JCB Marks 100,000th Telescopic Handler, Increases Production for U.S. Demand

JCB celebrated the production of its 100,000th Loadall telescopic handler recently, as the company concluded $16.7 million worth of investment to significantly expand global manufacturing of the machine. The first Loadall telehandler went into production in 1977 and during the first full year of manufacturing less than 300 of the machines were made by just a handful of employees. Almost 700 people now work in the Loadall Business Unit. They were recently joined by JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford in honoring the production milestone.

The celebration came as JCB announced it had just completed a multi-million dollar investment in its Rocester U.K. manufacturing facility designed to double Loadall production capacity. In addition, investments have also been made to expand global production of the machine to the United States where the 506 and 508 Loadalls are now being made at the JCB's North American headquarters in Savannah, Ga.

“The success of this product and the Loadall business has been built on continual investment, tireless innovation and product development,” JCB managing director and chief executive officer John Patterson said. “The latest investment in our production facilities enables JCB to meet the increasing global demand for Loadalls.

“The decision to begin manufacturing in the U.S. was a natural step for JCB because the United States is the biggest single market for telescopic handlers in the world and we look forward to growing success in the U.S. with 'made-in-America' Loadalls.”

Upgrades to the Rocester facility include the addition of a second production line and the installation of a wide variety of machine tools, which have quickened manufacturing processes and enhanced product quality. These include the installation of a new 650-ton press brake; new robot welding centers for the welding of booms, arms and ancillary components; and a new machining center for precision boring.