JCB set new records

JCB set new records for turnover, machine sales and earnings in 2018 as global markets for construction equipment and agricultural machinery remained strong.

Staffordshire-based JCB revealed that its sales turnover in 2018 rose by 22% to GBP4.1 billion (USD4.96 billion), up from GBP3.35 billion (USD4.45 billion) in 2017, while machine sales increased to 96,246 units, up from 75,693 last year. Earnings on an EBITDA basis rose by 31% to £447 million (USD540 million).

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald says: "2018 was a very strong year for JCB during which the global construction equipment market grew by 18% to an all-time high of one million machines. JCB outpaced this growth by increasing its sales revenue by 22% last year, which was a very significant achievement."

However Macdonald warns that growth has now stalled, with many markets - particularly the Middle East, Turkey, Latin America and India - softening this year. "We continue to make strategic investments in new product development and new manufacturing capacity to ensure JCB is ready to capitalise on future long-term growth opportunities."

JCB chairman Lord Bamford adds: "The continued growth in global markets during 2018 has seen JCB production reach new peaks. As we approach our 75th anniversary next year, the pace of innovation remains relentless. Recent product launches, especially JCB's electric mini excavator, puts the company in a strong position to tap into a growing demand for zero-emissions or ultra-low emissions equipment in the construction industry, particularly on urban job sites."

India remained JCB's largest market in 2018 and this year marks the 40th anniversary of JCB India and comes as the company invests in a new GBP65 million (USD78 million) factory in Gujarat, which is due to open in 2020. JCB is also investing in a new factory to manufacture cabs for its machines in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, which will open in Autumn 2019.

JCB has 22 factories around the world, including 11 in the UK.