Production starts at new JCB excavator factory

JCB has begun to shift UK production of its excavator range to a new UK£ 40 million (€ 50 million) factory. The first machines to be built at the new facility - zero tailswing tracked and wheeled excavators - will come off the production line by the end of August.

Located close to its existing factories near the town of Uttoxeter, the new 42000 m² production site will replace the restricted town-centre facility previously used by JCB's Heavy Products division. So far 155 office and shop floor staff have transferred to the new premises, with the remaining 400 due to move in phases over the next six months.

JCB CEO Matthew Taylor said, "The new Heavy Products factory represents an opportunity for JCB to grow its tracked and wheeled excavator business substantially once the global construction markets have recovered from the downturn currently being experienced. As part of the move, we have invested very heavily in new production equipment which will enable us to take the quality of our excavator product to new heights."

JCB Heavy Products manufactures a range of 25 tracked and wheeled excavators from 7 to 46 tonnes, and the company says it will be able to increase excavator production capacity by more than +60% thanks to its new facility.