JCB has reported record turnover, sales and earnings for 2018 – but sounded a note of caution.
The manufacturer revealed sales turnover for the year rose by 22% to £4.1 billion. The number of machines sold increased from 75,693 to 96,246 as global markets remained ‘strong’. Earnings on an EBITDA basis rose by 31% to £447 million.
India remained JCB’s largest market, with the business now investing in a new £65 million factory in Gujarat, which is due to open next year. JCB is also investing £50 million in a new factory to manufacture cabs for its machines in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, which will open later this year.
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said, “2018 was a very strong year for JCB during which the global construction equipment market grew by 18% to an all-time high of one million machines. JCB outpaced this growth by increasing its sales revenue by 22% last year, which was a very significant achievement. However, this growth has now stalled, with many markets softening this year, particularly the Middle East, Turkey, Latin America and India. We continue to make strategic investments in new product development and new manufacturing capacity to ensure JCB is ready to capitalise on future long-term growth opportunities.”
JCB chairman Lord Bamford added, “The continued growth in global markets during 2018 has seen JCB production reach new peaks. As we approach our 75th anniversary next year, the pace of innovation remains relentless. Recent product launches, especially JCB’s electric mini excavator, puts the company in a strong position to tap into a growing demand for zero-emissions or ultra-low emissions equipment in the construction industry, particularly on urban job sites.”
