JCB compact equipment includes the newly-launched range of 1.5 tonne mini excavators.

JCB's UK dealers are establishing separate sales companies to concentrate on JCB's compact equipment.

JCB's compact equipment range of 43 models includes mini and micro excavators, compact Loadall telehandlers, tracked and wheeled Robot skid steer loaders, tracked Dumpsters, the Mini CX, 1CX backhoe loaders and compact loading shovels.

More than 50 dealer salesmen will now be dedicated to selling JCB compact equipment.

The dealers, Greenshields JCB Compact Equipment, Gunn JCB Compact Equipment, Holt JCB Compact Equipment, Scot JCB Compact, TC Harrison JCB Compact and Watling JCB Compact, will create separate compact equipment showrooms at selected depots covering England, Scotland and Wales.

They are also investing in special tow-and-show vehicles so the range of compact equipment can be taken to customers for demonstration.

The dealers' expansion follows a decision this year by JCB to establish its own compact equipment sales division for Europe.

JCB Sales MD Françoise Rausch said: "JCB's UK dealer network, with its 43 nationwide depots, is already the strongest in the construction industry and the increased focus on compact equipment will build on that strength.

"JCB now has the biggest compact equipment range in the business and the scope to further grow our share in the important UK market is huge, not just in the construction sector, but also in other applications including ground care and amenities."

The UK equipment manufacturer has invested heavily in research and manufacturing facilities for its compact range in recent years.

The company said the UK compact equipment market had tripled in the last decade and was now worth GBP225 million (USD410 million), with around 15,000 machines sold annually.