JCB seek UK-made components
JCB have announced that they are trying to use more UK-built components in their machines. According to the company, during the 1970s around 96% of components in its diggers were UK-made, compared to about 36% now.
JCB calculated the decline in the British-made element in its best-known product, the yellow backhoe loader, to a BBC reporter to demonstrate how thin the UK supply base for heavy engineering has become.
The firm says the decline in UK-made components is partly down to the emergence of globalization and high levels of taxation affecting British manufacturers. Although JCB seek the most competitive prices for their parts, most of which come from Spain or Sweden, they want to include more UK companies in their supply chain.
Chief executive Alan Blake said that the company has already held three supply conferences at its Staffordshire factory for UK manufacturers to come and look at what components could be made locally.
JCB calculated the decline in the British-made element in its best-known product, the yellow backhoe loader, to a BBC reporter to demonstrate how thin the UK supply base for heavy engineering has become.
The firm says the decline in UK-made components is partly down to the emergence of globalization and high levels of taxation affecting British manufacturers. Although JCB seek the most competitive prices for their parts, most of which come from Spain or Sweden, they want to include more UK companies in their supply chain.
Chief executive Alan Blake said that the company has already held three supply conferences at its Staffordshire factory for UK manufacturers to come and look at what components could be made locally.
