JCB Invests in Manufacturing and Hydrogen Technology
JCB is accelerating investment in manufacturing and hydrogen technology following its Hydromax vehicle setting a world land speed record of 406.320 mph (653.909 km/h) for a hydrogen-powered vehicle.
The company is investing £100 million in transforming its Staffordshire headquarters in the UK, including a £60 million fully automated powder paint plant and modernisation of its shop floor. The investment is expected to support more than 8,000 UK jobs.
In the US, JCB is investing $1 billion in a new one-million-sq-ft factory in San Antonio, Texas. The facility, described by the company as its largest factory globally, is scheduled to open in October 2026 and will manufacture Loadall telescopic handlers and access equipment for the North American market. JCB expects the facility to create 1,500 jobs over five years.
The manufacturer is also investing in hydrogen-powered construction equipment. Following a £100 million development programme, JCB said its hydrogen-powered machines are now in production, supported by its hydrogen combustion engine technology.
The JCB Hydromax recently recorded 406.320 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, more than doubling the previous hydrogen combustion speed record. Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the vehicle used two production-based hydrogen engines manufactured at JCB's Foston facility in Derbyshire. The project progressed from concept to the record attempt in 18 months.
JCB reported turnover of £5.7 billion and profit before tax of £642 million in 2025, with machine sales reaching 113,498 units. The company said it remained debt-free with no net borrowings and increased its global market share despite flat demand in North America and a 12 per cent market contraction in India.
Alongside the investments, George Bamford will become Joint Chairman of JCB with his father, Lord Bamford, marking the company's first change at the top in more than 50 years. JCB currently operates 23 factories and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide.
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said the company expects moderate growth in 2026 despite continuing geopolitical uncertainty, with additional manufacturing capacity in Texas and Staffordshire expected to support future expansion.
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