Strong results

for JCB

ONE of the few remaining British machinery manufacturers, JCB, has set new records for turnover, machine sales and earnings in 2018 as global markets for construction equipment and agricultural machinery remained strong.

The Staffordshire-based business revealed its sales turnover in 2018 rose by 22% to £4.1bn (2017: £3.35bn), while machine sales increased to 96,246 (2017: 75,693). Earnings on an EBITDA basis rose by 31% to £447m (2017: £341m).

The global construction equipment market grew by 18% to an all-time high of 1m machines, and JCB outpaced this growth by increasing sales revenue by 22%.

Its chairman, Lord Bamford, said: “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.”

Tyres roll across the UK

IT’S certainly a year when traction in the field has been a hot topic and so it is timely that Bridgestone is taking its new VX tractor tyre on tour across the UK.

From September 9 to 27 it will be rolling into 10 locations across England and Scotland and at each stop, £200 will be donated to the local young farmers’ club.

The most appropriate dates for Scottish/Borders farmers are with C and R Tyres, at Sherriff and Co, Orange Lane, Coldstream, and with Gates Tyres, at Hallwood Road, Lillyhall West, Workington, Cumbria.

The latest tyre has been comprehensively re-designed and is constructed from robust casings with extra-deep and extra-long lugs, with 20% more lug volume. Developed for tractors of 100bhp and above, they are available in 38 and 42-inch rear sizes, plus 24 to 34-inch front wheel sizes.