JCB is one of the best-known names in construction equipment, with a history dating back to 1945. It is still family owned and now has factories on four continents. OffHighway Research’s European Service last profiled JCB in 2021, and this update identifies major changes since then, highlights the company's worldwide growth and looks ahead to the medium term.

Back in 2021, the construction equipment industry was in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, and companies like JCB had to make rapid and often drastic decisions to counteract its effects. Manufacturers have regrouped since then, but the industry continues to face serious challenges. These include the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which at the time of writing was still unresolved, worldwide supply chain shortages, and the worst global political uncertainty since the Second World War.

Despite this, as the report shows, JCB has enjoyed considerable success in the 2020s, with record global sales and profits in 2023. Equipment launches and updates have expanded its range of products, while the company has also been at the forefront of electric machines and alternative engine fuel sources.

In addition, the geographical growth that has characterised JCB for the past 25 years will go to a new level in 2026 when it opens its second manufacturing plant in the US, in Texas.

It is a significant step for a company that already manufactures in the United Kingdom, USA, Brazil, India and China and employs 19,000 people worldwide.