Hewden marks delivery of 400th new JCB machine

Sir Anthony Bamford, chairman of JCB, and Kevin Parkes, chief executive of Hewden (sitting in the cab), met recently at JCB's headquarters to mark the completion of the 400th new JCB machine for Hewden as part of the rental company's £21 million investment in equipment this year.

Hewden said the order is the largest volume purchase from any rental company that JCB has received this year.

The order includes includes tracked excavators from 1.5 up to 22 t and Loadall telescopic handlers, plus a "significant" investment in the new fuel efficient 3CX Eco backhoe loaders.

Mr Parkes said, "We chose machines that would provide all of the features our customers expect, such as double-locking quick hitch mechanisms, tracker devices and CESAR identification to name a few.

"Feedback from the marketplace has been very positive. There are only a few machines to be delivered now and, with customer demand growing by the day, our depots are eagerly awaiting their arrival!"

JCB has been benefitting from several large rental company orders in Europe. In June, for example, it sealed a 225 machine order with Boels Verhuur of the Netherlands.

Earlier this summer Sir Anthony said the global market for medium to small equipment was showing signs of recovery, including the UK. "Britain is in a stronger position than the press would give the lie to. I meet with UK customers regularly and they are generally very positive, whereas 18 months ago they were very worried about the future. Now, they are re-equipping."