JCB’s engine business has marked its 20th birthday with a celebration to thank employees for their vital role in its continuing success.
Since 2004, JCB Power Systems in Foston, Derbyshire, has gone from producing three engines a day to making almost 300.
The business initially employed 20 people but has expanded to more than 400. To mark the anniversary, employees were presented with gifts and letters thanking them for their service. In addition, 10 employees with a combined 200 years’ service planted an oak tree in the grounds of the plant to mark the occasion.
JCB Power Systems general manager Robert Taylor said, “I’m proud to have worked at JCB Power Systems since day one. Today marks 20 years of innovation, growth and dedication involving a talented team, delivering manufacturing excellence at JCB.”
JCB Power Systems’ engines have helped set world records – firstly when the JCB Dieselmax streamliner, powered by two JCB engines, became the fastest diesel-powered car in the world in 2006 when it reached a speed of 350.092mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats, USA – a record that still stands. In 2019, JCB’s Fastrac tractor entered the record books as the world’s fastest tractor with a speed of 135.191 mph, thanks to JCB’s 7.2 litre, 6-cylinder Dieselmax engine.
In 2010, JCB expanded production of engines to JCB India, with a facility in Ballabgarh, Delhi, where 200 engines are produced every day.
In the UK, a team of more than 150 engineers is currently engaged in developing hydrogen combustion engines for use in JCB machinery as part of a £100 million investment. More than 120 engines have been produced so far and many machines powered by these engines are currently undergoing evaluation.
