 Tony Boot from JCB's Loadall telehandler unit joins eight of his relatives to have retired from the company. |
JCB's world market share is now a double-digit figure, thanks to its rapid growth and an expanded global construction market last year.
JCB's pre-tax profits jumped 35% from GBP110 million in (USD218.8 million) in 2005 to GBP149 million (USD297 million) in 2006, turnover rose from GBP1.42 billion (USD2.83 billion) to GBP1.75 billion (USD3.49 billion) and market share rose from 9.6% to 10.4%.
JCB sold 55,000 machines in 2006, 10,000 more than in 2005. According to Off-Highway Research statistics, it was the leading global supplier of Loadall telescopic handlers and backhoe loaders by production volume.
It also rose one place to become the world's third largest construction equipment maker. Off-Highway Research puts Caterpillar at number one followed by second-placed Komatsu.
A JCB spokesperson says JCB's biggest single growth market for 2006 was India where sales volume increased by over 40%. In percentage terms, the largest growth market was Russia. Sales volume hit the 1,000-machine mark for the first time, a rise of 145% on 2005. In JCB's traditionally strong and mature UK market, business grew 9%, while sales in Germany and Spain rose 36% and 20%, respectively.
Staff numbers also increased greatly, with 1,250 new employees joining JCB, bringing its total global workforce to 8,000.
JCB managing director and CEO John Patterson says JCB has become a "truly global manufacturer".
For the past three years, over GBP120 million (USD239 million) was invested in manufacturing facilities in India, China and Germany. During that period, the volume of machines produced increased 85%.
Patterson attributes JCB's growth to investments in manufacturing capacity, innovation, continuous new product development and increased focus on emerging markets.
"When combined with the overall growth of the market and the continued growth in our mature markets, all these factors contributed to a successful year and ensure the building blocks are in place to take us to new heights in 2007."
In 2006, JCB concluded GBP9 million (USD17.9 million) in investment to expand global manufacturing of telehandlers. Loadall production capacity was doubled at JCB world headquarters in Rocester. Also, production was expanded to the US where the 506 and 508 Loadalls are now being made at JCB's North American headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
JCB Briefs
Thirteen Boots left at JCBTony Boot, from a long line of relatives working at JCB, has retired from the Loadall telescopic handler business unit.
Boot was recently among 14 members of the Boot family at JCB. He now joins eight of his relatives that have retired from the company.
In total, the family has contributed over 400 years of service to the company.
His family originally comes from Denstone, the village near the world headquarters. His father Bill Boot was among the first people to join JCB when it was founded in 1945. His mother Lucy served 10 years in the staff canteen.
 A new sculpture is lowered on the grounds of JCB world headquarters in Rocester. |
Art and industry in harmonyA Sumo wrestler fashioned from 3mm Corten steel has joined a trio of sculptures displayed at JCB's world headquarters.
The 205.7cm by 213.4cm by 152.4cm sculpture, weighing 0.3 tonnes, was made by internationally renowned sculptor Allen Jones.
JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford says Jones captures the spirit of JCB with his creation perfectly: "Just like JCB machines, Sumo represents power and strength."
Bamford Bridge grandma welcomed at RocesterA grandmother who won a bridge-naming competition with her Bamford Bridge entry celebrated her 95th birthday at JCB.
Cherry Cockayne was chauffeured by limousine from her Derbyshire home to JCB 's world headquarters in Rocester.
With her granddaughter Esme, Cockayne enjoyed a guided tour and a VIP lunch at JCB's hospitality suite.