JCB is increasing investment in its manufacturing operations in the UK and United States following the company’s hydrogen-powered Hydromax setting a new world land speed record of 406.320 mph (653.909 km/h). The construction equipment manufacturer is investing £100 million in the transformation of its Staffordshire World Headquarters, while its new factory in San Antonio, Texas, is scheduled to open next month. The US facility represents an investment of $1 billion and, at one million square feet, will be JCB’s largest factory. It is expected to create 1,500 jobs over five years.
The Staffordshire investment includes a £60 million automated powder paint plant and upgrades to the manufacturing shop floor. The site has been JCB’s headquarters since 1950 and the investment is intended to support more than 8,000 UK jobs. The company is also making changes to its leadership structure. George Bamford will become Joint Chairman of JCB alongside his father, Lord Bamford. This will be the first change at the top of the family-owned company in more than 50 years.
JCB reported a resilient financial performance in 2025 despite mixed market conditions and geopolitical uncertainty. Sales turnover reached £5.7 billion, while profit before tax was £642 million. Machine sales totalled 113,498 units, and the company remained debt-free with no net borrowings.
JCB said it increased its global market share during 2025 despite flat demand in North America and a 12% contraction in the Indian construction equipment market. The San Antonio facility will manufacture Loadall telescopic handlers and access equipment for the North American market. The investment forms part of JCB’s expansion of production capacity in the United States.
JCB is also increasing investment in alternative power technologies. Following a £100 million programme focused on hydrogen combustion technology, the company has started production of hydrogen-powered machines. JCB says it is the first construction equipment manufacturer to bring a fully approved hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine to market.
The technology was used in the JCB Hydromax at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the vehicle reached 406.320 mph, becoming the fastest hydrogen-powered vehicle. The vehicle used two production-based hydrogen engines manufactured at JCB’s facility in Foston, Derbyshire. The project progressed from concept to world record in 18 months.
JCB is also investing in engineering skills through the JCB Academy. The institution received 708 applications for 314 places for the September intake. Since opening in 2010, it has educated around 3,750 young people, with all leavers progressing to employment or further education. This year, 116 apprentices, undergraduates and graduates joined JCB from more than 6,300 applicants.
“Last year JCB celebrated its 80th birthday and, as we look ahead, we are investing heavily in the future of the business,” said Lord Bamford, JCB Chairman. “As part of that next chapter, I’m delighted that my son George will become Joint Chairman of JCB.” JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said the company expects moderate growth in 2026 and is positioned to benefit from additional capacity in Texas and Staffordshire.
