Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Construction machinery manufacturer JCB has joined the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) becoming its 450th member.
The family-owned business, which employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, had global sales of £2.7bn in 2012. JCB manufactures more than 300 different machines for the construction, agricultural and industrial markets and celebrated the production of its one millionth machine last year – enough diggers to stretch from the UK to Australia.
The company was welcomed into the Federation by managing director John Newcomb, who briefly worked for the company in the early stages of his career.
Newcomb said: “I am delighted to welcome one of the UK’s most iconic construction brands to the BMF. They demonstrate that a family business can succeed in a global market and lead their field in investment and innovation. They have much to offer our community and I look forward to working with them.”
JCB has won more than 50 major awards including 27 Queen’s Awards for Technology and Export Achievement. The company recently invested in a £40 million JCB Heavy Products factory in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.
Nicola Bagworth general manager, JCB Industrial said: “We are very pleased to be joining the BMF and it is quite a landmark to be the 450th member. The BMF has drawn together the merchant supply chain to ensure their interests are represented and we are looking forward to being part of that Federation.”
