BIG plans for JCB as the company aims to capitalise on future growth potential in the construction equipment market when it recovers. This follows the first phase of its move into a new purpose-built factory in Staffordshire in the UK.

The JCB Heavy Products factory represents an $85 million investment in the company’s Staffordshire manufacturing operations.

The first machines to roll off the production lines of the new factory will be wheeled and zero tailswing tracked excavators.

The move will enable JCB to increase production capacity by more than 60 per cent in the future and will help the company spearhead its drive to increase its global market share of the tracked and wheeled excavator market.

“The 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,’’, says Matthew Taylor, JCB’s chief executive officer.

“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.”