The JCB Story
The story of JCB is one of innovation, ambition and sheer hard work. From small beginnings building agricultural tipping trailers in 1945, to the global force in manufacturing the company has become today, JCB has constantly pushed the boundaries in their desire to be the best. Company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford’s motto was, “Jamais content”, and that is exactly right – JCB are never content with their achievements. But even he would be amazed by what the company has become. Today, JCB has 22 plants on four continents and more than 750 dealers around the world.
In just 75 years JCB has gone from one man in a garage in Uttoxeter to a major global brand renowned for its pioneering spirit. All of this is down to their people – a 11,000-strong worldwide force that makes up the JCB family.
In 1953 by attaching a prototype excavator with hydraulic rams to the back of a front- loader, Mr Bamford invented the worlds first backhoe loader, the MK 1 Excavator. The revolutionary design brings hydraulic power to construction and shapes the industrys future. Then In 1963 the JCB 3C backhoe, an acknowledged design classic, was launched.
Product innovation continued to be the lifeblood of the company and in 1985 the 3CX Sitemaster backhoe loader was launched and went on to be JCBs biggest-ever selling backhoe. It's also the year JCB celebrated the production of its 100,000th backhoe.
In 1991 JCB launched the Fastrac 125 and 145 high-speed, full draught tractors with all- round suspension - a worlds first, specifically developed for the farmer, with input from the farmer. Breaking with more than 40 years of traditional tractor design to completely revolutionise the agricultural industry.
In 2004 employees gathered at World HQ for a commemorative photo to mark the production of the 500,000th machine. It had taken just short of 60 years to reach that milestone. The next half million machines would be produced in the next nine years.
In 2006 The JCB DIESELMAX streamliner was powered by two JCB 444 diesel engines producing an incredible 1500hp. This car achieved a record speed of 350.092mph on Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, setting a new world land speed record for a diesel-powered car. JCB changed the name of the engine from 444 to DIESELMAX in honour of the record.
In 2018 JCB unveiled its first ever electric mini excavator - the JCB 19C-1E - the first in a range of zero emission products. The mini digger was developed in response to customer demands for a zero emissions machine which could work indoors, underground and close to people in urban areas. Once fully charged, it is ready to put in a full normal working day on the building site.
In 2021 JCBs first Hydrogen Engine prototype debuted in one of its infamous Backhoe Loaders, sporting a new green and white livery. The event was attended by the press and some famous faces, including Jeremy Clarkson.