JCB staff return to work as production resumes

Staffordshire-based digger maker JCB has restarted production.

There were more than 400 workers returning to their factories, including its headquarters in Rocester.

The company announced a partial re-starting of production at four of its UK sites as a package of safety measures is rolled out to protect employees in the wake of the Coronavirus crisis.

British production lines fell silent on March 18 and the vast majority of JCB’s 6,500 UK employees have been furloughed since April.

CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “Production has resumed at a very low level, mainly to satisfy demand for agricultural machinery. Ahead of this re-start, an exhaustive review was undertaken to enable us to introduce wide-ranging measures that will best protect our employees.

“The actions we have taken ensure that safe distancing between employees on-site can be achieved at all times. In circumstances where risks are greater, additional protective visors are being provided. The health and safety of our employees is absolutely paramount as we all adjust to this new normal and the measures we have put in place will ensure we all stay healthy and avoid risks.”

JCB’s other sites which have re-opened are JCB Earthmovers and JCB Landpower in Cheadle, along with JCB Transmissions in Wrexham and JCB Cab Systems at Uttoxeter.