Double award for JCB
JCB’s growing success at exporting heavy equipment was recognized earlier this year with two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The honours, in the International Trade category, were bestowed upon Cheadle-based JCB Earthmovers and Uttoxeter-based JCB Heavy Products.
JCB Earthmovers manufacture a range of 28 wheel loaders and four articulated dumptrucks. Exports of the products increased by 76% between 2003 and 2005, with North America being the biggest single market. JCB Heavy Products manufacture a range of 53 wheeled and tracked excavators ranging from 7 tonnes to 46 tonnes. Their exports increased by 87% between 2003 and 2005, with new markets established in the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe.
Commenting on the awards, JCB managing director and CEO John Patterson said: ‘We are enjoying success with these heavy equipment ranges not only in established markets, but in new territories as well, which is testimony to the quality of the products. These two Queen’s Awards are a tremendous honour for JCB and all the employees involved in manufacturing and selling our heavy equipment.’
This latest double honour means that the JCB Group has now received a total of 18 Queen’s Awards, the first bestowed in 1969 when the company received a Queen’s Award to Industry for Export Achievement.
