JCB celebrates its 65th anniversary.

JCB has marked its 65th anniversary by presenting its employees worldwide with gifts. The milestone was celebrated as JCB reported a strong recovery from what it says is the deepest recession in the global construction equipment industry.

Employees received a bottle of wine, two glasses and a DVD highlighting the global footprint of a company, which started life in a lock-up garage in Uttoxeter.

The 21 June celebration coincided with the 95th birthday of JCB founder, the late Joseph Cyril Bamford, whose initials form the company's name,.

JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford attributed the company's success as a major global brand to its employees. "JCB is on the threshold of even greater success and it's our employees who will help drive our future."

JCB also reported that in 2010, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation was GBP235 million (USD375.7 million) compared to 2009's GBP94.5 million (USD151.5 million). Sales in 2010 increased 48% from 2009's GBP1.35 billion (USD2.158 billion) to GBP2.0 billion (USD3.197 billion). JCB sold 51,600 machines in 2010 (up from 36,000 in 2009).

Bamford says JCB started 2010 "cautiously optimistic" about trading prospects.

"The pace and strength of the recovery varied by market. Growth was strongest in the 'BRIC' countries and other developing economies, but some established markets, notably the UK and Germany, also performed satisfactorily," he explains.

He adds that while 2011 has started well for the group, it is still mindful of economic concerns that could hold back recovery. "We continue to invest in our manufacturing facilities, notably this year in India and Brazil and, of course, in new products, with 13 new machines launched so far in 2011."

In 2011 JCB will be investing over GBP20 million in modernising and increasing capacity at its 11 UK plants. The company is also investing in a new 350,000 sqft. (32,516 sqm) factory in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the manufacture of backhoe loaders and tracked excavators. The company has also opened an engine manufacturing plant in India, which started production this year.