JCB expands global operations with fourth Indian plant

STAFFORDSHIRE excavator manufacturer JCB is expanding its global operations facilities with a £60m investment in India.

The move comes just a month after the Rocester company saw the official opening of its new Brazilian plant by Prime Minister David Cameron.

The firm, through its JCB India subsidiary, now plans to build a new production facility at the Mahindra Lifespace Developers’ Mahindra World City in Jaipur.

The factory will be JCB’s fourth in India – it already has operations in Ballabgarh, Haryana, near New Delhi and two in Pune.

JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said India remained the firm’s single most important market and the long-term prospects for growth were significant.

“Our strategy is to carry on investing in India to keep pace with future economic growth and strengthen its position as market leader for construction equipment. Jaipur is a perfect location for the next phase of our expansion, especially with the opportunity to export more products,” he said.

JCB first entered the Indian market in 1979 by setting up a backhoe loader manufacturing operation in Ballabgarh. Ongoing investment has seen the plant become the largest backhoe loader factory in the world.

The factories in Pune manufacture components as well as tracked excavators, wheeled loading shovels and compaction equipment.

As well as serving the sub-continent, JCB is using the Indian plants to spearhead exports into Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia.

Vipin Sondhi, JCB India Managing Director and CEO, said: “I am delighted that after continued investment by JCB in India, Jaipur will become home to the company’s next world-class manufacturing facility.

“Our strategy for sustainable long-term growth is all about ensuring our dealers and customers get the best product range and customer service in the industry.”