JCB Transmissions celebrate production milestone

Secretary of State for Wales visits factory to mark production of two millionth powertrain

WREXHAM-based JCB Transmissions marked a major manufacturing milestone this week with the production of two their two millionth powertrain.

The company was set up in 1978 with less than a dozen employees in a single factory on Wrexham Industrial Estate. JCB Transmissions now employs more than 400 people in two plants covering a total area of 450,000 sq ft, one manufacturing gearboxes and the other axles.

Yesterday (Thursday 21 May) the Rt Hon. Stephen Crabb MP (right of photo), Secretary of State for Wales, visited the company for a look behind the scenes and to mark the production of the two millionth powertrain – a JCB transmission system comprising two axles and a gearbox.

JCB Transmissions’ director and general manager, Robert Owen (left of photo), said: ‘We are delighted to give the Secretary of State an insight into how this business has developed over nearly 40 years. From small beginnings, JCB Transmissions have grown into one of the area’s major employers, making a significant contribution to the local economy.

‘To have produced two million powertrains really is something to celebrate. It’s testament to continuous product innovation and the efforts of the whole team at JCB Transmissions that this business thrives and has achieved this significant milestone.’

Over the past 37 years the company has become the main supplier of axles and gearboxes for JCB. The Wrexham site is also home of JCB Drivetrain Systems Ltd, which was set up in 1985 and sells transmissions, axles and engine components to third party customers around the world.