JCB's growing success at selling heavy excavators was honoured today with a national export award.
JCB Heavy Products in Uttoxeter manufactures a range of tracked and wheeled excavators weighing up to 46 tonnes. Today, in front of the factory's 500-strong workforce, HM Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr James Hawley, the Queen's representative in the county, presented a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
The accolade recognises the substantial growth in overseas sales in existing and new markets. Exports increased by 87 per cent between 2003 and 2005, with new markets established in the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe.
JCB has now received 18 Queen's Awards since 1969 – believed to be more than any other company in the UK. It is the second Queen's Award for JCB Heavy Products.
Today's Award was presented to JCB's Managing Director and CEO John Patterson. He said: "This is a significant achievement and the Award is a fitting tribute all our employees for the part they play in the success of these world-class products and the growing popularity they enjoy. That popularity now stretches all around the globe. Looking to the future we are committed to building on this worldwide success.
"Central to our plan of growing this business is a move away from this historic site in Uttoxeter to a purpose-built factory next to the JCB World Parts Centre on the A50. That will enable us to expand an already successful company and bring with it more employment opportunities for Uttoxeter. The move rests on gaining planning permission for a high-quality development which, in the words of our Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, will leave a legacy for the town of Uttoxeter to be proud of.
"So, as we celebrate this Award, we look forward to a bright future not only for this site and this wonderful town, but also for JCB Heavy Products."