JCB to invest Rs. 500 cr for its Jaipur facility

JCB, India’s largest manufacturer of construction equipment, has celebrated the company’s 67th birthday by announcing the signing of a land purchase agreement for a manufacturing facility in MWCJL, Jaipur. The signing of the land purchase agreement in Rajasthan marks the beginning of a new expansion phase for JCB India, the market leader for construction equipment in India. The total investment for this new manufacturing facility, which will be JCB’s fourth factory in India, will be to the tune of Rs. 500 crore. JCB India already operates three factories in the country; one in Ballabgarh, Haryana near New Delhi and two in Pune. It may be recalled that JCB first entered India in 1979 by setting up a backhoe loader manufacturing operation in Ballabgarh, which following a substantial investment by JCB in recent years, 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 and tracked excavators, wheeled loading shovels and compaction equipment. JCB is using this extensive manufacturing footprint in India to export to Eastern Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia. JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, who also celebrates his 67th birthday, spoke about the company’s decision to purchase the site in Jaipur. He said: “I’m delighted that JCB is celebrating its birthday by planning for the future. 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 our 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. Speaking at the formal signing of the land purchase agreement, JCB India Managing Director Vipin Sondhi noted, “This is a new chapter in the JCB India growth story. After a decade of continued investment by the JCB Group in Ballabhgarh and Pune, I’m thrilled that 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.”