outside the UK

The Savannah plant, where US$1 million (€0.8 million) has been invested in handler production, will make only the high–pivot, mid–engine models from the 506 up to the 508, with production of the side–engine models for the US remaining at JCB's Rocester facility in the UK

“Increased volumes and presence in both the US and Canada makes this a natural evolution for JCB – making the US the first overseas facility for JCB Loadalls”, said Richard Fox–Marrs, director and general manager of the JCB Loadall division

JCB sells around 1500 handlers in North America each year, of which approximately two–thirds are the mid–engine models favoured by North American rental companies

At JCB's main telehandler facility in Rocester, UK, £8 million (€11.9 million) has been spent to add a second production line. The facility produced “in excess of 10000” handlers in 2006 and the second line will double capacity. JCB said this year's sales made it the “world market leader by brand”

Mr Fox–Marrs, speaking at an event to mark the production of its 100000th handler, said the investment was required “In recognition of our success in rental and the significant future opportunities for telescopic handlers.” The growing rental sector accounts for over half of all JCB's handler sales and the company is also seeing a significant demand from new markets in eastern Europe and the Middle East.