JCB plans to build a new factory in the US state of Texas. The 67,000m2 facility will be located in the city of San Antonio. When the facility comes into full production over the next five years, it will provide up to 1,500 new jobs.
The new factory will make machines mainly for the North American market and will be the second JCB factory in the US. The company began manufacturing in Savannah, Georgia, in 2001. JCB North America already employs 1,000 people. Details of the products to be manufactured at the new plant will be announced at a later date.
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “North America is integral to the growth and success of JCB’s business in the future and the time is now right for JCB to expand its manufacturing presence there. Texas is a vibrant and growing economy, and the State offers great advantages in terms of a central location, as well as good highway and port access, The city of San Antonio also has a well-established skills base, which makes it a very attractive place to set up a factory.”
Richard Fox-Marrs, president and CEO of JCB North America, said: “The growth we’ve experienced in the past few years in North America has been extensive and demand for our products continues to grow. The decision to expand our manufacturing footprint will bring us even closer to our customers and will allow us to further capitalise on market opportunities in North America.”
JCB has 22 factories around the world, including 11 in the UK, and others in India, Brazil, and China. The company will mark its 80th anniversary in 2025.