A JCB telehandler

JCB is building a GBP7 million (USD13.9 million) factory to produce attachments for JCB machines.

JCB's attachments facility is currently located in Rugeley, Staffordshire. It is being moved to enable the expansion of JCB's neighbouring cab systems facility.

JCB managing director John Patterson says the company is projecting significant growth in the attachment sector in the next few years.

"Attachments are a vitally important part of the JCB business," he explains. "Investment in a new factory will give us the capacity to meet that opportunity."

Phase one of the 120,000 square foot (11,148 square metre) plant is being built next to JCB's world parts centre on the A50 at Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. It will be completed in September.

Phase two, which will incorporate an additional covered storage area for the parts facility, will be completed by end of January 2008.

Once operational, the new facility will employ 50 people.

JCB PR manager Nigel Chell confirms the factory will make attachments for JCB forklifts and telehandlers. JCB makes more than 3,000 types of attachments for the construction, agricultural, groundcare and industrial sectors.