JCB paused production at a factory this week to allow more than 500 employees watch the manufacturer collect a top export award.
JCB Compact Products in Cheadle, Staffs, which manufactures compact construction equipment including mini excavators, has landed a Queen’s Award for International Trade after increasing exports by more than 25% over three years.
Production stopped for around 15 minutes to thank the workforce and let them see the award being presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson.
JCB is the UK record holder of Queen’s Awards, having picked up 30 of them since its first in 1969. Three of those awards have been won for the export of mini excavators.
Mr Dudson said, “JCB continues to build on the great traditions of manufacturing in Staffordshire and to set new standards of excellence in all aspects of their businesses. We congratulate JCB Compact Products on its Queen’s Award and we share in the delight and pride of everybody who is associated with the company. Most importantly we continue to thank JCB for the immense contribution the company makes to this county’s economy, to our reputation and to our communities, in so many different ways.”
Buta Atwal, managing director of JCB Compact Products added, “We are involved in one of the most competitive segments of the construction equipment business, with more than 20 major manufacturers all vying for a slice of a market which is worth £4 billion a year. We were a challenger in that market when we entered it 27 years ago. Today we are established as one of the major players. That success is down to the whole JCB Compact Products’ team here in Staffordshire and we are absolutely delighted to win this Queen’s Award.”
