JCB plans to grow global manufacturing capacity with a $1 billion factory in Texas and a £100 million transformation when it comes to its Staffordshire headquarters, as well as additional investment in hydrogen engine production following its 406.320 mph Hydromax world record.
JCB Adds to Global Manufacturing Capacity
JCB is boosting funding for manufacturing plants in the UK and US as the construction equipment manufacturer gets ready for the next stage of growth.
The company is spending £100 million on transforming its Staffordshire headquarters, and its new $1 billion factory in San Antonio, Texas, will open in October 2026.
The plant in Texas will be JCB’s largest manufacturing facility in the world, covering one million square feet and expected to generate 1,500 jobs in the next five years. It will manufacture the Loadall telescopic handlers along with access equipment for the North American market.
The investments come as JCB reported a turnover of £5.7 billion and profit before tax of £642 million for 2025. The company sold a total of 113,498 machines and continued to be debt-free with no net borrowings.
£100M Staffordshire Revamp
JCB’s investment in Britain is focused on the regeneration of its Staffordshire headquarters, where it has been based since 1950.
The £100m scheme includes a £60m fully automated powder paint plant and a major refit of the manufacturing shop floor.
“Last year JCB celebrated its 80th birthday, and, as we look ahead, we are investing heavily in the future of the business – from the transformation of our Staffordshire headquarters and pioneering hydrogen technology to our new factory in Texas. As part of that next chapter, I’m delighted that my son George will become Joint Chairman of JCB. We have never been a company that stands still, and these investments will ensure JCB is well placed to seize the opportunities ahead,” remarked Lord Bamford, JCB Chairman.
Hydrogen engines go into production
JCB is investing in manufacturing capacity to support its continued development of hydrogen technology.
The £100 million development program for hydrogen combustion engines is now in full swing, and production of hydrogen-powered machines is under way. JCB claims to be the first construction equipment maker to put a fully approved hydrogen combustion engine on the market.
Recently, the technology was demonstrated by the JCB Hydromax, which managed a speed of 406.320 mph, or 653.909 kilometers per hour, at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
The vehicle, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, more than doubled the previous hydrogen combustion speed record and beat JCB’s Dieselmax diesel record set 20 years ago.
The Hydromax had been fitted with two production hydrogen engines built at JCB’s Foston facility in Derbyshire and progressed from initial concept to world record in 18 months.
JCB aims for growth following a difficult 2025
Despite a decline of around 5% in machine sales, JCB grew its global market share during 2025. The company said market demand in North America was flat, but India contracted 12%.
“While 2025 was a more challenging year with mixed market conditions around the world, JCB delivered a robust performance overall. Machine sales were down by around 5%, but turnover remained broadly stable due to a more favorable market and product mix. Despite nil market growth in North America and a 12% market contraction in India – both important markets for JCB – we increased our global market share during 2025, which is an encouraging result. The overall outlook for 2026 is for moderate growth, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and with new capacity coming on stream in Texas and Staffordshire we are well placed to take advantage of it,” said Graeme Macdonald, JCB CEO.