Sunbelt's Andy Wright with JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald

Britain's biggest equipment rental company is investing in 2,100 new JCB machines in a deal worth GBP65 million (USD89.5 million) - the biggest ever order from a UK customer in the company's 75-year history.

Sunbelt Rentals UK is expanding and renewing its fleet as the construction industry rebounds strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic. The flagship rental company is investing in JCB Loadall telescopic handlers, mini and midi excavators, site dumpers, tracked excavators and rough-terrain forklifts - all manufactured at JCB's Staffordshire factories.

Sunbelt is also investing in 350 JCB access platforms - JCB's biggest-ever UK deal for this equipment following its entry into the powered access market in 2017.

The massive order comes as JCB recruits hundreds of new shop floor employees as a result of soaring demand.

The machines, supplied by JCB dealer Greenshields JCB, are already rolling off JCB's production lines and being delivered to Sunbelt's 200-strong UK depot network.

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald says: "Sunbelt Rentals is one of JCB's largest global customers and this huge investment in new and innovative equipment demonstrates its desire to offer the most advanced machines, featuring the latest ultra-efficient, low emissions engines. It's the biggest-ever order from a JCB customer in the UK and we are delighted to secure this business. It's also fantastic to win a large deal for our access platforms from such a well-respected fleet customer."

Warrington-based Sunbelt Rentals is the UK's biggest equipment rental company and covers the whole of Great Britain through 200 hire depots with a fleet of over 250,000 itemised machines. Sunbelt Rentals rebranded its business in 2020 from A-Plant to mirror the name of its sister company in North America.

Sunbelt CEO Andy Wright says: "Sunbelt is committed to owning the youngest and most innovative equipment in the industry and the JCB range offers fantastic quality and solutions for our customers throughout the UK. We have performed strongly throughout the pandemic and this significant order supports our determination to maintain and expand our market leadership position within the UK."