JCB is investing in its UK manufacturing operations and expanding production capacity in the US, following the company’s hydrogen-powered Hydromax setting a world land speed record of 406.320mph (653.909km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
The company is investing £100 million to transform its Staffordshire headquarters, including a £60 million fully automated powder paint plant and upgrades to the manufacturing shop floor. The investment is aimed at supporting more than 8,000 UK jobs.
JCB's $1 Billion San Antonio Factory in Texas
In the US, JCB’s new $1 billion factory in San Antonio, Texas, is set to open next month. Spread across one million sq ft, it will be JCB’s largest factory and will produce Loadall telescopic handlers and access equipment for the North American market. The facility is expected to create 1,500 jobs over the next five years.
George Bamford Becomes JCB Joint Chairman
The investments come as George Bamford becomes Joint Chairman of JCB alongside his father, Lord Bamford. It is the first change at the top of the company in more than 50 years. JCB currently operates 23 factories and employs more than 20,000 people globally.
JCB 2025 Results: Turnover, Profit and Machine Sales
JCB reported a turnover of £5.7 billion and profit before tax of £642 million in 2025. Machine sales stood at 113,498 units, down around 5% from the previous year, while the company remained debt-free with no net borrowings. JCB said it increased its global market share despite flat demand in North America and a 12% contraction in the Indian market.
JCB Hydrogen Engine and Hydromax Land Speed Record
The company is also continuing its investment in hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has invested £100 million in developing hydrogen-powered engines and has started production of hydrogen-powered machines. It said it was the first construction equipment manufacturer to bring a fully approved hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine to market.
The two production-based hydrogen engines used in the Hydromax were manufactured at JCB’s Foston plant in Derbyshire. The vehicle achieved 406.320mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, more than doubling the previous hydrogen combustion speed record and surpassing JCB’s Dieselmax record of 350.092mph, set in 2006.
JCB said Hydromax progressed from concept to world-record vehicle in 18 months.
JCB Outlook for 2026
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said the company expects moderate market growth in 2026, despite continued geopolitical uncertainty. The new production capacity in Texas and Staffordshire, he said, will position the company to respond to this growth.