The first JCB telehandler, the JCB 520.

JCB wants its Loadall brand to be the world's biggest selling telehandler by the end of 2006.

The UK manufacturer has just spent GBP9 million (USD16.8 million) expanding global production of telehandlers. A second production line has been installed at the Rocester, UK plant, which produces 29 Loadall models, to double production capacity to 20,000 units a year.

Machine tools to speed manufacturing processes and enhance product quality have been installed. They include a new 650 tonne press brake, new robot welding centres and a new machining centre for precision boring.

JCB makes five other compact models at Staffordshire.

JCB also has invested in producing telehandlers in the US, which JCB says is the world's biggest single market for telehandlers. The 506 and 508 Loadall telehandlers are being made at JCB's North American headquarters, in Savannah, Georgia. The plant also produces backhoe loaders and robot skid steer loaders.

JCB's investment announcement came as the company celebrated production of its 100,000th Loadall telehandler.

The first telehandler, the JCB 520, sold to an engineering company in Scotland, was produced on October 3, 1977. In 1977, fewer than 300 machines were made by a "handful of employees". Today 700 people work in the Loadall business unit.

JCB PR manager Nigel Chell said telehandlers made for the UK and European markets generally had side-mounted engines and low booms. Telehandlers for the US had mid-mounted engines and high booms.

Chell said JCB aimed to be the world's biggest telescopic handler manufacturer by brand, by the end of 2006. A JCB statement said the company was "on target" to reach its goal.

Privately-owned JCB's net telehandler sales and number of telehandler units produced for 2005 were not available, Chell said.