Construction Equipment Guide
470 Maryland Drive
Fort Washington, PA 19034
800-523-2200
Wed November 21, 2012 - National Edition
JCB has unveiled plans to expand its manufacturing operations in India by investing $99.3 million in a new construction equipment factory on a 70-acre site in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The signing of the land purchase agreement in Rajasthan on Oct. 23 — JCB’s 67th anniversary and the 67th birthday of its chairman, Sir Anthony Bamford — marked the beginning of a new expansion phase for JCB India. The new manufacturing facility will be JCB’s fourth factory in India. JCB India already operates three factories in the country; one in Ballabgarh, Haryana near New Delhi and two in Pune.
JCB first entered India in 1979 by setting up a backhoe loader manufacturing operation in Ballabgarh. Due to a substantial investment by JCB in recent years, that operation is now home to the largest backhoe loader factory in the world. JCB India also set up two new factories in Pune to manufacture components as well as tracked excavators, wheel loaders and compaction equipment. JCB is using its extensive manufacturing footprint in India to export to Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
“I’m delighted that JCB is celebrating its birthday by planning for the future,” said Bamford. “India is our single most important market, and the long-term prospects for infrastructure growth are substantial. Our strategy is to carry on investing in India to keep pace with future economic growth and strengthen its position as market leader for construction equipment. Jaipur is a perfect location for the next phase of our expansion, especially with the opportunity to export more products.”
Rajasthan is the largest state in India and its strategic location, particularly in terms of transport and energy infrastructure, together with the pro-business approach of the state authorities means that it is fast becoming a destination of choice for companies looking to invest in India.
“This is a new chapter in the JCB India growth story,” JCB India Managing Director and CEO Vipin Sondhi. “After a decade of continued investment by the JCB Group in Ballabgarh and Pune, I’m thrilled that Jaipur will become home to the company’s next world-class manufacturing facility. Our strategy for sustainable long-term growth is all about ensuring our dealers and customers get the best product range and customer service in the industry. Jaipur will be central to delivering on that ambition.”