JCB has begun construction of a new $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas, the largest investment in the company’s history.
The 720,000 square-foot facility will become JCB's second largest globally and will create 1,500 new jobs over the next five years.
“Construction equipment manufacturers sell more than 300,000 machines every year in North America, making it the single largest market in the world,” Chairman Lord Bamford said. “JCB has been growing its share of this important market steadily over the past few years and the time is now right to invest in our manufacturing capacity in North America, where we already have one factory”
“JCB really has come a considerable way since we sold our first machine here 60 years ago and it gives me immense pleasure to see how our business has grown in North America,” Bamford added.
During the ceremony that marked the first day of construction of the facility, Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his excitement to have JCB expanding into Texas.
“Texas was this year named as The Best State for Business for a record-breaking 20th year, and I am proud to welcome JCB as the newest business to call our great state home,” Abbott said. “Today's groundbreaking marks a major milestone in JCB's journey that will create 1,500 good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans in Bexar County and bring hundreds of millions of new capital investment to San Antonio and beyond. ‘Made in Texas’ is truly a powerful global brand, and I look forward to celebrating JCB’s continuing success as we work together to build a bigger, better Texas for decades to come."
The factory will focus on the production of Loadall telescopic handlers and aerial access equipment, catering specifically to the booming North American market.
“The Loadall telescopic handler is JCB’s biggest selling product in North America and it is also the single largest market for aerial access equipment worldwide, and therefore, it makes great sense to build these two ranges here," President & CEO of JCB North America, Richard Fox-Marrs, said.
“Texas is an obvious choice for our new North American manufacturing facility, not least because the state is the largest consumer of construction equipment in the USA. San Antonio is also the logical choice as a location for our new factory because of its central location, proximity to the supply chain and great local labor force. We are really excited about JCB’s new San Antonio factory and for the future of our business in North America," Fox-Marrs added.
JCB made its debut in the North American market in 1964, selling its first machine. In 2001, the company established its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Savannah, Georgia, which now employs 1,000 people. The new facility will be dedicated to manufacturing machines specifically for North American customers.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
